Arthroplasty Surgeons Research Articles

Arthroscopy Within Three Months Prior to Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With an Increased Rate of Periprosthetic Joint Infection

BackgroundArthroscopy remains a commonly performed procedure in patients who have meniscal or other osteochondral pathology prior to ultimately being indicated for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The purpose of this study was to examine the timing of knee arthroscopy prior to UKA and its association with 2-year periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rates and medical and surgical complications. MethodsPatients undergoing UKA who had history of ipsilateral arthroscopy within 2 years prior to the UKA were identified in a national insurance database. A control cohort of propensity matched patients who did not have a history of arthroscopy was identified. Study cohorts were established based on timing of the arthroscopic procedure: 0 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to12, and 12 to 24 months prior to UKA. Patients were included if they had 2-year postoperative follow-up after UKA. The 90-day rates of postoperative medical and 2-year surgical complications were recorded. Multivariate analysis was conducted to account for confounding variables and covariates. ResultsA final cohort of 3,471 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients undergoing UKA within three months of the arthroscopic procedure demonstrated a higher incidence of PJI when compared to the control cohort (3.30 versus 1.12%, P = 0.012). In addition, there was an increased rate of periprosthetic fracture observed in those undergoing UKA within three months of arthroscopy when compared to the control (1.10 versus 0.20%, P = 0.010). ConclusionsPatients undergoing ipsilateral arthroscopy within three months of a UKA demonstrated a nearly 3-fold increased incidence of PJI when compared to the control. There was no increased incidence of PJI when UKA was staged greater than three months after arthroscopy. These findings provide insight for preoperative considerations for arthroplasty surgeons in this patient population. Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective comparative study.

Incisional Management in the Multiply Operated Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty in the setting of multiple previous skin incisions can be a complex clinical scenario for the arthroplasty surgeon. Inappropriate incision choice can lead to devastating complications such as skin necrosis and its sequelae, including periprosthetic joint infection and the need for flap reconstruction. It is therefore critical for knee surgeons to understand the blood supply to the anterior aspect of the knee to prevent adverse outcomes. This article challenges some of the long-held dogma regarding incisional management for total knee arthroplasty and utilizes case examples to demonstrate that skin necrosis between parallel incisions can be avoided by utilizing an existing lateral incision with full-thickness subfascial skin flaps.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Preservation versus Posterior Cruciate Ligament Sacrifice: Comparing Patient Outcomes in Medial Congruent Total Knee Arthroplasty.

This study aimed to compare outcomes and complication rates between posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retention and excision utilizing a medial congruent (MC) polyethylene insert in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a specialized ambulatory surgery center (ASC) dedicated to hip and knee arthroplasty. A retrospective review was performed between May 2023 and October 2023 analyzing 398 patients who underwent primary MC TKA by high-volume joint arthroplasty surgeons (n = 9) with either PCL preservation (n = 264) or sacrifice (n = 134) in a single free-standing ASC. Patients were matched chronologically on a 2:1 basis. Demographics, baseline function, 90-day complications, and patient-reported outcomes were recorded for each patient. There were no differences in preoperative baseline function or patient-reported outcome measures, Charlson Comorbidity Index, or American Society of Anesthesiologists class among patient groups. The PCL-preserve and PCL-sacrifice cohorts showed significant variation in 12-week postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome, Junior (KOOS, JR.) scores. Specifically, the number of patients who achieved the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in KOOS, JR. scores was higher in the PCL-sacrifice group (p < 0.05). Yet, no complications within the 90-day period were associated with PCL status and other patient-reported outcomes. This study comparing outcomes between MC TKAs with PCL retention and sacrifice suggests that both techniques are viable options with similar functional outcomes, pain scores, and complication rates, which may have benefits in an ASC setting. The PCL-sacrifice group exhibited a statistically significant increase in patients who achieved the MCID in KOOS, JR. score compared with the PCL-preserving at early follow-up. Future research should employ prospective, randomized designs to further validate these findings and explore long-term implications.

