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Introduction The incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head is estimated at about 10 to 20,000 patients annually, and, when left untreated, 80% or more of cases progress to femoral head collapse. A series of joint-preserving procedures have been developed to prevent/delay the need for hip arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to provide a five-year update: (1) evaluating temporal trends of arthroplasty vs. joint-preservation techniques such as core decompression, bone grafting, osteotomies, and arthroscopy; (2) determining proportions of procedures in patients aged less than vs. over 50 years; and (3) quantifying rates of specific operative techniques. Methods A total of 10,334 patients diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the femoral head and having received hip surgery were identified from a nationwide database between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019, by using the International Classification of Disease, the Ninth/Tenth revision (ICD-9/10) codes. The percentage of patients managed by each operative procedure was calculated annually. To identify trends, patients were grouped by age under/over 50 years and divided into a joint-preserving and a non-joint-preserving (arthroplasty) group. Chi-squared tests were performed to compare the total number of procedures per year. Results Rates of arthroplasty far exceeded those for joint-preserving procedures. However, from 2015 to 2019, significantly more joint-preserving procedures were performed than in 2010 to 2014 (4.3% vs. 3.0%, P vs. 1.86%, P Conclusion Management of patients who have osteonecrosis of the femoral head continues to be predominantly arthroplasty procedures, specifically, total hip arthroplasty. Our findings suggest a small, but significant trend toward increased joint-preserving procedures, especially in patients under 50 years. In particular, the proportion of patients receiving core decompression has increased significantly from 2015 to 2019 relative to prior years.

Skin closure for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) typically focuses on promoting optimal healing, while preventing wound complications and infection, allowing for functionality and immediate ambulation, and providing for excellent cosmesis. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature, we will focus on closure of the skin. Specifically, we assessed: (1) wound complication risk of different techniques and (2) closing time of different sutures/techniques. There were 20 reports on infection risk and closing time. Meta-analyses focused on the qualifying studies for closing time and wound complication risk reports were also performed. These studies (378 patients) demonstrated overall lower wound complication risks with the use of barbed compared with traditional sutures (3% vs. 6%, p

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most prevalent and devastating complications following lower extremity total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Strategies to reduce the rates can be divided into preoperative, perioperatives, and postoperative measures. A multicenter trial is underway to evaluate the efficacy of implementing a bundled care program for SSI prevention in lower extremity TJA including: (1) nasal decolonization; (2) surgical skin antisepsis; (3) antimicrobial incise draping; (4) temperature management; and (5) negative-pressure wound therapy for selected high-risk patients. The purposes of this systematic review were to provide a background and then to summarize the available evidence pertaining to each of these SSI-reduction strategies with special emphasis on total knee arthroplasty. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines. Five individual literature searches were performed to identify studies evaluating nasal decolonization temperature management, surgical skin antisepsis, antimicrobial incise draping, and negative-pressure wound therapy. The highest level of evidence reports was used in each product review, and if there were insufficient arthroplasty papers on the particular topic, then papers were further culled from the surgical specialties to form the basis for the review. There was sufficient literature to assess all of the various prophylactic and preventative techniques. All five products used in the bundled program were supported for use as prophylactic agents or for the direct reduction of SSIs in both level I and II studies. This systematic review showed that various pre-, intra-, and postoperative strategies are efficacious in decreasing the risks of SSIs following lower extremity TJA procedures. Thus, including them in the armamentarium for SSI-reduction strategies for hip and knee arthroplasty surgeons should decrease the incidence of infections. We expect that the combined use of these products in an upcoming study will support these findings and may further enhance the reduction of total knee arthroplasty SSIs in a synergistic manner.

Computed tomography (CT) scan–based three-dimensional (3D) modeling operative technology has been shown to improve upon results of manual total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Although there are many reports on superior precision of this CT-based technology, there has been continuing interest regarding extended clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare their clinical outcomes with manual TKAs at approximately 3-year follow-up. Specifically, we analyzed: (1) survivorship, (2) functional outcomes, (3) complications, and (4) radiographic outcomes (i.e., alignment, progressive radiolucencies). A total of 210 patients receiving CT-based TKAs performed by a single surgeon at a single center between July 1, 2016, and February 16, 2018, were compared with 210 manual TKAs completed by the same surgeon immediately preceding implementation of the CT-based technology. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) surveys were collected at ∼3 years postoperatively. Subgroup analyses of pain and physical function scores were performed. Follow-up radiographs were evaluated for alignment, loosening, and/or progressive radiolucencies. There was 100% survivorship at final follow-up. The postoperative mean pain scores for the CT-based cohort and manual cohort were 1 ± 2 (range, 0–14) and 2 ± 3 (range, 0–17), respectively (p

Given the current healthcare economic environment, substantial efforts have been made to help streamline the in-hospital care for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. While potential cost-reducing factors have been identified in the literature, analyses specifically considering post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) lengths of stay (LOS) are lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with (1) longer PACU LOS as well as (2) longer Hospital LOS. Prospectively collected TKA data from seven participating hospitals within a large health system were evaluated for patient demographics, body mass indices, Charlson Comorbidity Indices (CCI), surgeon volumes/training, admission types, anesthesia types, PACU LOS, and overall hospital LOS. Complete data was available for 1,690 patients (1,082 females, mean age: 67 years). Univariate and multivariate analytical models were constructed to identify which factors were predictive of longer PACU and overall hospital LOS. Same-day admissions, higher volume surgeons (≥ 100 cases per year), fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons, and longer operative times were associated with longer PACU LOS (p 0.05). These data identify associative factors for PACU LOS, as well as the influence of time spent in the PACU on overall hospital LOS. Interestingly, this analysis revealed that patients of arthroplasty fellowship-trained and higher-volume surgeons had longer PACU LOS; however, this could be explained by the observation that these particular surgeons tend to perform more complex deformity cases. Also of importance, increased PACU LOS, meaning the patient spent more time in a high-monitored setting immediately after surgery, did not necessarily confer a longer overall hospital LOS. Based on these data, it may be more beneficial to identify alternate sources than time spent in the operating room or PACU to potentially help reduce overall hospital LOS. Level of Evidence II, prospective cohort

Many studies involving robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) have demonstrated superiority regarding soft tissue balance and consistency with alignment target achievement. However, studies investigating whether RATKA is associated with improved patient outcomes regarding physical function and pain are also important. Therefore, we performed a cluster analysis and examined factors that contributed to differences in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Specifically, we analyzed: (1) reduced WOMAC (rWOMAC) scores regarding pain and function; (2) usage of RATKA; (3) common patient comorbidities; as well as (4) patient demographic factors. The rWOMAC score is an abbreviated PROM that includes pain and physical function domains. This study analyzed 853 patients (95 conventional and 758 robotic-assisted) who had completed preoperative, 6-month, and 1-year postoperative rWOMAC surveys. Two clusters were constructed using rWOMAC pain and function scores at 1 year. Cluster 1 included 753 patients who had better outcomes at 1 year (mean rWOMAC pain = 0.9, mean rWOMAC function = 1.4), and cluster 2 included 100 patients who had worse outcomes at 1 year (mean rWOMAC pain = 7.7, mean rWOMAC function = 10.4). The clusters were compared to determine (1) how scores improved and (2) what patient characteristics were significantly different between clusters. Cluster 1 demonstrated greater improvement from preoperative to 6 months or 1 year (p = 0.0013 for pain preoperative to 6 months, p< 0.0001 for other measures) and 6 months to 1 year (p< 0.0001). Comparisons demonstrated that cluster 1 had older patients (67 vs. 65 years, p = 0.0479) who had lower body mass index or BMIs (31.8 vs. 33.9 kg/m2, p = 0.0042) and no significant differences in sex (p = 0.7849). Cluster 1 also had a significantly higher percentage of RATKA patients (90 vs. 79%, p< 0.001). Cluster analyses provided differentiating factors which were associated with improved postoperative rWOMAC pain and function scores at 1 year. Patients undergoing robotic-assisted TKA were associated with better rWOMAC pain and function scores from preoperative to 6 months and 1 year.

