Elective Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty Research Articles

Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty Outpatient Case Volume During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic in New York and California

BackgroundInpatient total hip and total knee arthroplasty were substantially impacted by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. We sought to characterize the transition of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) to the outpatient setting in 2 large state health systems during this pandemic. MethodsAdult patients who underwent primary elective TJA between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System and California Department of Health Care Access and Information datasets. Yearly inpatient and outpatient case volumes and patient demographics, including age, sex, race, and payer coverage, were recorded. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using descriptive statistics. Significance was set at P < .05. ResultsIn New York during 2020, TJA volume decreased 16% because 22,742 fewer inpatient TJAs were performed. Much of this lost volume (46.6%) was offset by a 166% increase in outpatient TJA. In California during 2020, TJA volume decreased 20% because 34,114 fewer inpatient TJAs were performed. Much of this lost volume (37%) was offset by a 47% increase in outpatient TJA. ConclusionsThis present study demonstrates a marked increase in the proportion of TJA being performed on an outpatient basis in both California and New York. In both states, despite a decrease in overall TJA volume in 2020, outpatient TJA volume increased markedly. Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level IV, Retrospective Cohort Study.

Impact of Postoperative COVID-19 Infection Status on Outcomes in Elective Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundAlthough Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection causes major morbidity and mortality, it is unclear what the impact of postoperative COVID-19 infection is on 30-day outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). MethodsThere were 2,340 patients who underwent TJA in 2021, identified using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, with 925 total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients (39.5%) and 1,415 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients (60.5%), overall. Propensity score matching was implemented using patient demographics and preoperative medical conditions to compare outcomes for postoperative COVID-19–positive and COVID-19–negative patients who underwent TKA or THA. ResultsPostoperative COVID-19–positive THA patients were found to have a significantly increased risk of pneumonia (odds ratio [OR] 42.57), sepsis (OR 12.77), readmission (OR 12.06), non-home discharge (OR 3.78), and longer length of stay (hazard ratio 1.62). Postoperative COVID-19–positive TKA patients had an increased risk of 30-day mortality (OR 14.17), superficial infection (OR 3.17), pneumonia (OR 34.68), unplanned intubation (OR 18.31), ventilator use for more than 48 hours (OR 18.31), pulmonary embolism (OR 11.98), urinary tract infection (OR 5.16), myocardial infarction (OR 16.02), deep vein thrombosis (OR 4.69), non-home discharge (OR 1.79), reoperation (OR 3.17), readmission (OR 9.61), and longer length of stay (hazard ratio 1.49). ConclusionsPatients who contracted COVID-19 within 30 days after TJA were at increased risk of mortalities, medical complications, readmissions, reoperations, and non-home discharges. It is important for orthopedic surgeons to understand these adverse outcomes to better counsel patients and mitigate these risks, particularly in higher risk populations.

A Novel Protocol for Nasal Decolonization Using Prolonged Application of an Alcohol-Based Nasal Antiseptic Reduces Surgical Site Infections in Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Current nasal decolonization strategies utilize pre-operative agents without consideration for short-term re-colonization or de novo colonization. Many strategies utilize an antibiotic-based agent, raising concerns of limited gram-negative antimicrobial coverage and the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. This study evaluated the clinical utility of a non-antibiotic, alcohol-based nasal decolonization agent in decreasing surgical site infection (SSI) rates after total joint arthroplasty. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively compared an 18-month cohort of elective primary total joint arthroplasty patients treated peri-operatively with an alcohol-based sanitizer to historical controls. The alcohol-based agent was administered pre-operatively the day of surgery and for two weeks after surgery. Patients were followed for 90 days and assessed for signs or symptoms of SSI. Patient and caregiver compliance was recorded. There were 779 patients included in the experimental group and 647 included in the historical control group. Results: Patients receiving alcohol-based nasal decolonization had a lower rate of SSI compared with controls not receiving nasal decolonization (0.64% [5/779] vs. 1.55% [10/647]; p = 0.048; odds ratio, 2.43). Utilization of an alcohol-based nasal sanitizer in the pre-operative and prolonged post-operative setting decreased infection rates by 41.3% in our elective total joint arthroplasty setting. Conclusions: When used pre- and post-operatively, alcohol-based nasal decolonization of bacteria in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty led to a substantial decrease in SSIs.