Interpretation of the expert consensus of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK) and the European Knee Society (EKS) on unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has a long history and has many advantages in some aspects over total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for patients with suitable indications, but it has not been established as a treatment at the same level with TKA. Therefore, 80 members of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK) and the European Knee Society (EKS) were invited to attend a joint meeting with the aim of creating an evidence-based consensus statement on UKA, in London, UK (December 2019). A formal consensus process was undertaken at the meeting incorporating a multiple round Delphi exercise, with group discussion of areas of agreement and disagreement between rounds. Five consensus statements were issued: ① UKA should be offered as a successful alternative to TKA in patients undergoing arthroplasty who meet agreed indications. ② When consenting a patient for UKA, information including the benefits and risks that are specific to UKA, should be tailored to and discussed with the individual patient. ③ Evidence suggests that surgeons should avoid low-volume use of UKA to optimise outcomes for their patients. ④ Surgeons should use the contemporary evidence-based indications and contraindications for medial UKA. ⑤ Knee arthroplasty surgeons should have exposure to and training in UKA. On the basis of full study of the consensus, combined with the Expert Consensus on Perioperative Management of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in China in 2020, this paper elaborates the meaning of the final evidence-based consensus for clinicians' reference.

Intraoperative Acetabular Fractures in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Management and Functional Outcomes.

Intraoperative acetabular fracture (IAF) is a non-common complication of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite the prevalence of intraoperative periprosthetic fractures are increasing, little has been written about this type of fracture. The main objective is to analyze possible risk factors, treatment options and functional outcomes associated with IAF. Between 2006 and 2020, 4 senior arthroplasty surgeons performed 5540 uncemented primary THA. We reviewed our Total Joint Registry and found 18 cases with an IAF. We analyzed demographic factors, medical history, preoperative diagnose, acetabular cups designs, anatomic location of the fracture, treatment, associated complications and functional outcomes. The minimum duration of follow-up was 12 months. The prevalence of an IAF was 0,3%. All the acetabular cups were hemispherical modular. The most frequent acetabular cup associated with an IAF was the CSF Plus (JRI). In two cases the acetabular components were judged to be stable and no additional treatment was done. In the other sixteen patients, various surgical procedures were carried out. Almost 30% of patients that sustained an IAF had some complication during their follow up. Moreover, poor functionality outcomes were obtained (12.1 ± 4.1). in the final follow up accordance to Postel Merle d'Aubingé score. Although IAF is a rare complication of THA, maintaining a high index of suspicion is important as they can be difficult to identify. Still with an adequate early treatment they have poor functionality and high risk of associated complications.

The Growing Role of Artificial Intelligence and Technology in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Artificial intelligence and technology have continued to evolve over recent decades, and their utility in hip and knee arthroplasty is growing with interest and enthusiasm. A multitude of technologies are available to assist surgeons in the intraoperative execution of hip and knee arthroplasty, ranging from robotics and augmented reality to artificial intelligence-powered fluoroscopy. The purpose of this review is to provide a framework for arthroplasty surgeons to understand the concept of artificial intelligence and the advancements in technologies that impact the perioperative care of patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty.

Multimodal Analgesia and Small Opioid Prescriptions are the New Standard in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Survey of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Membership

BackgroundThe purpose of this survey study was to assess the current analgesia and anesthesia practices used by total joint arthroplasty surgeon members of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) as well as identify changes in practice made by AAHKS members over time. MethodsA survey of 37 questions was created and approved by the AAHKS Research Committee. The survey was distributed to all 3,243 practicing adult reconstruction surgeon members of AAHKS in May 2023. Results were compared to a nearly identical survey sent out to all board-certified adult reconstruction surgeon members of AAHKS 5 years previously in November 2018. ResultsThere were 527 responses (16%) to the survey. Since 2018, the mean number of opioid pills prescribed after total joint arthroplasty has declined significantly from 49 to 32 pills after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and from 44 to 18 pills after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The use of multimodal analgesics in addition to opioids has also increased over the past 5 years from 74 to 93%. The most common medications utilized include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (98%), acetaminophen (80%), and gabapentinoids (32%). A majority of surgeons (78%) still use a spinal for TKA and THA. However, there has been an increase in the number of surgeons using peripheral nerve blocks for TKA from 69% in 2018 to 84% in 2023. The routine use of periarticular injection or local infiltration anesthesia in THA and TKA has also increased over the past 5 years from 80 to 86%. ConclusionsSince 2018, there has been increased adoption of multimodal analgesia and anesthesia, and improved consensus regarding the optimal regimen among surveyed arthroplasty surgeon members of AAHKS. The number of opioid pills prescribed after THA and TKA has declined significantly over the past 5 years.