Dressings for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) typically focus on promoting optimal healing, while preventing infection, allowing for functionality and immediate ambulation, while providing for excellent cosmesis. We have previously described four aspects of closure after TKA involving the: (1) deep fascial layer; (2) subdermal layer; (3) intradermal layer, including the subcuticular region; and (4) a specific aseptic dressing. In this meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature, we will focus on the dressing. Specifically, we assessed: (1) infection risk of different techniques; (2) re-operation or readmission risk; and (3) length of time until dressing change needed. There were 16 reports on infection risk, re-operation risk, and length of time until change needed. A meta-analysis focused on the qualifying wound complication risk reports was also performed. The meta-analysis including four studies (732 patients) demonstrated overall lower wound complication risk with the use of adhesives and mesh dressings (odds ratio 0.67) versus traditional closures. Additionally, studies demonstrated fewer re-operations and readmissions with the use of adhesives and mesh dressings. Furthermore, one report demonstrated mesh dressings persist longer than silver dressings. Therefore, multiple recent reports suggest superior outcomes when using adhesive and mesh dressings for TKAs.

Poor metaphyseal fixation secondary to bone loss in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continues to be challenging. One technique to increase implant stability is the use of novel three-dimensional (3D) printed titanium metaphyseal cones with adjunctive stems for added fixation. However, the survival of these novel constructs is poorly understood. Therefore, we sought to examine 3D-printed titanium metaphyseal cone components in revision TKA for aseptic as well as septic reasons and aimed to evaluate: (1) revision-free survivorships; (2) patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs); (3) postoperative medical complications; and (4) radiographic outcomes. A consecutive series of 62 patients who underwent revision TKA with use of a titanium metaphyseal cone at a single institution between September 1, 2015 and May 31, 2021 were examined. The patients had a minimum follow-up period of 2 years (mean, 40 months, range, 24–72 months). PROMS included Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement (KOOS-JR) scores at baseline and last clinical follow-up. Overall, when excluding infections, the combined implant survivorship was 96% (52 out of 54), while it was 95% (35 out of 57) for aseptic revisions and 100% (17 out of 17) for septic revisions. Reasons for revisions within the aseptic revision cohort included loosening (5%) as well as periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) (7.5%). All failures following an index septic revision were due to PJI. Mean KOOS scores at baseline as well as at final follow-up was 43 points (range, 16–80) and 70 points (range, 34–100), respectively. None of the patients had medical complications. Other than the loosening reported (only femoral component), of the surviving patients no patients had evidence of progressive radiolucencies. The use of titanium cones in revision TKA provides good revision-free survivorship at 2 years. Further research is warranted on the longer-term survivorship of 3D-printed titanium cones. The current study has found that 3D-printed titanium cones can be incorporated as part of the revision knee surgeon's armamentarium.

Introduction Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)are regarded as highest level of scientific evidence. There is belief that while prospective randomized control trials (PRCTs) are the gold standard for evaluating efficacy of interventions, there are very few conducted on lower extremity joint arthroplasty. However, there was a more than adequate amount (n=197) of published RCTs in knee arthroplasty during the 2021 calendar year. Therefore, we studied RCTs on knee arthroplasties for 2021 and assessed them for overall study topic reasons (i.e., devices as well as prostheses, rehabilitation, pain control, blood loss [tranexamic acid], and other), which were then subcategorized by: (1) country of origin; (2) sample size; and (3)whether or not they were follow-up studies. After this, we specifically focused on the studies (n=26) concerning devices or prostheses. Methods A search of PubMed on “knee arthroplasty” specifying “RCT” using their search function and dates between January 1, 2021 to December 24, 2021 resulted in the analyzed reports. A total of 17.3% reports analyzed rehabilitation methods while 28.4% studied pain control. A total of 20.3% examined blood loss topics and 20.8% investigated other topics. Results We found that 26 studies (13.2%) involved prosthetic design and implantation. Overall, only 15% knee arthroplasty RCTs were conducted in the United States, the mean total final sample size was 133±146 patients, and 7% were follow-up studies. None of the prostheses studies were performed in the United States, and the mean total final sample size of all of these studies was 86±54 patients, and 23% were follow-up studies. Total knee arthroplasty prospective RCTs were not performed in the United States. Conclusion The authors believe that other study designs, such as database or registry analyses, are also appropriate in this rapidly advancing field of joint arthroplasty for the continuing evaluation and approval of new prostheses and techniques, while we await more PRCTs in our field.

As evidence signifies that short-stay total knee arthroplasties (TKA) can be safe options, it is important to identify factors that contribute to early discharge. There is evidence that robotic-assisted TKAs may lead to shorter lengths of postoperative stays. However, this has not been evaluated as the primary outcome of interest in a large-scale population. The purpose of this study was to compare manual and robotic-assisted TKAs with regard to: (1) length of stay (LOS) and (2) discharge dispositions. TKAs performed between January 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019, were identified. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 10,296 patients were included: 5,993 in the manual and 4,303 in the robotic-assisted group. Length of stay, discharge dispositions, and Charlson comorbidity indices (CCIs) were recorded for all patients. The mean LOS was significantly lower in robotic-assisted (1.68 ± 0.86 days) compared with manual (1.86 ± 0.94 days) TKA procedures (p

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) changes in: (1) pain, function and global health; and (2) predictors of PROMs in patients undergoing aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) using a multilevel model with patients nested within surgeon. Methods: A prospective cohort of 216 patients with baseline and 1-year PROMs who underwent aseptic rTHA between January 2016 and December 2017 were analysed. The most common indication for rTHA was aseptic loosening, instability, and implant failure. The PROMs included in this study were HOOS Pain and HOOS Physical Function Short-form (PS), Veterans RAND-12 Physical Component Score (VR-12 PCS), and VR-12 Mental Component Score (MCS). Multivariable linear regression models were constructed for predicting 1-year PROMs. Results: Mean 1-year PROMs improvement for aseptic revisions were 30.4 points for HOOS Pain and 22.1 points for HOOS PS. Predictors of better pain relief were patients with higher baseline pain scores. Predictors of better 1-year function were patients with higher baseline function and patients with a posterolateral hip surgical approach during revision. Although VR-12 PCS scores had an overall improvement, nearly 50% of patients saw no improvement or had worse physical component scores. Only 30.7% of patients reported improvements in VR-12 MCS. Conclusions: Overall, patients undergoing aseptic rTHA improved in pain and function PROMs at 1 year. Although global health assessment improved overall, nearly half of aseptic rTHA patients reported no change in physical/mental health status. The associations highlighted in this study can help guide the shared decision-making process by setting expectations before aseptic revision THA.