Sleep Disturbance Trends in the Short-Term Postoperative Period for Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) often experience preoperative/postoperative sleep disturbances. Although sleep quality generally improves > 6 months after surgery, patterns of sleep in the short-term postoperative period are poorly understood. This study sought to (1) characterize sleep disturbance patterns over the 3-month postoperative period and (2) investigate clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with 3-month changes in sleep. This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data included 104 primary elective TJA patients. Patients were administered the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance questionnaire preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively. Median sleep scores were compared between time points using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, stratified by preoperative sleep impairment. A multivariable logistic regression model identified factors associated with 3-month clinically improved sleep. The percentage of patients reporting sleep within normal limits increased over time: 54.8% preoperatively and 58.0%, 62.5%, and 71.8% at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months post-TJA, respectively. Patients with normal preoperative sleep experienced a transient 4.7-point worsening of sleep at 2 weeks ( P = 0.003). For patients with moderate/severe preoperative sleep impairment, sleep significantly improved by 5.4 points at 2 weeks ( P = 0.002), with improvement sustained at 3 months. In multivariable analysis, patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (versus knee; OR: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.06 to 11.32, P = 0.039) and those with worse preoperative sleep scores (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.23, P = 0.003) were more likely to achieve clinically improved sleep from preoperatively to 3 months postoperatively. Patients experience differing patterns in postoperative sleep changes based on preoperative sleep disturbance. Hip arthroplasty patients are also more likely to experience clinically improved sleep by 3 months compared with knee arthroplasty patients. These results may be used to counsel patients on postoperative expectations and identify patients at greater risk of impaired postoperative sleep. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided and palpation-inserted peripheral venous cannula in -patients before primary hip or knee arthroplasty: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMore than 2 billion peripheral vascular cannulas are introduced globally each year. It is the most frequently performed invasive procedure in medicine worldwide. There is a group of patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA). In experts’ hands, ultrasound-guided vascular access appears to be a significantly better method. Investigators hypothesize that UGVA is superior also in short-term patency of cannula and even for blood draw through cannula. Repeated cannula pricks in the operating room setting not only puts a lot of stress on the patient and medical staff, but they also waste OR time.MethodsThis investigator-initiated prospective randomized monocentric controlled trial is designed to randomly allocate 200 patients undergoing elective primary total joint arthroplasty of hip or knee to one of two groups as follows: Group C (control group) – peripheral venous cannula insertion by palpation or Group USG (intervention) – cannula insertion by ultrasound-guided vascular access. Our primary endpoint is to compare the number of attempts for ultrasound-guided insertion of the peripheral venous cannula with common palpation insertion of the peripheral venous cannula in overweight/obese patients (BMI ≥ 25). The secondary endpoint is a failure rate of the peripheral venous cannula to administer intravenous therapy up to 5 days postoperatively. Tertiary endpoints include a portion of long PVCs that are able to ensure blood draw up to 5 days postoperatively, time needed to insert PVC in each group, number of needle tip redirections in both groups, and reinsertion of PVC needed in both groups for any reason.DiscussionThis study is pragmatic and is looking for clinically relevant data. After completion, it will answer the question of whether it is clinically relevant to use ultrasound-guided vascular access in the context of not only short-term benefit of insertion, but also up to 5 days after insertion. Also, if this method can ensure blood draw through a peripheral vein cannula, it can save resources in the perioperative period — valuable especially considering the ongoing shortage of medical staff worldwide. If this hypothesis is confirmed, this finding could contribute to more widespread implementation of ultrasound-guided peripheral vascular access in the perioperative period.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05156008. Registered on 13.12.2021.