The anatomical course of the sciatic nerve in relation to different approaches in total hip arthroplasty.

Although sciatic nerve (SN) injury is relatively rare, it is a devastating complication after primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, precise localization of the SN is essential for arthroplasty surgeons. We dissected 50 hemipelves from formalin-fixed cadavers. The course and location of the sciatic nerve were investigated in relation to different approaches for THA with the help of anatomical landmarks like the greater trochanter (GT), the iliac tubercle, the ischial tuberosity (IschT), the infrapiriform foramen, and the suprapiriform foramen. We found and exposed the sciatic nerve in all 50 specimens with no sex-specific differences. No SN was encountered up to 22mm posterior from the GT. The zone affording the highest probability of finding the nerve was posterior to the GT between 32 and 55mm in 39 (78%) cases, thus defining a danger zone for different approaches for the THA. Special care should be taken with posterior and deep instrument placement between the GT and IschT during THA. Moreover, manipulations in the proximal third of the posterior approach reaching deep and posteriorly should be performed with the utmost care.

Outpatient vs. inpatient designation in total hip arthroplasty: can we predict who will require hospitalization?

Following removal of total hip arthroplasty (THA) from the inpatient only (IPO) list by the Center for Medicare Services (CMS), arthroplasty surgeons face increased pressure to perform procedures on an outpatient (OP) basis. The purposes of the present study were to compare patients booked for THA as OP who required conversion to IP status postoperatively, to patients who were booked as, and remained OP, and to identify factors predictive of conversion from OP to IP status. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent a primary THA at our institution between January 1, 2020 and April 26, 2022. All patients included were originally scheduled for OP surgery and were separated based on conversion to IP status postoperatively. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the significance of all perioperative variables. Modeling via binary logistic regressions were used to determine factors predictive of status conversion. Of 1,937 patients, 372 (19.2%) designated as OP preoperatively required conversion to IP status postoperatively. These patients had significantly higher facility discharge rates (P < 0.001) and 90-day readmission rates (P = 0.024). Patients aged 65 and older (P < 0.001), females (P < 0.001), patients with Black/African American race (P = 0.027), with a recovery room arrival time after 12pm (P < 0.001), with a BMI > 30kg/m2 (P = 0.001), and with a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥ 4 (P = 0.013) were Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation more likely to require conversion to IP designation. Marital status and time of procedure were also significant factors, as patients who were married (P < 0.001) and who were the first case of the day (P < 0.001) were less likely to be converted to IP. Several factors were identified which could help determine appropriate hospital designation status at the time of surgical booking to ultimately avoid insurance claim denials. These included BMI, certain demographic factors, CCI ≥ 4, and patients 65 or older. Retrospective Cohort Study.

Advances in Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Glenoid Implant Design.

Since the advent of Neer's total shoulder arthroplasty in 1974, glenoid implant design has evolved to optimize patient function and increase implant longevity. Glenoid loosening continues to be a major cause of total shoulder arthroplasty failure due to both patient and implant factors. The more recent development of posterior augmented glenoids, peg fixation with ingrowth potential, inlay implants, zoned conformity implants, and convertible glenoids have all shown promising results in improving glenoid fixation and survival in different clinical circumstances. The increased utilization of 3D CT scans, preoperative planning, and patient-specific instrumentation has paralleled innovation in glenoid implants with the aim of improving the accuracy of glenoid implant placement to further optimize patient function and implant longevity. Specific indications for the variety of glenoid implants available today are still being studied. The shoulder arthroplasty surgeon should consider patient and implant factors and patient goals when determining the appropriate implant for each individual.

Gender diversity in the National Joint Registry.