With an expected increase in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures, revision TKA (rTKA) procedures continue to be a burden on the United States health care system. The evolution of surgical techniques and prosthetic designs has, however, provided a paradigm shift in the etiology of failure mechanisms of TKA. This review can shed light on the current reasons for revision, which may lead to insights on how to improve outcomes and lower future revision risks. We will primarily focus on the epidemiology of rTKA in the present time, but we will also review this in the context of various time periods to see how the field has evolved. We will review rTKAs: 1) prior to 1997; 2) between 1997 and 2000; 3) between 2000 and 2012; and 3) in the modern era since 2012. We will further subdivide each of the sections into reasons for early (first 2 years after index procedure) versus late revisions (greater than 2 years after index procedure). In doing so, it was determined that prior to 1997, the most prevalent causes of failure were infection, patella failure, polyethylene wear, and aseptic loosening. After a major shift of failure mechanisms was described by Sharkey et al, polyethylene wear and aseptic loosening became the leading causes for revision. However, with the improved manufacturing technology and implant design, polyethylene wear was replaced with aseptic loosening and infection as the leading causes of failure between 2000 and 2012. Since that time, in the modern era of TKA, mechanical loosening and infection have taken over the most prevalent causes for failure. Hopefully, with continued developments in component design and surgical techniques, as well as increased focus on infection reduction methods, the amount of rTKA procedures will decline.

Intra-articular injections prior to total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been associated with postoperative infections. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a temporal relationship exists between hip injections prior to THA and infection. Specifically, we asked (1) Do patients who receive hip injections within 3 months of THA have a higher incidence of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) or surgical site infections (SSIs)? and (2) Do these patients incur higher 90-day costs? Patients with hip injections prior to THA were identified using a national database from 2010 to 2019. Three laterality-specific groups (injection 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, and 6 to 12 months prior to THA)were compared with a matched cohort without prior injection (n=277,841). Primary outcomes included PJIs, SSIs, and costs. Patients who had injections within 3 months of THA had a higher incidence of PJIs at 90 days (5.1% vs 1.6%, P P P P P P ≥.46). Patients who receive hip injections within 3 months of undergoing primary THA are at increased risk for postoperative PJIs, SSIs, and higher costs. This study reaffirms guidelines for when to perform THAs in these populations. [ Orthopedics . 2023;46(1):19–26.]

Technological innovation is the key for surgical progress in knee arthroplasty and improvement in patient outcomes. Exploring patented technologies can help elucidate trends and growth for numerous innovative technologies. However, patent databases, which contain millions of patents, remain underused in arthroplasty research. Therefore, the present study aimed to: (1) quantify patent activity; (2) group patents related to similar technologies into well-defined clusters; and (3) compare growth between technologies in the field of knee arthroplasty over a 30-year period. An open-source international patent database was queried from January 1990 to January 2020 for all patents related to knee arthroplasty A search strategy identified 70,154 patents, of which 24,425 were unique and included analysis. Patents were grouped into 14 independent technology clusters using Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) codes. Patent activity was normalized via a validated formula adjusting for exponential growth. Compound annual growth rates (CAGR) were calculated (5-year, 10-year, and 30-year CAGR) and compared for each cluster. Overall yearly patent activity increased by 2,023%, from 104 patents in 1990 to 2,208 patents in 2020. The largest technology clusters were “drugs” (n = 5,347; 23.8%), “components” (n = 4,343; 19.0%), “instruments” (n = 3,130; 13.7%), and “materials” (n = 2,378; 10.4%). The fastest growing technologies with their 5-year CAGR were: “user interfaces for surgical systems” (58.1%); “robotics” (28.6%); “modularity” (21.1%); “navigation” (15.7%); and “computer modeling” (12.5%). Since 1990, overall patent growth rate has been greatest for “computer modeling” (8.4%), “robotics” (8.0%), “navigation” (7.9%), and “patient-specific instrumentation” (6.4%). Most patents in knee arthroplasty for the last 30 years have focused on drugs, components, instruments, and materials. Recent exponential growth was mainly observed for user interfaces for surgical systems, robotics, modularity, navigation, and computer-assisted technologies. Innovation theory would suggest that these rapidly growing technologies are experiencing high innovation output, increased resource investments, growing adoption by providers, and significant clinical impact. Periodic monitoring of technological innovation via patent databases can be useful to establish trends and future directions in the field of knee arthroplasty.

Introduction: Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be challenging in the face of proximal femoral bone loss, catastrophic implant failure, or recurrent hip instability. Tapered modular femoral stems have shown substantial success at short follow up for aseptic revisions. The purpose of this study was to report mid-term revision THA outcomes of a tapered modular femoral stem at a tertiary referral center used to treat both aseptic as well as periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). We specifically sought to assess: (1) revision-free implant survivorship; (2) patient-reported outcome measurements (i.e., Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement [HOOS JR]); (3) postoperative surgical complications and 30-day readmissions; as well as (4) radiographic outcomes. Materials and Methods: We reviewed a consecutive series of 92 patients who underwent revision THA between 2009 and 2013 with a tapered modular femoral stem. After accounting for mortality (n=7) and loss to follow up (n=13), a total of 72 implants in 66 patients who had eight years of mean follow up (range, 2 to 11) were included. PJI (46%) was the predominant preoperative indication for revision THA, followed by aseptic loosening (25%), periprosthetic fracture (18%), and symptomatic hardware (10%). Outcomes of interest included all-cause revision-free survivorship, postoperative complications, and HOOS JR, as well as SF-12 scores. Radiographically, they were evaluated for subsidence, radiolucencies, and loosening. Results: Aseptic revision-free survivorship of the femoral component was 95.8% (69 out of 72). Including septic cases, revision-free survivorship was 87.5% (63 cases), and 60 implants (83.3%) had an all-cause revision-free survivorship. For those patients who underwent septic revisions, eight out of nine remained infection free, while one underwent a resection arthroplasty. Furthermore, the cause for femoral aseptic revisions were subsidence (1.4%) and aseptic loosening (2.8%). Functional score improvements for HOOS JR, SF-12 PCS, as well as MCS were 29, 13, and 2, respectively (all p

While there is enthusiasm for wearables and smartphone technologies in evaluating clinical outcomes among clinicians, less is known about the willingness of patients who have osteoarthritis (OA) to consent for remote outcome monitoring. We developed an Institutional Review Board-approved questionnaire to assess patient perceptions of remote monitoring technologies in a high-volume orthopaedic clinical center. Fifty total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients (56% female; mean age: 61 years, range: 23–89) and fifty nonoperative OA knee patients (54% female; mean age: 58 years, range: 25–89) routinely consulted in the clinic as part of their OA treatment and consented to participate in the study. Patient perceptions were compared using Pearson's chi-square analyses with a significance threshold of p