Positive COVID-19 Diagnosis Following Primary Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty: Increased Complication and Mortality Rates

BackgroundThis study analyzed complication rates following primary elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in patients who subsequently contracted COVID-19. MethodsA large national database was queried for adult patients who underwent primary elective TJA in 2020. Patients who contracted COVID-19 after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) underwent 1:6 matching (age [±6 years], sex, month of surgery, COVID-19-related comorbidities) to patients who did not. Differences between groups were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall, 712 COVID-19 patients were matched to 4,272 controls (average time to diagnosis: 128-117 days [range, 0-351]). ResultsOf patients diagnosed <90 days postoperatively, 32.5%-33.6% required COVID-19-driven readmission. Discharge to a skilled nursing facility (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.72, P = .003) or acute rehabilitation unit (aOR 4.93, P < .001) and Black race (aOR 2.28, P < .001) were associated with readmission after TKA. Similar results were associated with THA. COVID-19 patients were at increased risk of pulmonary embolism (aOR 4.09, P = .001) after TKA and also periprosthetic joint infection (aOR 4.65, P < .001) and sepsis (aOR 11.11, P < .001) after THA. The mortality rate was 3.51% in COVID-19 patients and 7.94% in readmitted COVID-19 patients compared to 0.09% in controls, representing a 38.7 OR and 91.8 OR of death, respectively. Similar results were observed for TKA and THA separately. ConclusionPatients who contracted COVID-19 following TJA were at greater risk of numerous complications, including death. These patients represent a high-risk cohort who may require more aggressive medical interventions. Given the potential limitations presently, prospectively collected data may be warranted to validate these findings.

Risk factors for emergence agitation during the awakening period in elderly patients after total joint arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the incidence and risk factors for emergence agitation (EA) in elderly patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty (TJA) under general anaesthesia, and to assess their...

Child-Pugh Class B or C Liver Disease Increases the Risk of Early Mortality in Patients With Hepatitis C Undergoing Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty Regardless of Treatment Status.

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) undergoing primary elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) are at increased risk of postoperative complications. Patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, specifically Child-Pugh Class B and C, who are undergoing general surgery have high 2-year mortality risks, approaching 60% to 80%. However, the role of Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease classifications of liver status in predicting survivorship among patients with HCV undergoing elective arthroplasty has not been elucidated. What factors are independently associated with early mortality (< 2 years) in patients with HCV undergoing arthroplasty? We performed a retrospective study at three tertiary academic medical centers and identified patients with HCV undergoing primary elective TJA between January 2005 and December 2019. Patients who underwent revision TJA and simultaneous primary TJA were excluded. A total of 226 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. A further 25% (57) were excluded because they were lost to follow-up before the minimum study requirement of 2 years of follow-up or had incomplete datasets. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, the final cohort consisted of 75% (169 of 226) of the initial patient population eligible for analysis. The mean follow-up duration was 53 ± 29 months. We compared confounding variables for mortality between patients with early mortality (16 patients) and surviving patients (153 patients), including comorbidities, HCV and liver characteristics, HCV treatment, and postoperative medical and surgical complications. Patients with early postoperative mortality were more likely to have an associated advanced Child-Pugh classification and comorbidities including peripheral vascular disease, end-stage renal disease, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, both groups had similar 90-day and 1-year medical complication risks including myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and reoperations for periprosthetic joint infection and mechanical failure. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with early mortality, incorporating all significant variables with p < 0.05 present in the univariate analysis. After accounting for significant variables in the univariate analysis such as peripheral vascular disease, end-stage renal disease, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and liver fibrosis staging, Child-Pugh Class B or C classification was found to be the sole factor independently associated with increased odds of early (within 2 years) mortality in patients with HCV undergoing elective TJA (adjusted odds ratio 29 [95% confidence interval 5 to 174]; p < 0.001). The risk of early mortality in patients with Child-Pugh Class B or C was 64% (seven of 11) compared with 6% (nine of 158) in patients with Child-Pugh Class A (p < 0.001). Patients with HCV and a Child-Pugh Class B or C at the time of elective TJA had substantially increased odds of death, regardless of liver function, cirrhosis, age, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease level, HCV treatment, and viral load status. This is similar to the risk of early mortality observed in patients with chronic liver disease undergoing abdominal and cardiac surgery. Surgeons should avoid these major elective procedures in patients with Child-Pugh Class B or C whenever possible. For patients who feel their arthritic symptoms and pain are unbearable, surgeons need to be clear that the risk of death is considerably elevated. Level III, therapeutic study.