Our primary aim was to establish the proportion of female orthopaedic consultants who perform arthroplasty via cases submitted to the National Joint Registry (NJR), which covers England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and Guernsey. Secondary aims included comparing time since specialist registration, private practice participation, and number of hospitals worked in between male and female surgeons. Publicly available data from the NJR was extracted on the types of arthroplasty performed by each surgeon, and the number of procedures of each type undertaken. Each surgeon was cross-referenced with the General Medical Council (GMC) website, using GMC number to extract surgeon demographic data. These included sex, region of practice, and dates of full and specialist registration. Of 2,895 surgeons contributing to the NJR in 2023, 102 (4%) were female. The highest proportions of female surgeons were among those who performed elbow (n = 25; 5%), shoulder (n = 24; 4%), and ankle (n = 8; 4%) arthroplasty. Hip (n = 66; 3%) and knee arthroplasty (n = 39; 2%) had the lowest female representation. Female surgeons had been practising for a median of 10.4 years since specialist registration compared to 13.7 years for males (p < 0.001). Northern Ireland was the region with the highest proportion of female arthroplasty surgeons (8%). A greater proportion of male surgeons worked in private practice (63% vs 24%; p < 0.001) and in multiple hospitals (74% vs 40%; p < 0.001). Only 4% of surgeons currently contributing cases to the NJR are female, with the highest proportion performing elbow arthroplasty (5%). Female orthopaedic surgeons in the NJR are earlier in their careers than male surgeons, and are less involved in private practice. There is a wide geographical variation in the proportion of female arthroplasty surgeons.

Outcomes following humeral head autograft glenoid reconstruction in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Patients with severe glenoid bone loss are at increased risk for poor implant fixation, scapular notching, dislocation, joint kinematic disturbances, and prosthetic failure following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Glenoid bone grafting has proven useful when performing rTSA in patients with inadequate glenoid bone stock, although the current literature is limited. The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with significant glenoid deformity undergoing primary rTSA with one-stage glenoid reconstruction using a humeral head autograft. A database of prospectively enrolled patients was reviewed to identify patients who underwent primary rTSA with humeral head autograft (n=40) between 2008 and 2020 by 6 high-volume shoulder arthroplasty surgeons with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Variables studied included demographics, medical comorbidities, range of motion, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, pain score, patient satisfaction, glenoid deformity, revisions, and complications. Preoperative glenoid deformity was characterized using glenoid version and beta-angles, measured on computed tomography. Improvement at final follow-up was compared to a matched control group of 120 standard primary rTSA patients. Following the post hoc Bonferroni correction, an adjusted alpha value of 0.004 was used to define statistical significance. Forty patients were included with a mean follow-up of 5.3 (range, 2.0-13.2) years. Patients exhibited a mean preoperative glenoid retroversion and beta-angle of 29° and 80°, respectively. At final follow-up, patients who received a graft exhibited lower mean scores for active external rotation (25° vs. 39°; P=.001) in comparison to those who did not receive a graft. No differences were observed in active abduction (P=.029), active forward elevation (P=.009), active internal rotation (P=.147), passive external rotation (P=.082), Global Shoulder Function score (P=.157), Constant score (P=.036), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P=.009), or pain score (P=.186) between groups. Seven patients (17.5%) exhibited complications of which the most common being aseptic glenoid loosening (15%). This study demonstrates that patients undergoing primary rTSA with autogenous humeral head autograft for severe glenoid deficiency experience postoperative improvements in range of motion and functional outcome scores that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit but inferior to matched controls. This suggests that glenoid reconstruction using a resected humeral head autograft is an effective strategy when conducting primary rTSA in patients with significant glenoid deformity.

Improvements in Noise Symptoms, Forgotten Joint Scores, and Functional Outcomes With Greater Time Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an impactful procedure with goals that include pain reduction and improved function, with low levels of prosthesis awareness. The purpose of this study was to determine if patients reported prosthetic noise and noise-related symptoms diminished over the course of time after TKA. MethodsThis study was a single institutional, retrospective study of patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA from 2018 to 2021. The TKAs were performed by four high-volume, fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons. Patients had similar baseline characteristics. Patients completed a survey consisting of four Likert scale questions related to prosthetic noise generation, the Forgotten Joint Score, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Joint Replacement. Data were compared between patients who had undergone TKA one to two years earlier (N = 305) and those who had TKA three to four years prior to evaluation (N = 177). ResultsAfter more time with TKA, patients had significantly lower reports of hearing noise (31.1 versus 43.6%; P = 0.009) and feeling prosthetic noise-related symptoms (28.2 versus 40.3%; P = 0.010). Furthermore, after more time from TKA, patients had significantly higher satisfaction regarding noise-generation (65.5 versus 50.2%; P = 0.012), postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Joint Replacement scores (80.9 versus 75.9; P = 0.005), and Forgotten Joint Scores (65.4 versus 53.8; P < 0.001). ConclusionsAs more time passes after TKA, patients observe less prosthetic noise generation and have lower levels of prosthesis awareness and greater satisfaction than those who had surgery more recently. It is unclear whether these differences represent real improvement or acclimation to noise over time.