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) aims to restore function and reduce pain for patients suffering from hip pathologies. However, some procedures require revision THA, with the most common reasons including: mechanical failure, aseptic loosening, infection, and component malposition leading to dislocations. Computed tomography (CT) scan-based, three-dimensional imaging operating techniques can help address some of these issues by helping to provide more optimal implant positioning, which can potentially confer improved outcomes. To date, only a few studies have evaluated the utilization of CT scan-based robotic-arm assisted THA in total hip arthroplasty, and those that do are not necessarily of the high-methodological quality. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to select the most recent and good- to high-quality studies focusing on robotic-assisted THA, to help provide a more comprehensive representation of postoperative outcomes. Specifically, we evaluated each study independently as well as performed a cumulative assessment of this most recent high-quality data. Materials and Methods: An extensive, cross-platform search of total hip arthroplasty on August 1, 2022 was performed. Studies were included only if they addressed robotic-assisted THA in comparison to manual techniques. Additional inclusion criteria consisted of studies scoring excellent (100 to 85 points) or good (84 to 70 points) based on their Coleman methodology score. Studies were evaluated as individual pieces of work, as well as a cumulative assessment. Specific outcomes evaluated were: component placement in safe zones, leg- length discrepancies, dislocation rates, clinical outcomes, patient clinical scores, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS), lengths of stay, and costs. Results: Overall, 24 studies were included for analyses. CT scan-based robotic-arm assisted THA had some potential key advantages as compared to manual techniques. Specifically, robotic-assisted THA was associated with more accurate component placement in safe zones, fewer chances of leg-length discrepancies, and lower risks of dislocation. Patient satisfaction and reported outcome measures were superior for CT scan-based robotic-arm assisted THA. Costs were also lower. Overall, 23 of 24 studies were positive for this technology, with one study of cases done between 2010 and 2014 more neutral. The robot led to positive findings for component placement in safe zones, leg-length discrepancies, dislocation rates, clinical outcomes, PROMS, lengths of stay, and costs. Conclusion: The current literature suggests potential advantages for CT scan-based robotic-arm assisted THA compared to manual THA. Surgeons should consider CT scan-based robotic-arm assisted THA for their patients given the multiple added benefits of improved clinical scores and PROMS, less dislocations (with a few exceptions reported), more component placements in safe zones, less leg-length discrepancies, decreased lengths of stay, and decreased episode-of-care costs.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of core decompression for treating osteonecrosis of the ankle, including the distal tibia and talus, compared to nonoperative management. A systematic review was performed to specifically evaluate: (1) clinical results (patient-reported pain as well as functional scores, physician clinical reported assessment); (2) radiographic outcomes (i.e., radiographic progression of collapse); and (3) need for further procedures. Materials and Methods: A search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library found eight reports that fit the inclusion criteria for core decompression or nonoperative management of osteonecrosis of the ankle. Four studies totaling 194 ankles diagnosed with osteonecrosis that underwent core decompression were analyzed. An additional four papers examined 64 ankles diagnosed with osteonecrosis that underwent nonoperative management. Level of evidence of the studies ranged from II to IV. Outcomes of core decompression and nonoperative management analyzed clinical scores such as the American Foot and Ankle Severity Score (AOFASS) and Mazur ankle grading system. Radiographic progression was studied with Ficat and Arlet as well as Hawkins scores. Results: Overall, there was an improvement in clinical scores and decreased radiographic progression in ankles treated with core decompression. AOFASS scores rose from 41.5 + 0.7 to 89 + 0.7, while the mean Mazur score increased from 34.5 + 0.7 preoperatively to 91.5 + 0.7 postoperatively. After core decompression, only 21% (40 out of 194 ankles) progressed radiographically to Ficat and Arlet stage III or IV postoperatively. Furthermore, core decompression showed less requirement for further surgical management compared to nonoperative management. Conclusions: Osteonecrosis of the ankle is not as commonly encountered in practice compared to other joints, such as the hips and knees. The results of this study suggest that core decompression is a successful option for treating osteonecrosis of the ankle.

The aim of this study was to track the annual rates and trends of overall, deep, and superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) following total knee arthroplasty using the most recent results from a large and nationwide database. A total of 197,192 cases were performed between 2012 and 2016 from a nationwide database stratified into years and based on superficial and/or deep SSIs. Cohorts were analyzed individually and then combined to evaluate overall SSI rates. The infection incidence for each year was calculated. After a 6-year correlation and trends analysis, univariate analyses were performed to compare the most recent year, 2016, with each of the preceding 4 years. Overall, there was a downward trend in overall SSI rates over the study period (2012–2016, with the lowest rate occurring in the most recent year, 2016 [0.11%]). Additionally, there was a decreasing trend for superficial SSI, with the lowest superficial SSI incidence occurring in 2016 (0.47%) and the greatest incidence occurring in 2012 (0.53%). An overall trend of decreasing SSI rates was observed nationwide over the 5-year period evaluated. A similar decreasing trend was also noted specifically for deep SSI rates, which can be potentially more complicated to manage, and result in decreased implant survivorship. The down trending SSI rates observed give potential credence to the value for newer and developing SSI preventative therapies as well as improved medical and surgical patient management. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement, and continued efforts are needed to further lower SSIs after total knee arthroplasty.

Two common diagnoses for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) are osteoarthritis (OA) and osteonecrosis (ON), pathologically different diseases that affect postoperative complication rates. The underlying pathology of ON may predispose patients to a higher rate of certain complications. Previous research has linked ON with higher mortality and revisions, but a comparison of costs and complication rates may help elucidate further risks. This study reports 90-day costs, lengths of stay (LOS), readmission rates, and complication rates between patients undergoing THA for OA and ON.The Nationwide Readmissions Database was retrospectively reviewed for primary THAs, with 90-day readmissions assessed from the index procedure. Patients diagnosed with OA (n = 1,577,991) and ON (n = 55,034) were identified. Costs, LOS, and any readmission within 90 days for complications were recorded and analyzed with the chi-square and t-tests.Patients with ON had higher 90-day costs ($20,110.80 vs. 22,462.79, P.01) and longer average LOS (3.48 vs. 4.49 days, P.01). Readmission rates within 90 days of index THA were significantly higher among patients with ON (7.7% vs. 13.1%, P.01). Patients with OA had a lower incidence of 90-day overall complications (4.1 vs. 6.4%, P.01).Patients undergoing THA for ON incur higher readmission-related costs and complication rates. Understanding the predisposing factors for increased complications in ON may improve patient outcomes.

Background Surgical site infections (SSI) are relatively uncommon, but can be debilitating complications following shoulder arthroplasty. Infections can result in further complications including sepsis and revision surgery. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all total and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty cases (Current Procedural Terminology code 23472) between 2012 and 2015 yielding 8438 total cases. The outcome of interest was 30-day SSI incidence, defined as a superficial and/or deep wound infection. The infection incidence for each year was calculated. Results The total number of primary shoulder arthroplasties increased from 2012 to 2015 (1191 to 3227; 271% increase). Over the 4-year study period, the incidence of SSIs following TSA was 0.40%. A downward trend in SSI rates was observed over time. An inverse relationship between SSI rates and year of surgery (R2−0.17) was observed; however, this was not statistically significant (P> .05). Infection rates in 2015 decreased by 48% when compared to 2012 (0.31 vs. 0.50%, P> .05). A larger decrease in SSI rate (76%) was noted between 2015 and 2013 (0.31 vs. 0.69%, P> .05). Conclusion SSI rates following shoulder arthroplasty declined from 2012 to 2015 by 48%. There was an inverse relationship between SSI rate and year of surgery, with the lowest infection rate found to be in the most recent year studied. It is hoped that continued measures will further promulgate these downward trends of these devastating complications. Level of Evidence Level IV; Retrospective Case Series

The purpose of this study was to compare (1) operative time, (2) in-hospital pain scores, (3) opioid medication use, (4) length of stay (LOS), (5) discharge disposition at 90-day postoperative, (6) range of motion (ROM), (7) number of physical therapy (PT) visits, (8) emergency department (ED) visits, (9) readmissions, (10) reoperations, (11) complications, and (12) 1-year patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in propensity matched patient cohorts who underwent robotic arm-assisted (RA) versus manual total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Using a prospectively collected institutional database, patients who underwent RA- and manual TKA were the nearest neighbor propensity score matched 3:1 (255 manual TKA:85 RA-TKA), accounting for various preoperative characteristics. Data were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal–Wallis, Pearson's Chi-squared, and Fisher's exact tests, when appropriate. Postoperative pain scores, opioid use, ED visits, readmissions, and 1-year PROMs were similar between the cohorts. Manual TKA patients achieved higher maximum flexion ROM (120.3 ± 9.9 versus 117.8 ± 10.2, p = 0.043) with no statistical differences in other ROM parameters. Manual TKA had shorter operative time (105 vs.113 minutes, p