The AAHKS Best Podium Presentation Research Award: A Second Dose of Dexamethasone Reduces Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Pain in Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe optimal administration of dexamethasone for postoperative pain management and recovery following primary elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a second intravenous (IV) dose of dexamethasone on postoperative pain scores, inpatient opioid consumption, and functional recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of 2,256 primary elective THAs and 1,951 primary elective TKAs between May 2020 and April 2021. Patients who received 2 perioperative doses (2D) of dexamethasone 10 mg IV were propensity-matched 1:1 to a control group who received 1 perioperative dose (1D). Primary outcomes were opiate consumption as morphine milligram equivalences (MMEs), postoperative pain as Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) pain scores, and functional status assessed by the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) scores. ResultsThe 2D THA and 2D TKA cohorts consumed significantly less opiates at the 24 to 48-hour and 48 to 72-hour intervals. The 2D TKA cohort had significantly lower total opiate consumption compared to the 1D TKA cohort. Compared to the 1D cohorts, the 2D THA cohort and 2D TKA cohorts had significantly lower pain scores at the 48 to 60-hour interval; additionally, the 2D TKA cohort had significantly lower pain scores in the 36 to 48-hour interval. AM-PAC scores did not differ between cohorts for both TKA and THA at any interval. ConclusionThe administration of a second perioperative dexamethasone dose significantly decreased opioid consumption in the immediate postoperative period. Inpatient opioid administration can be significantly reduced while maintaining comparable functional recovery and superior pain control. Level III EvidenceRetrospective Cohort Study.

The Persistent Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Total Joint Arthroplasty Changes in Practice Patterns in the United States From 2020 to 2021

BackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically disrupted orthopaedic surgery practice patterns. This study aimed to examine differences between patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty (TJA) before the pandemic compared to 2020 and 2021. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed on all patients who underwent elective inpatient TJA from January 2017 to December 2021 using a national large database. Descriptive statistics were utilized to trend length of stay (LOS) and patient age. Patient demographics, discharge destinations, and rates of medical comorbidities were assessed for patients undergoing TJA in 2020 and 2021 compared to patients from prepandemic years (2017 to 2019). Overall, 1,173,366 TJAs were identified (2017 to 2019: 810,268 TJAs, average 270,089 cases/year; 2020: 175,185 TJAs; 2021: 187,627 TJAs). There was a 35.3% and 30.5% decrease in 2020 and 2021, respectively, when compared to the prepandemic annual average. ResultsAverage LOS decreased from 1.6 days in January 2020 to 0.9 days by December 2021. Same-day discharges increased from 6.2% of cases in 2019 to 30.5% in 2021. Discharge to skilled nursing facilities (SNF) reduced from 11.3% in 2017 to 2019 to 4.3% and 4.5% in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Patients ≥70 years old undergoing elective TJA decreased from 39.6% in 2017 to 2019 to 29.2% in April 2020. ConclusionIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, same-day discharges following primary elective TJA increased markedly, the average LOS decreased, discharges to SNFs decreased, and a preferential shift toward younger patients was observed. Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level III.

Prevalence of modifiable risk factors in primary elective arthroplasty and their association with infections.