Change in cup orientation from supine to standing posture: a prospective cohort study of 419 total hip arthroplasties.

Arthroplasty surgeons traditionally assess cup orientation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) on supine radiographs. Contemporary hip-spine analyses provide information on standing, functional cup orientation. This study aims to (i) characterize cup orientations when supine and standing; (ii) determine orientation differences between postures; and (iii) identify factors associated with magnitude of orientation differences. This is a 2-center, multi-surgeon, prospective, consecutive cohort study. 419 primary THAs were included (57% women; mean age: 64 years, standard deviation [SD] 11). All patients underwent supine and standing antero-posterior pelvic and lateral spinopelvic radiographs. Cup orientation and spinopelvic parameters were measured. Target cup orientation was defined as inclination/anteversion of 40°/20° ± 10°. A change in orientation (Δinclination/Δanteversion) between postures > 5° was defined as clinically significant. Variability was defined as 2 x SD. Inclination increased from 40° (supine) to 42° (standing) corresponding to a Δinclination of 2° (95% confidence interval [CI] 2-3). Anteversion increased from 25° (supine) to 30° (standing) corresponding to a Δanteversion of 5° (CI 5-6). When supine, 69% (CI 65-74) of THAs were within target, but only 44% (CI 39-49) were within target when standing, resulting in a further 26% (CI 21-30) being out of target when standing. From supine to standing, a clinically significant change in anteversion (> 5°) was seen in 47% (CI 42-52) of cases. Δanteversion was higher in women than in men (6°, CI 5-7 vs 5°, CI 4-5) corresponding to a difference of 1° (CI 1-2), which was dependent on tilt change, standing cup anteversion, age, and standing pelvic tilt. Cup inclination and version increase upon standing but significant variability exists due to patient factors.

An Advanced Knee Simulator Model Can Reproducibly Be Used for Ligament Balancing Training during Total Knee Arthroplasty.

A critical and difficult aspect of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is ligamentous balancing for which cadavers and models have played a large role in the education and training of new arthroplasty surgeons, although they both have several shortcomings including cost, scarcity, and dissimilarity to in vivo ligament properties. An advanced knee simulator (AKS) model based on computed tomography (CT) scans was developed in the setting of these challenges with cadavers and previous models. In this study, we compared the ligament balancing between AKS and human cadaveric knees to assess the validity of using the AKS for ligament balancing training during TKA. A CT scan of a TKA patient with varus deformity was used to design the AKS model with modular components, using three-dimensional printing. Three fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons used technology-assisted TKA procedure to plan and balance three cadaver knees and the AKS model. Medial and lateral laxity data were captured using manual varus and valgus stress assessments for cadavers and the model in an extension pose (10 degrees of flexion from terminal extension) and between 90 and 95 degrees for flexion. After preresection assessments, surgeons planned a balanced cruciate-retaining TKA. Following bony cuts and trialing, extension and flexion ligament laxity values were recorded in a similar manner. Descriptive statistics and Student's t-tests were performed to compare the cadavers and model with a p-value set at 0.05. Preresection medial/lateral laxity data for both extension and flexion were plotted and showed that the highest standard deviation (SD) for the cadavers was 0.67 mm, whereas the highest SD for the AKS was 1.25 mm. A similar plot for trialing demonstrated that the highest SD for the cadavers was 0.6 mm, whereas the highest SD for the AKS was 0.61 mm. The AKS trialing data were highly reproducible when compared with cadaveric data, demonstrating the value of the AKS model as a tool to teach ligament balancing for TKA and for future research endeavors.