Aims Social determinants of health (SDOHs) may contribute to the total cost of care (TCOC) for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between demographic data, health status, and SDOHs on 30-day length of stay (LOS) and TCOC after this procedure. Methods Patients who underwent TKA between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019 were identified. A total of 234 patients with complete SDOH data were included. Data were drawn from the Chesapeake Regional Information System, the Centers for Disease Control social vulnerability index (SVI), the US Department of Agriculture, and institutional electronic medical records. The SVI identifies areas vulnerable to catastrophic events with four themed scores: socioeconomic status; household composition and disability; minority status and language; and housing and transportation. Food deserts were defined as neighbourhoods located one or ten miles from a grocery store in urban and rural areas, respectively. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine associations with LOS and costs after controlling for various demographic parameters. Results Divorced status was significantly associated with an increased LOS (p = 0.043). Comorbidities significantly associated with an increased LOS included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma and congestive heart failure (p = 0.043 and p = 0.001, respectively). Communities with a higher density of tobacco stores were significantly associated with an increased LOS (p = 0.017). Comorbidities significantly associated with an increased TCOC included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.004), dementia (p = 0.048), and heart failure (p = 0.007). Increased TCOCs were significantly associated with patients who lived in food deserts (p = 0.001) and in areas with an increased density of tobacco stores (p = 0.023). Conclusion Divorced marital status was significantly associated with an increased LOS following TKA. Living in food deserts and in communities with more tobacco stores were significant risk factors for increased LOS and TCOC. Food access and ease of acquiring tobacco may both prove to be prognostic of outcome after TKA and an opportunity for intervention. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):113–118.

AimsAlternative alignment concepts, including kinematic and restricted kinematic, have been introduced to help improve clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results, along with patient satisfaction, following TKA using the concept of restricted kinematic alignment.MethodsA total of 121 consecutive TKAs performed between 11 February 2018 to 11 June 2019 with preoperative varus deformity were reviewed at minimum one-year follow-up. Three knees were excluded due to severe preoperative varus deformity greater than 15°, and a further three due to requiring revision surgery, leaving 109 patients and 115 knees to undergo primary TKA using the concept of restricted kinematic alignment with advanced technology. Patients were stratified into three groups based on the preoperative limb varus deformity: Group A with 1° to 5° varus (43 knees); Group B between 6° and 10° varus (56 knees); and Group C with varus greater than 10° (16 knees). This study group was compared with a matched cohort of 115 TKAs and 115 patients using a neutral mechanical alignment target with manual instruments performed from 24 October 2016 to 14 January 2019.ResultsMean overall patient satisfaction for the entire cohort was 4.7 (SE 0.1) on a 5-point Likert scale, with 93% being either very satisfied or satisfied compared with a Likert of 4.3 and patient satisfaction of 81% in the mechanical alignment group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.006 respectively). At mean follow-up of 17 months (11 to 27), the mean overall Likert, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Forgotten Joint Score, and Knee Society Knee and Function Scores were significantly better in the kinematic group than in the neutral mechanical alignment group. The most common complication in both groups was contracture requiring manipulation under anaesthesia, involving seven knees (6.1%) in the kinematic group and nine knees (7.8%) in the mechanical alignment group.ConclusionWith the advent of advanced technology, and the ability to obtain accurate bone cuts, the target limb alignment, and soft-tissue balance within millimetres, using a restricted kinematic alignment concept demonstrated excellent patient satisfaction following primary TKA. Longer-term analysis is required as to the durability of this method. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):59–66.

The impact of gender on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) postoperative complications, readmission rates, and costs of care has not been often evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate which sex had higher rates of: (1) medical complications; (2) implant complications; (3) lengths of stay (LOSs); (4) readmission rates; and (5) costs after TKA. A query was performed using an administrative claims database from January 1, 2005, to March 31, 2015. Patients who had TKAs were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Males and females were filtered separately and matched according to age and various medical comorbidities leading to 1,590,626 patients equally distributed. Primary outcomes analyzed included 90-day medical complications, LOSs, 90-day readmission rates, in addition to day of surgery and total global 90-day episode of care costs. Pearson's chi-square analyses were used to compare medical complications and readmission rates. Welch's t-tests were used to test for significance in matching outcomes and costs. A p-value of less than 0.01 was considered statistically significant. Males had a smaller risk of complications than women (1.35 vs. 1.40%, p

Background: The direct anterior approach (DAA) used for primary total hip arthroplasty has been shown to improve early postoperative outcomes, but prior studies have identified a marked learning curve for surgeons transitioning to this approach. However, these studies do not capture surgeons with postgraduate fellowship training in DAA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve by comparing perioperative outcomes for the first 100 to latter 100 cases and first 50 to final 50 cases. Methods: The first 200 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon were prospectively followed up for up to 2 years postoperatively. Data on demographic and perioperative factors, 90-day readmissions, and short- and long-term complications were collected. Radiographic outcomes included acetabular cup anteversion and abduction measurements. Logistic regressions were used to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals for surgical time greater than 2 hours. Results: The first 100 and second 100 cases had significant differences in operative times (118.1 vs 110.4 minutes, P = .009), acetabular abduction (38.3 vs 35.5 degrees, P = .001) and anteversion (13.5 vs 15.1 degrees, P = .009), and incidence of neuropraxia (41 vs 9%, P < .001). Estimated blood loss, transfusions, discharge disposition, length of stay, readmission, and other complications had no statistical significance between the first and second 100 cases. The first 50 cases had higher odds of surgical time greater than 2 hours (odds ratio = 5.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.84-14.75, P = .002) than the final 50 cases. Conclusions: When compared with the existing literature, incorporation of DAA into fellowship training can lead to reduction in fractures and reoperation rates.

In this observational, retrospective study, we performed economic analyses between robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) and manual total knee arthroplasty (MTKA). Specifically, we compared: (1) index costs including computed tomography (CT) scans; (2) 90-day postoperative health care utilization, (3) 90-day episode-of-care (EOC) costs, and (4) lengths of stay between CT scan-based robotically-assisted versus MTKAs. A large national database, Blue Health Intelligence (BHI), was used for RATKAs and MTKAs performed between April 1, 2017 and September 30, 2019. Based on strict inclusion–exclusion criteria, with propensity score matching, 4,135 RATKAs and 4,135 MTKAs were identified and analyzed. Index costs to the payer for RATKA patients were found to be less than those for MTKA patients ($29,984 vs. $31,280, p

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is increasing in the elderly population; however, some patients, family members, and surgeons raise age-related concerns over expected improvement and risks. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the relationship between age and change in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs); (2) model how many patients would be denied improvements in PROMs if hypothetical age cutoffs were implemented; and (3) assess length of stay (LOS), readmission, reoperation, and mortality per age group. A prospective cohort of 4,396 primary TKAs (August 2015–August 2018) was analyzed. One-year PROMs were evaluated via Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)-pain, -physical function short form (-PS), and -quality of life (-QOL), as well as Veterans Rand-12 (VR-12) physical (-PCS) and mental component (-MCS) scores. Positive predictive values (PPVs) of the number of postoperative “failures” (i.e., unattained minimal clinically important difference in PROMs) relative to number of hypothetically denied “successes” from a theoretical age-group restriction was estimated. KOOS-PS and QOL median score improvements were equivalent among all age groups (p = 0.946 and p = 0.467, respectively). KOOS-pain improvement was equivalent for ≥80 and 60–69-year groups (44.4 [27.8–55.6]). Median VR-12 PCS improvements diminished as age increased (15.9, 14.8, and 13.4 for the 60–69, 70–79, and ≥80 groups, respectively; p = 0.002) while improvement in VR-12 MCS was similar among age groups (p = 0.440). PPV for failure was highest in the ≥80 group, yet remained 2, non-home discharge, and 90-day readmission were highest in the ≥80 group (8.11% [n = 24], p