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of modifiable risk factors of surgical site infections (SSI) in patients undergoing primary elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) receiving conventional preoperative preparation, and to explore their association with infectious outcomes. Information regarding modifiable risk factors (anemia, diabetes, obesity, nutritional status, smoking, physical activity) was prospectively gathered in patients undergoing primary TJA of hip or knee in 2018-2020 at a single institution with 6 weeks' follow-up time. 738 patients (median age 68 years [IQR 61-73], women 57%) underwent TJA (knee 64%, hip 36%). Anemia was detected in 8%, diabetes was present in 9%, an additional 2% had undiagnosed diabetes (HbA1c > 47 mmol/mol), and 8% dysglycemia (HbA1c 42-47 mmol/mol). Obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was observed in 52%. Serum albumin, total lymphocyte count, and vitamin D below normal limits was identified in 0.1%, 18%, and 16%, respectively. Current smokers were 7%. Surgical site complications occurred in 116 (16%), superficial SSI in 57 (8%), progressing to periprosthetic joint infection in 7 cases. Univariate analysis identified higher odds of superficial SSI for BMI ≥ 30 (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.2-3.8) and HbA1c ≥ 42 mmol/mol (OR 2.2, CI 1.1-4.2), but no association was found with other factors. In a general population undergoing primary TJA an association was found between obesity (52%) and dysglycemia/diabetes (19%) and superficial SSI (8%), which progressed to PJI in 12% of cases, generating a 1% total rate of PJI. Modification of these risk factors might mitigate infectious adverse outcomes.

Are the preoperative albumin levels and the albumin to fibrinogen ratio the risk factors for acute infection after primary total joint arthroplasty?

Acute infection, such as periprosthetic joint infection and superficial surgical site infection, after primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a serious complication, and its risk factors remain controversial. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for acute infection after primary TJA, especially the serological indicators that reflect preoperative nutritional statuses, such as albumin level and albumin to fibrinogen ratio (AFR). We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent elective primary hip or knee arthroplasty at our institution from 2009 to 2021. Potential risk factors of acute infection and demographic information were extracted from an electronic health record. Patients who suffered acute infection, such as PJI or SSI, after TJA were considered the study group. Non-infected patients were matched 1:2 with the study group according to sex, age, the involved joint (hip or knee), and year of surgery (control group). The variables of potential risk factors for acute postoperative infection (demographic characteristics, preoperative comorbidities and drug use, operative variables, and laboratory values) were collected and evaluated by regression analysis. Restrictive cubic spline regression analysis was also used to examine the relationship between preoperative serum albumin levels and acute postoperative infection. We matched 162 non-infected patients with 81 patients who suffered from acute postoperative infection. Among the patients who suffered from acute infection within 90 days after TJA, 18 were diagnosed with periprosthetic joint infection and 63 with surgical site infection. Low albumin levels were strongly associated with acute postoperative infection (95% confidence interval, 0.822-0.980; P = 0.015). This risk increased as preoperative albumin levels decreased, with a negative dose-response relationship (P overall = 0.002; P nonlinear = 0.089). However, there was no significant association between the AFR and acute infection after primary TJA (P = 0.100). There is currently insufficient evidence to confirm the relationship between preoperative AFR and acute infection after elective primary TJA, while a lower preoperative albumin level is an independent risk factor for acute infection with a negative dose-response relationship. This suggests that optimal nutritional management may be benefited before elective primary TJA.

The Rise of Medicare Advantage: Effects on Total Joint Arthroplasty Patient Care and Research.