Starting up a Lateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Practice – Is Outcome Affected?

BackgroundIn the past, the utilization of lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been limited at national levels, despite the fact that an estimated 10% of patients who have an indication for arthroplasty, present with isolated lateral compartment osteoarthritis (OA). Units dedicated to UKA have reported good outcomes. Identifying patients for the procedure has been less clear, and the procedure has been perceived to be technically more demanding than medial UKA. This may result in a reluctance to start a lateral UKA practice and challenge the early phase. Therefore, this paper aimed to present the outcomes and learning curve when starting up a lateral UKA practice, as this theme remains unelucidated. MethodsThere were 85 primary fixed-bearing lateral UKAs, with a minimum of 1-year follow-up, performed between 2016 and 2022 by 2 arthroplasty surgeons with existing UKA practices. The indications were primary (n = 79) or post-traumatic (n = 6) OA. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed at 3, 12, and 24 months. A cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was used to evaluate surgical duration and the 12-month Oxford Knee Score (OKS). ResultsMedian (interquartile range) 12-month OKS, activity and participation questionnaire, and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were 43 (37.5 to 46), 78 (42.5 to 98.5), and 72 (55 to 90), respectively. The OKS outcomes did not reveal adverse effects from the learning curve. A performance shift in surgical duration was observed around case 33. Kaplan-Meier implant survival reached 95.4% at 7 years for the endpoint “implant revision” and 93.5% for “implant revision or implant addition.” ConclusionsStarting up a lateral UKA practice is safe and efficient for surgeons who have prior medial UKA experience, provided strict adherence to indications. While surgical duration indicated a learning curve over approximately 33 cases, PROMs remained stable, suggesting proficient outcomes irrespective of the learning curve.

Patient Demographic Factors Affect Response Rates to Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients

BackgroundThe Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS JR) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measures questionnaire for total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, not all patients choose to complete HOOS JR, and thus, a subset of the THA population may be underrepresented. This study aims to investigate the association between patient demographic factors and HOOS JR response rates. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of adult, English-speaking patients who underwent primary THA by a fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeon between 2017 and 2023 at a single, high-volume academic institution. The HOOS JR completion status—complete or incomplete—was recorded for each patient within 90 days of surgery. Standard statistical analyses were performed to assess completion against multiple patient demographic factors. ResultsOf the 2,908 total patients, 2,112 (72.6%) had complete and 796 (27.4%) had incomplete HOOS JR questionnaires. Multivariate analysis yielded statistical significance (P < .05) for the distribution of patient age, race, insurance, marital status, and income quartile with respect to questionnaire completion. Patient sex or religion did not affect response rates. Failure to complete HOOS JR (all P < .001) was associated with patients aged 18 to 39 (59.8%), who identified as Black (36.4%) or “other” race (39.6%), were never married (38%), and were in the lower half income quartiles (43.9%, 35.9%) when compared to the overall incomplete rate. ConclusionsMultiple patient demographic factors may affect the HOOS JR response rate. Overall, our analyses suggest that older patients who identify as White and are of higher socioeconomic status are more likely to participate in the questionnaire. Efforts should focus on capturing patient groups less likely to participate to elucidate more generalizable trends in arthroplasty outcomes.

The Influence of an Unexpected Symbolic Gift on Postoperative Arthroplasty Patients’ Press Ganey Scores