This study compared surgeon cervical (C) spine postures and repetitive motions when performing traditional manual total knee arthroplasty (MTKA) versus robotic-assisted TKA (RATKA). Surgeons wore motion trackers on T3 vertebra and the occiput anatomical landmarks to obtain postural and repetitive motion data during MTKA and RATKA performed on cadavers. We assessed (1) flexion–extension at T3 and the occiput anatomical landmarks, (2) range of motion (ROM) as the percentage of time in the flexion–extension angle, (3) repetition rate, defined as the number of the times T3 and the occiput flexion-extension angle exceeded ±10°; and (4) static posture, where T3 or occiput postures exceed 10° for more than 30 seconds. The average T3 flexion–extension angle for MTKA cases was 5-degree larger than for RATKA cases (19 ± 8 vs. 14 ± 8 degrees). The surgeons who performed MTKA cases spent 15% more time in nonneutral C-spine ROM than those who performed RATKA cases (78 ± 25 vs. 63 ± 36%, p

Haptic robotic-arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) seeks to leverage three-dimensional planning, intraoperative assessment of ligament laxity, and guided bone preparation to establish and achieve patient-specific targets for implant position. We sought to compare (1) operative details, (2) knee alignment, (3) recovery of knee function, and (4) complications during adoption of this technique to our experience with manual TKA. We compared 120 RATKAs performed between December 2016 and July 2018 to 120 consecutive manual TKAs performed between May 2015 and January 2017. Operative details, lengths of stay (LOS), and discharge dispositions were collected. Tibiofemoral angles, Knee Society Scores (KSS), and ranges of motion were assessed until 3 months postoperatively. Manipulations under anesthesia, complications, and reoperations were tabulated. Mean operative times were 22 minutes longer in RATKA (p

Because value in healthcare has shifted to a measurement of quality relative to the cost, a greater emphasis exists on improving clinical and functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. Despite advances in implant design, surgical technique, and postoperative rehabilitation, multiple studies demonstrate that nearly 20% of patients remain dissatisfied with their overall outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Because implant positioning, alignment, and equal soft-tissue balance are critical for a successful TKA, malalignment in the coronal, sagittal, and rotational planes continue to increase failure rates and cause poor clinical outcomes. Robotic-assisted TKA has gained momentum within the past 10 years to better control surgical variables by mitigating technical errors caused by insecure cutting guides and imprecise bone cuts. Contemporary robotic platforms have evolved along with our ability to collect high-quality patient-reported outcome measures data, and this combination is proving the clinical effectiveness. This comprehensive review investigates the advent of robotic-assisted TKA including advantages, disadvantages, historical, and commercially available newer generation systems, clinical outcomes, and cost analysis to better understand the potential added value of this technology.

Implant malalignment during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may lead to suboptimal postoperative outcomes. Accuracy studies are typically performed with experienced surgeons; however, it is important to study less experienced surgeons when considering teaching hospitals where younger surgeons operate. Therefore, this study assessed whether robotic-arm assisted TKA (RATKA) allowed for more accurate and precise implant position to plan when compared with manual techniques when the surgery is performed by in-training orthopaedic surgical fellows. Two surgeons, currently in their fellowship training and having minimal RATKA experience, performed a total of six manual TKA (MTKA) and six RATKAs on paired cadaver knees. Computed tomography scans were obtained for each knee pre- and postoperatively. These scans were analyzed using a custom autosegmentation and autoregistration process to compare postoperative implant position with the preoperative planned position. Mean system errors and standard deviations were compared between RATKA and MTKA for the femoral component for sagittal, coronal, and axial planes and for the tibial component in the sagittal and coronal planes. A 2-Variance testing was performed using an α = 0.05. Although not statistically significant, RATKA was found to have greater accuracy and precision to plan than MTKA for: femoral axial plane (1.1° ± 1.1° vs. 1.6° ± 1.3°), coronal plane (0.9° ± 0.7° vs. 2.2° ± 1.0°), femoral sagittal plane (1.5° ± 1.3° vs. 3.1° ± 2.1°), tibial coronal plane (0.9° ± 0.5° vs. 1.9° ± 1.3°), and tibial sagittal plane (1.7° ± 2.6° vs. 4.7° ± 4.1°). There were no statistical differences between surgical groups or between the two surgeons performing the cases. With limited RATKA experience, fellows showed increased accuracy and precision to plan for femoral and tibial implant positions. Furthermore, these results were comparable to what has been reported for an experienced surgeon performing RATKA.

Numerous studies have explored 90-day readmissions following total joint arthroplasty; however, there is a paucity of literature concerning 90-day emergency department (ED) visits. The authors aimed to characterize the risk factors for ED presentations and to determine the primary reasons for return, hypothesizing that certain medical comorbidities would account for resource utilization. The institutional database was queried for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients were stratified based on return visits to the ED within 90 days postoperatively. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the factors most predictive of ED return for each THA and TKA. A total of 10,479 procedures resulted in 1234 90-day ED visits made by 937 patients. Significant predictors of 90-day ED return after THA included black race, age older than 80 years, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, metastatic disease, peripheral vascular disease, alcoholism, drug use, depression, and discharge to a skilled nursing facility. In contrast, only black race, liver insufficiency, cancer, and pulmonary hypertension were predictive of ED return following TKA. The primary risk factors for ED return differ for THA and TKA, and this is not currently reflected in the medical severity diagnosis-related group system. Specifically, black patients with multiple comorbidities are at high risk for unplanned ED visits following THA. This should be considered in patient counseling and outreach programs when attempting to mitigate the postoperative risks and to decrease 90-day resource utilization in this patient population. [ Orthopedics . 2020;43(5):295–302.]

The learning curve has been established for robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) during the first month of use; however, there have been no studies evaluating this on a longer term. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare operative times for three cohorts during the first year following adoption of RATKA (initial, 6 months, and 1 year) and a prior cohort of manual TKA. We investigated both mean operative times and the variability of operative time in each cohort. This is a learning curve study comparing a single surgeon's experience using RAKTA. The study groups were made up of two cohorts of 60 cementless RATKAs performed at ∼6 months and 1 year of use. A learning curve was created based on the mean operative times and individual operative times were stratified into different cohorts for comparison. Study groups were compared with the surgeon's initial group of 20 cemented RATKAs and 60 cementless manual cases. Descriptive numbers were compiled and mean operative times were compared using Student's t-tests for significant differences with a p-value of

Thirty-day complications in osteonecrosis (ON) patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) are inconsistently reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate (1) the incidence of THA, (2) operative times, (2) length of stay, (3) reoperation rates, (4) readmission rates, and (5) complication rates, in the general vs ON THA populations. We also substratified and compared these cohorts based on ON-specific risk factors.Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, Current Procedural Terminology code 27130, International Classification of Disease, Ninth Edition code 733.42, and a 1:1 propensity score match, a total of 8344 matched ON and non-ON THA patients were identified. ON patients were also substratified based on key risk factors. The above variables were compared between the matched ON and non-ON cohorts as well as for patients with each risk factor using Pearson's chi-square and Student t-tests.The proportion of THAs performed on ON patients decreased by 35% from 2008 to 2015. Mean operative times were constant between the ON and non-ON patients (102 minutes). ON patients had shorter mean length of stay (3.1 vs 3.4 days, P = .002). Of the 17 different 30-day complications evaluated, superficial surgical site infection (1.2% vs 0.6%, P = .004), pneumonia (0.8% vs 0.2%, P = .001), transfusion (15.6% vs 5.4%, P.001), and readmission (5.1% vs 2.3%, P = .012) were higher among ON patients. ON patients with a history of corticosteroid use, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and smoking were also found to have higher complication rates compared to non-ON patients with the same risk factors.This is one of the first studies to compare postoperative THA outcomes between matched ON vs non-ON patients, while also taking into consideration specific risk factors between the cohorts.