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are popular among Medicare-eligible patients, but little is known about MA in lower-extremity total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study was to describe trends in MA utilization and analyze differences in patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes between patients undergoing primary TJA using traditional Medicare (TM) or MA plans. Patients ≥65 years of age who underwent primary total knee or total hip arthroplasty were identified using the Premier Healthcare Database. Patients were categorized into TM and MA cohorts. Data from 2004 to 2020 were used to describe trends in insurance coverage. Data from 2015 to 2020 were used to identify differences in patient characteristics and postoperative complications using ICD-10 codes. Multivariate analyses were performed using 2015 to 2020 data to account for potential confounders. From 2004 to 2020, the proportion of patients with MA increased from 7.9% to 34.4%, while those with TM decreased from 83.7% to 54.0%. Of the 697,317 patients who underwent primary elective TJA from 2015 to 2020, 471,439 (67.6%) had TM coverage and 225,878 (32.4%) had MA coverage. The cohorts were similar in terms of age and sex. However, a higher proportion of Black patients (8.29% compared with 4.62%; p < 0.001) and a lower proportion of White patients (84.0% compared with 89.2%; p < 0.001) were enrolled in MA compared with TM. After controlling for confounders, patients with MA had higher odds of surgical site infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04 to 1.47; p = 0.031), periprosthetic joint infection (aOR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.18; p = 0.006), stroke (aOR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.31; p = 0.026), and acute kidney injury (aOR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.11; p < 0.001), but lower odds of urinary tract infection (aOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90 to 0.98; p = 0.003). From 2004 to 2020, the number of patients utilizing MA increased markedly such that 1 in 3 were covered by MA in 2020. From 2015 to 2020, patients who were non-White were more likely to have MA than TM, and the MA group had a higher rate of several postoperative complications compared with the TM group. As TM claims data inform health-care policy and clinical decisions, this change portends future challenges, including limitations in arthroplasty registry research, an increase in the administrative burden of surgeons, and a potential worsening of social disparities in health care.

Patient-related factors associated with superficial surgical site infection and progression to a periprosthetic joint infection after elective primary total joint arthroplasty: a single-centre, retrospective study in Sweden

ObjectivesSuperficial surgical site infection (SSSI) may increase the risk of serious complications such as periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). This study aims to identify patient-related risk factors associated with SSSI and...

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Outcomes of a Collaborative Program Implementation.

Antimicrobial stewardship has been cited as a crucial component of orthopaedic surgical care; however, limited high-quality data exist to guide antibiotic use across the total joint arthroplasty continuum. Antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) implementation and evaluation is needed in this space. We pursued a prospective, sequential cohort study of an interprofessional ASP for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) formed in late 2017 at the study institution. Twelve total evidence-based recommendations for protocol change were issued, with 11 accepted and implemented across three project phases spanning March 2018 to December 2019. The primary study outcome was the rate of optimal preoperative intravenous antibiotic selection as assessed for Baseline versus Postintervention time periods. Secondary outcomes included individual antibiotic utilization rates. Descriptive statistics were pursued for institutional surgical site infection (SSI) and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) rates across the affected time frame. A cost-benefit analysis of the ASP was estimated from the institutional perspective. The rate of optimal preoperative antibiotic selection increased from 64.9% in the Baseline Period (February 2018, n = 57) to 95.4% in the Postimplementation period (June 2018 to December 2019, n = 1,220) (P < 0.001). The rates of second-line preoperative antibiotics and total perioperative antibiotic exposures decreased. Total SSI and AKI rates in primary elective TJA seemed to decrease from calendar year 2018 to 2019 (deep SSI 1.00% to 0.22%, superficial SSI 0.66% to 0.00%, and AKI 1.97% to 1.03%). The institution realized an estimated $197,050 cost savings per 1000 TJA procedures. A comprehensive ASP for TJA was associated with an increased use of optimal preoperative antibiotic selection, decreased total antibiotic exposures, and cost savings, without apparent detriment to SSI or AKI rates.