BackgroundHospitals use Press Ganey surveys to evaluate patient satisfaction. The goal of our study was to evaluate whether surgeon-driven gifting to patients postoperatively affects Press Ganey Survey responses. MethodsThere were 1,468 patients undergoing arthroplasty at our institution who were randomized to receive a thank-you gift, a small bouquet of flowers, and a note from their provider after surgery, or nothing for completing their preoperative arthroplasty registry questionnaire. Press Ganey surveys were sent to patients who received and did not receive flowers immediately after their hospital stay and after the patients’ first postoperative visit. Scores were reported as the mean score and the fraction of responses with a top-box rating. One-sided student t-tests and Fisher’s exact tests were used to assess statistical significance. ResultsHospital Discharge: Patients who received flowers had higher Press Ganey survey scores than patients who did not receive flowers. For example, for “physician’s concerns for questions,” they had higher scores (mean difference: 3.7 ± 1.6 points, P = .012) and a 9% higher top-box rating (P = .032). For “staff attitude toward visitors,” they also had higher scores (mean difference: 2.8 ± 1.3 points, P = .019) and a 7% higher top-box rating (P = .049). First Follow-up: Patients who received flowers had a higher top-box rating for “concern provider showed for questions” and “amount of time provider spent with you” by 6% (P = .046) and 11% (P = .009), respectively. They also had higher scores for “information provider gave about medications” (mean difference: 4.0 ± 1.6 points, P = .009) and 11% higher top-box rating (P = .006). ConclusionsPress Ganey Surveys were higher in orthopaedic patients who received bouquets of flowers from their arthroplasty surgeons compared to patients who did not. At follow-up, improved Press Ganey scores persisted if the patient received flowers. The gift of flowers generates patient loyalty to their surgeon.

Use of pre-operative 3D planning software for revision shoulder arthroplasty: clinical experience data from a survey in a real-world setting

BackgroundPreoperative 3D planning is routinely used in primary shoulder arthroplasty, while specific challenges in the revision setting make such approaches more cumbersome and less accessible. Recently, an established preoperative planning software (Blueprint; Stryker, Tornier SA, Montbonnot-Saint-Martin, France) was expanded to offer a capability for planning of revision and complex primary shoulder arthroplasty cases. The aim of this study was to survey experienced surgeons on their perception of the new software feature for preoperative 3D planning in the setting of revision shoulder arthroplasty. MethodsAn observational survey was conducted from January 2022 to October 2022 among orthopedic surgeons performing revision shoulder arthroplasty cases. The survey was part of the Early Product Surveillance program, with the primary goal of obtaining observational data from surgical experience in a real-world setting. A two-staged survey process was applied with separate questionnaires to seek voluntary feedback on the preoperative planning phase as well as on the intra-operative evaluation of the software planning features in revision shoulder arthroplasty. ResultsTwenty-five fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons from the USA and Canada participated in the survey and reported their feedback on 34 revision shoulder arthroplasty cases that were preoperatively planned with use of Blueprint revision planning software. The surgeons were largely in favor of the revision software planning features and confirmed perceived benefits of its use in the preoperative planning stage of revision shoulder arthroplasty cases. Reported benefits in the preoperative planning phase included increased efficiency and improved ease of creating an appropriate surgical plan, as well as increased confidence to execute revision shoulder arthroplasty cases. Surgeons also noted improvements in translation of preoperative planning to intra-operative execution of revision cases, including more appropriate implant selection and improved accuracy of implant placement. ConclusionThe feedback from fellowship-trained shoulder arthroplasty surgeons on the use of the new software feature for preoperative 3D planning of revision shoulder arthroplasty is largely favorable. Further research should be conducted to investigate whether these surgeon-perceived benefits can lead to improved clinical outcomes for patients.

Conventionally instrumented inverse kinematic alignment for total knee arthroplasty: How is it done?

For primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), there is an increasing trend towards patient-specific alignment strategies such as kinematic alignment (KA) and inverse kinematic alignment (iKA), which by restoring native joint mechanics may yield higher patient satisfaction rates. Second, the most recent Australian joint registry report describes favourable revision rates for conventionally instrumented TKA compared to technology-assisted techniques such as those using navigation, robotics or custom-cutting blocks. The aim of this technique article is to describe in detail a surgical technique for TKA that: (1) utilises the principles of iKA and (2) uses conventionally instrumented guided resections thereby avoiding the use of navigation, robotics or custom blocks. A TKA technique is described, whereby inverse kinematic principles are utilised and patient-specific alignment is achieved. Additionally, the patellofemoral compartment of the knee is restored to the native patellofemoral joint line. The sequenced technical note provided may be utilised for cemented or cementless components; cruciate retaining or sacrificing designs and for fixed or rotating platforms. An uncomplicated, robust and reproducible technique for TKA is described. Knee arthroplasty surgeons may wish to harness the emerging benefits of both a conventionally instrumented technique and a patient-specific alignment strategy. Level V.