Background Limiting treatment to those recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon Clinical Practice Guidelines has been suggested to decrease costs by 45% in the year prior to total knee arthroplasty, but this only focuses on expenditures leading up to, but not including, the surgery and not the entire episode of care. We evaluated the treatment costs following knee osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis and determined whether these are different for patients who use intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) and/or knee arthroplasty. Methods Claims data from a large commercial database containing de-identified data of more than 100 million patients with continuous coverage from 2012 to 2016 was used to evaluate the cumulative cost of care for over 2 million de-identified members with knee OA over a 4.5-year period between 2011 and 2015. Median cumulative costs were then stratified for patients with or without HA and/or knee arthroplasty. Results Knee OA treatment costs for 1,567,024 patients over the 4.5-year period was $6.60 billion (mean $4210/patient) as calculated by the authors. HA and knee arthroplasty accounted for 3.0 and 61.5% of the overall costs, respectively. For patients who underwent knee arthroplasty, a spike in median costs occurred sooner for patients without HA use (around the 5- to 6-month time point) compared to patients treated with HA (around the 16- to 17-month time point). Conclusions Non-arthroplasty therapies, as calculated by the authors, accounted for about one third of the costs in treating knee OA in our cohort. Although some have theorized that limiting the use of HA may reduce the costs of OA treatment, HA only comprised a small fraction (3%) of the overall costs. Among patients who underwent knee arthroplasty, those treated with HA experienced elevated costs from the surgery later than those without HA, which reflects their longer time to undergoing knee arthroplasty. The ability to delay or avoid knee arthroplasty altogether can have a substantial impact on the cost to the healthcare system.

AimsEarlier studies dealing with trends in the management of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) identified an increasing rate of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and a decreasing rate of joint-preserving procedures between 1992 and 2008. In an effort to assess new trends in the management of this condition, this study evaluated the annual trends of joint-preserving versus arthroplasties for patients aged < or > 50 years old, and the incidence of specific operative management techniques.MethodsA total of 219,371 patients with ONFH were identified from a nationwide database between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2015. The mean age was 54 years (18 to 90) and 105,298 (48%) were female. The diagnosis was made using International Classification of Disease, Ninth revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) procedure codes. The percentage of patients managed using each procedure during each year was calculated and compared between years. The trends in the use of the types of procedure were also evaluated.ResultsThe rate of joint-preserving procedures was significantly higher in patients aged < 50 years compared with those aged > 50 years (4.93% vs 1.52%; p < 0.001). For the overall cohort, rates of arthroplasty were far greater than those for joint-preserving procedures. THA was the most commonly performed procedure (291,114; 94.03%), while osteotomy (3,598; 1.16%), partial arthroplasty (9,171; 2.96%), core decompression (1,200; 0.39%), and bone graft (3,026; 0.98%) were performed markedly less frequently. The annual percentage of patients managed using a THA (93.56% to 89.52%; p < 0.001), resurfacing (1.22% to 0.19%; p < 0.001), and osteotomy (1.31% to 1.05%; p < 0.001) also decreased during the study period.ConclusionWe found that patients with ONFH have been most commonly managed with non-joint-preserving procedures. Our findings provide valuable insight into the current management of this condition and should increase efforts being made to save the hip joint. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):122–128.

Background Newer generation cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs have provided stronger osteointegration between the implant and bone. Despite excellent survivorship and outcomes with cemented TKAs, areas of concern within the bone–cement interface remain a concern and necessitate studies on alternative constructs. This study assesses: (1) implant survivorship; (2) clinical outcomes; and (3) complications with radiographic outcomes at a 5-year minimum follow-up of cementless highly porous titanium-coated baseplates in TKAs. Methods Part of this study has been reported. We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database at a single high-volume institution between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014 for patients who underwent a primary TKA using cementless highly porous titanium-coated baseplate implants. Patients were evaluated clinically at postoperative follow-up visits at a minimum of 5 years. To calculate the survivorship, Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to determine all-cause, aseptic, and septic implant survivorship at each final follow-up for all patients. Results A total of 228 TKAs were performed and followed for a minimum of 5 years (range, 5–6 years). As of the latest follow-up, one case of septic loosening of the patellar button and one case of patellar dislodgment secondary to physical manipulation were recorded and revised. Overall, the cohort displayed implant survivorship of 99.5% at 5-year minimum follow-up. Improvements were seen in both Knee Society pain and function scores and were 37 points (range, 17–60 points) and 28 points (range, 15–47 points), respectively. The mean improvement in flexion was 17.8 (range, –20 to 40 degrees) and mean improvement in extension was –5.5 (range, –30 to 5 degrees). Discussion Cementless TKAs serve as strong alternative choice to cemented TKAs. Although cemented fixation is commonly known as the gold standard, results of this study confirm the findings of previous investigations on the survivorship of cementless TKA implants. Therefore, patients who undergo primary TKA with a cementless tritanium baseplate can expect excellent clinical outcomes at a 5-year minimum follow-up.

Aims Thresholds for operative eligibility based on body mass index (BMI) alone may restrict patient access to the benefits of arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BMI and improvements in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and to determine how many patients would have been denied improvements in PROMs if BMI cut-offs were to be implemented. Methods A prospective cohort of 3,449 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) performed between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. The following one-year PROMs were evaluated: hip injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) pain, HOOS Physical Function Shortform (PS), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity, Veterans Rand-12 Physical Component Score (VR-12 PCS), and VR-12 Mental Component Score (VR-12 MCS). Positive predictive values for failure to improve and the number of patients denied surgery in order to avoid a failed improvement were calculated for each PROM at different BMI cut-offs. Results There was a trend to improved outcomes in terms of pain and function improvements with higher BMI. Patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 had median (Q1, Q3) HOOS pain improvements of 58 points (interquartile range (IQR) 41 to 70) and those with BMI 35 to 40 kg/m2 had median improvements of 55 (IQR 40 to 68). With a BMI cut-off of 30 kg/m2, 21 patients would have been denied a meaningful improvement in HOOS pain score in order to avoid one failed improvement. At a 35 kg/m2 cut-off, 18 patients would be denied improvement, at a 40 kg/m2 cut-off 21 patients would be denied improvement, and at a 45 kg/m2 cut-off 21 patients would be denied improvement. Similar findings were observed for HOOS-PS, UCLA, and VR-12 scores. Conclusion Patients with higher BMIs show greater improvements in PROMs. Using BMI alone to determine eligibility criteria did not improve the rate of clinically meaningful improvements. BMI thresholds prevent patients who may benefit the most from surgery from undergoing THA. Surgeons should consider PROMs improvements in determining eligibility for THA while balancing traditional metrics of preoperative risk stratification. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):683–692.