Use of a Smart-Phone Mobile Application is Associated With Improved Compliance and Reduced Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty of the Hip and Knee

BackgroundPatient compliance with perioperative protocols is paramount to improving outcomes and reducing adverse events in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) of the hip and knee. Given the widespread use of smartphones, mobile applications (MAs) may present an opportunity to improve outcomes in TJA. We aim to determine whether the use of a mobile application platform improves compliance with standardized pre-operative protocols and outcomes in TJA. MethodsA non-randomized, prospective cohort study was conducted in adult patients undergoing primary elective TJA to determine whether the use of an MA with timed reminders starting 5 days pre-operatively, to perform a chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) shower and oral hydration protocol improves compliance with these protocols. Outcome measures: compliance, length of stay (LOS), surgical site infection (SSI), 90-day readmission. ResultsApp-users had increased adherence to the hydration protocol (odds ratio [OR] = 3.17 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 1.42, 7.09: P = .003]). App-use was associated with shorter LOS (Median Interquartile ranges [IQR] 2.0 days [1.0, 2.0 days]) for App-users vs 2.0 days ([1.0, 3.0] for non-App users, P = .031), younger age, (63.3 vs 67.9 years, P = .0001), Caucasian race (OR = 3.32 [95% CI = 1.59, 6.94 P = .0009]) and male gender (48.2% vs 35.0%, P = .02). There was no difference in adherence to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), readmission, or surgical site infection (SSI) (2.2% App-users vs 2.9% non-App users; P = .74). ConclusionUse of a mobile application was associated with increased compliance with a hydration protocol and reduced LOS. App-users were more likely to be younger, male and Caucasian. These disparities may reflect inequity of access to the requisite technology and warrant further study.

Risk of Venous Thromboemboli, Readmissions, and Costs in Opioid Use Disorder Patients Following Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) patients have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), readmissions, and higher costs following primary elective primary total joint arthroplasty, but these risks have not yet been clarified for other arthroplasty surgeries. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether OUD patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) have higher rates of: VTEs, readmissions, and costs of care. Patients who had a 90-day history of OUD prior to undergoing RTKA were identified and randomly matched to a comparison cohort in a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, Elixhauser-Comorbidity Index (ECI), diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and tobacco use with a total of 16,851 patients collectively in both groups. The 90-day frequency and odds (OR) of developing VTE, deep vein thrombosis (DVTs), and PEs along with 90-day readmission rates and 90-day costs of care were analyzed. A p-value less than 0.01 was considered statistically significant. OUD patients undergoing RTKA were found to have a higher incidence and odds of VTE (2.91 vs. 1.88; OR: 1.58, p<0.0001) 90 days following RTKA. Compared to the matched cohort, patients who have OUD had a higher incidence and increased risk of lower extremity DVT (2.61 vs. 1.73; OR: 1.52, p=0.0008) and PE (0.97 vs. 55%; OR: 1.74, p=0.007). Furthermore, the likelihood (25.7 vs. 21.4%; OR: 1.26, p<0.0001) of being readmitted within 90 days was higher in OUD patients. Additionally, OUD was associated with significantly higher total global 90-day episode-of-care costs ($19,289.31 ± $17,378.71 vs. $17,292.87 vs. $11,690.61; p<0.0001). Patients who have OUD undergoing RTKA have higher rates of thromboembolic complications, readmission rates, and total global 90-day episode-of-care costs. Orthopaedic surgeons should educate OUD patients about these risks and titrate patient opioid consumption through multi-specialty interventions prior to surgery to improve outcomes and reduce costs.

Outcomes of Total Joint Arthroplasty in Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic Groups Versus Local Population: A Retrospective Review.

Background: Total hip and knee replacement decrease the disability caused by osteoarthritis of the lower extremities. Although it has been established that racial and ethnic minorities underutilize these procedures, little data on postoperative outcomes exists. The impact of race on postoperative Oxford scores and complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) will be investigated in this retrospective review.Methods: A retrospective review of 120 elective primary TJA procedures was undertaken between January 2016 and December 2019 in a single institution. To measure variations between the various groups, t-tests were used on their Oxford scores, and chi-squared bivariate regression was used to classify all categorical variables and the association of ethnicity and surgery type with gender.Results: There were 62 (51.6%) White patients and 59 (49.1.0%) Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) patients in total. The majority of the patients were females (60.9% vs 39.2%, p = 0.032). Low vitamin D levels were seen in a small percentage of patients in the sample (15.8% vs 84.2%, p = 0.460). There is a statistically important connection (p = 0.001) between the surgery type (total knee replacement [TKR]/total hip replacement [THR]) and gender; 41 females had TKR surgery, and 32 had THR surgery.Conclusion: The study found that the relationships between ethnicity (White/BAME) and gender as well as surgery type (TKR/THR) and gender are statistically important. In all cases with low vitamin D and normal vitamin D levels, White patients had higher overall Oxford hip scores than the BAME patients. To comprehend the differences discovered, further research is needed. To try to eliminate the difference, targeted approaches should be created.

Impact of antibiotic prophylaxis courses on postoperative complications following total joint arthroplasty: Finding from Chinese population.

Prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) may not assist in minimizing postoperative complications, however, data based on the Chinese population have been limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on postoperative complications after TJA in Chinese patients. We retrospectively reviewed 990 patients undergoing elective primary TJA surgery from January 2016 to June 2019. Patients who received a short course (≤3days) of antibiotic prophylaxis were compared with those who received a longer course (>3days). Logistic regression analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to control for potential confounders. Beyond that, survival analysis was used to determine the cumulative incidence of postoperative complications. Follow-up to 12months after surgery, the prevalence of system complications in the longer course group and the short course group were 5.1% and 3.9%, respectively (p=0.451). Similarly, no statistical differences in incisional complications (1.5% vs. 1.8%, p>0.999) and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (1.0% vs. 1.0%, p>0.999) were observed between the two groups. After performing logistic regression analysis and survival analysis, no potential association was found between the course of antibiotic prophylaxis and postoperative complications. In addition, prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis conferred no benefit for high-risk obese patients. Extended antibiotic prophylaxis did not result in a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in postoperative complications. Therefore, we recommended that the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis in TJA should be shortened to 3days or less in the Chinese population.

Association Between Same-Day Discharge Total Joint Arthroplasty and Risk of 90-Day Adverse Events in Patients with ASA Classification of ≥3.

Although safety in same-day discharge total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been reported, findings are limited to healthier patients, specific surgeons, and/or specific institutions. Indications for same-day discharge TJA have expanded to include patients with multiple comorbidities; however, safety in this specific patient population remains unknown. Therefore, we sought to compare the risk of 90-day adverse events in higher-risk patients undergoing same-day discharge versus inpatient TJA. The Kaiser Permanente Total Joint Replacement Registry was utilized to conduct a cohort study. All patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of ≥3 who underwent primary elective TJA for osteoarthritis from 2017 through 2018 were identified. The risk of 90-day adverse events (i.e., emergency department visits, unplanned readmissions, complications, and mortality) was evaluated with use of propensity score-weighted Cox proportional hazard regression including noninferiority testing with a margin of 1.10. The cohort included a total of 5,250 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty and 9,752 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty, of whom 1,742 (33.2%) and 3,283 (33.7%) had same-day discharge, respectively. Same-day discharge hip arthroplasty was noninferior to an inpatient stay in terms of emergency department visits (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 1-sided HR 95% upper bound [UB], 0.84), readmissions (HR, 0.47; 95% UB, 0.61), and complications (HR, 0.63; 95% UB, 0.75); we did not have evidence of noninferiority for mortality (HR, 0.84; 95% UB, 1.97). Same-day discharge knee arthroplasty was noninferior to an inpatient stay in terms of emergency department visits (HR, 0.79; 95% UB, 0.87), readmission (HR, 0.80; 95% UB, 0.95), complications (HR, 0.72; 95% UB, 0.82), and mortality (HR, 0.53; 95% UB, 1.03). We found that same-day discharge TJA did not increase the risk of emergency department visits, unplanned readmissions, and complications compared with an inpatient stay for higher-risk patients, suggesting that it is possible to expand indications for same-day discharge TJA in the hospital setting while maintaining safety. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.