Modular dual mobility cups have been developed to potentially address postoperative hip instability, which can occur in nearly 20% of all revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. By having a prosthetic construct that contains two points of articulation between the femoral head and liner and between the liner and shell, joint stability can be increased. The purpose of this study was to report on dual mobility cup survivorships, patient satisfaction outcomes, complications, and radiographic outcomes at a minimum 7-year follow-up. A high-volume academic surgeon performed a total of 143 consecutive dual mobility primary THAs on patients who had a minimum follow-up of 7 years (range, 7–8.5 years). The study cohort consisted of 77 females (54%) and 66 males (46%) who had a mean age of 65 years (range, 34–90 years). Aseptic, septic, and all-cause survivorship was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Harris Hip Scores (HHS), postoperative complications, and radiographs were also assessed. No cup failures were observed. Overall, septic survivorship was 99.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98–1.0) and all-cause survivorship was 98.6% (95% CI: 0.97–1.0). Two patients (1.4%) required revision surgery unrelated to the use of a modular dual mobility cup. Of these, one patient experienced femoral stem loosening and the other developed a periprosthetic infection that was treated with a two-stage revision. The mean total HHS was above 95 points at the most recent follow-up. Three patients (2.3%) experienced medical complications, including two deep vein thromboses and one for nonfatal pulmonary embolism. Radiographic evidence revealed incomplete seating of the metallic liner in one patient. Dual mobility cups were developed in an attempt to decrease the rate of instability following THA. The results from this study indicate that excellent clinical and patient-reported outcomes can be achieved at 7-year follow-up in patients who undergo THA with a dual mobility cup. Therefore, dual mobility cups appear to be an appropriate treatment option for primary THA.

Catheterization for the prophylaxis against or treatment for urinary retention commonly occurs after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recent studies have questioned the use of the indwelling catheterization, especially in its potential role as a nidus for infection. We are still unsure of its downstream effects on periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Therefore, this study aimed to compare the risks of postoperative PJI following intermittent vs indwelling catheterization after TKA.Between 2017 and 2019, 15 hospitals in a large health system collected data on patients undergoing TKA. Patient treatments with indwelling catheter only, intermittent straight catheter only, and both indwelling and intermittent straight catheterizations were recorded. Patient demographics, comorbidities, body mass indices, and PJIs were collected from time of surgery to time of data collection at mean 14 months of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with independent t-tests and multiple linear regression models to compare catheterization treatment types.A total of 9123 TKAs were performed, with patients receiving indwelling catheter only (62%, n = 734), intermittent straight catheter only (25%, n = 299), or both indwelling and intermittent catheterizations (13%, n = 160). Univariate analyses showed that PJIs occurred in 1.1% of no-catheter patients and 2.3% of patients treated with bladder catheterization (P = .002). Using multivariate analyses, indwelling catheter use (odds ratio [OR] 2.647, P.001), diabetes (OR 1.837, P = .005), and peripheral vascular disease (OR 2.372, P = .046) were found to have a statistically significant increased risk for PJIs. The use of intermittent straight catheterization (OR 1.249, P = .668) or both indwelling and intermittent (OR 1.171, P = .828) did not increase the risk for PJIs.Urinary bladder catheterization is commonly required for prophylaxis against or treatment for urinary retention following TKA. The use of a urinary catheter can provide a potential nidus for infection in these patients. This study found that indwelling catheterization, but not intermittent catheterization, was associated with an increased risk for PJI. Surgeons should therefore limit the duration of catheterization in an effort to decrease the risk for PJI.

Large-scale studies evaluating the effects of Parkinson's disease (PD) on primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are limited. The purpose of this study was to determine if PD patients undergoing primary TKA have increased: (1) medical complications; (2) implant-related complications; (3) readmission rates; and (4) costs. A query was performed using an administrative claims database. The study group consisted of all patients undergoing primary TKA who had a history of PD. Matched non-PD patients undergoing primary TKA served as a control group. The query yielded 72,326 patients (PD = 18,082; matching cohort = 54,244). Pearson's chi-square tests, logistic regression analyses, and Welch's t-tests were used to test for significance between the cohorts. Primary TKA patients who had PD were found to have greater incidences and odds of medical complications (4.21 vs. 1.24%; odds ratio [OR]: 3.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.15–3.89, p

In 2014, Maryland implemented the Global Budget Revenue (GBR) model for cost reduction and quality improvement. This study evaluated GBR's effect on demographics and outcomes for patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by comparing Maryland to the United States (U.S.). We identified primary TKA patients in Maryland's State Inpatient Database (n = 71,022) and the National Inpatient Sample (n = 4,045,245) between 2011 and 2016 utilizing International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Multiple regression was used for difference-in-difference (DID) analyses to compare the intervention cohort (Maryland) to the nonintervention cohort (U.S.) between the pre-GBR (2011–2013) and post-GBR (2014–2016) periods. After GBR implementation, there were proportionally less white, obese, morbidly obese, Medicare, and Medicaid patients with proportionally more routine discharge patients in Maryland and the U.S. (all p

STUDY DESIGN Level III-retrospective review. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of hypothyroidism in patients undergoing 1- to 2-level lumbar fusion (1-2LF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Hypothyroidism is a common cause of morbidity and mortality following surgery. Studies have demonstrated the effects of hypothyroidism following orthopedic surgery, but not 1-2LF. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients undergoing 1-2LF with hypothyroidism were identified within the Medicare population, and served as the study group. Study group patients were randomly matched to controls in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and medical comorbidities. Primary outcomes analyzed included in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS), 90-day readmission rates, 90-day medical complications, and costs of care. Pearson χ tests were used to compare patient demographics. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for medical complications and readmissions. Welch t test was used to test for significance in cost between the cohorts. An α value

➢. Clinicians should exercise a high level of suspicion in at-risk patients (those who use corticosteroids, consume excessive alcohol, have sickle cell disease, etc.) in order to diagnose osteonecrosis of the femoral head in its earliest stage. ➢. Nonoperative treatment modalities have generally been ineffective at halting progression. Thus, nonoperative treatment is not appropriate in early stages when one is attempting to preserve the native joint, except potentially on rare occasions for small-sized, medially located lesions, which may heal without surgery. ➢. Joint-preserving procedures should be attempted in early-stage lesions to save the femoral head. ➢. Cell-based augmentation of joint-preserving procedures continues to show promising results, and thus should be considered as an ancillary treatment method that may improve clinical outcomes. ➢. The outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in the setting of osteonecrosis are excellent, with results similar to those in patients who have an underlying diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

A greater number of medically complex patients with multiple comorbidities are now more readily considered for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether comorbidity burden, measured with the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), correlated with 90-day medical complications and longer in-hospital lengths-of-stay (LOS) in TKA patients. The PearlDiver supercomputer was queried for all primary TKA patients in the Medicare Standard Analytic Files from 2005 to 2014 using International Classification of Disease, 9th edition codes. Patients were included based on ECI scores, ranging from 1 to 5. ECI 1 patients served as the control cohort, while ECI 2, 3, 4, and 5 patients were considered study cohorts. Each study cohort was matched based on age and gender to the control cohort, resulting in a total of 715,398 patients included for analysis (ECI 1, n = 144,072; ECI 2, n = 144,072; ECI 3, n = 144,072; ECI 4, n = 144,072; ECI 5, n = 139,110). Logistic regression analyses were performed to compare 90-day medical complications and Welch's t-tests were performed to compare LOS between the cohorts. Patients with higher ECI scores were more likely to develop medical complications and have longer LOS compared with matched patients in the control cohort. Compared with matched ECI 1 patients, patients with ECI scores of 2 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–1.24), 3 (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.21–1.32), 4 (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.27–1.38), and 5 (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.27–1.39) were significantly more likely to develop 90-day medical complications. Additionally, the mean LOS of patients in the ECI 2 (2.59 ± 1.49 vs. 2.73 ± 1.52 days), ECI 3 (2.59 ± 1.49 vs. 2.88 ± 1.51 days; p