Utilization Of Total Hip Arthroplasty Research Articles

Mid-term outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 30 years.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has predominantly been utilized to treat older patients with primary osteoarthritis. However, recent improvements in surgical technique and implant materials have increased implant longevity, making THA a viable option for younger patients (< 30years old). While trend analyses indicate an expanding utilization of THA in younger patients with non-OA diagnoses, current data on mid- and long-term THA outcomes in this population are limited. This study aims to describe the demographics, perioperative data, and implant survivorship of patients younger than 30years undergoing THA. A retrospective study across two large urban academic medical institutions identified 135 patients aged < 30years who underwent 155 primary THAs between 2012 and 2017, with up to 10-year clinical follow-up. Baseline demographics, surgical indications, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The mean age at surgery was 24.9 years (range 18-29). Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (55.5%), developmental hip dysplasia (28.3%), and arthritis (15.5%) were the primary indications. Most surgeries utilized the posterior approach (64.5%), manual technique (65.8%), and Ceramic-on-Polyethylene articulation (71.6%). Seven patients (4.5%) were readmitted within 90-days of surgery, including three non-orthopedic-related readmissions (1.9%) and four orthopedic-related readmissions (2.6%). Dislocations were reported in two patients (1.3%). There were six all-cause revisions (3.9%), four aseptic (2.6%) and two septic (1.3%). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed 10-year survival from implant retaining reoperation was 98.7%, 10-year survival from all-cause revision was 96.1%, and 10-year survival from aseptic revision was 97.4%. With a 10-year aseptic implant survivorship rate of 97.4%, THA is a reliable surgical intervention for patients younger than 30 years of age who have severe hip pathology. Further studies are warranted for a more comprehensive understanding of mid- and long-term survivorship risk factors in this demanding population, facilitating improved risk assessment and informed surgical decisions.

How Has the Total Hip Arthroplasty Patient Population Changed? A Ten-Year Analysis of Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients From 2013 to 2022: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study

BackgroundOver the past decades, utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) has steadily increased. Understanding the demographic trends of THA patients can assist in projecting access to care. This study sought to assess the temporal trends in THA patient baseline characteristics and socioeconomic factors. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 16,296 patients who underwent primary elective THA from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022. Demographic data, including age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), Charlson comorbidity index, insurance, and socioeconomic status, as determined by median income by patients’ zip code, were collected. The trends of these data were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test. ResultsOver the past decade at our institution, patient age (2013: 62.1 years to 2022: 65.1 years, P = .001), BMI (2013: 29.0 to 2022: 29.5, P = .020), and mean Charlson comorbidity index (2013: 2.4 to 2022: 3.1, P = .001) increased. The proportion of Medicare patients increased from 48.4% in 2013 to 54.9% in 2022 (P = .001). The proportion of African American patients among the THA population increased from 11.3% in 2013 to 13.0% in 2022 (P = .012). Over this period, 90-day readmission and 1-year revision rates did not significantly change (2013: 4.8 and 3.0% to 2022: 3.4 and 1.4%, P = .107 and P = .136, respectively). The proportion of operations using robotic devices also significantly increased (2013: 0% to 2022: 19.1%; P < .001). ConclusionsIn the past decade, the average age, BMI, and comorbidity burden of THA patients have significantly increased, suggesting improved access to care for these populations. Similarly, there have been improvements in access to care for African American patients. Along with these changes in patient demographics, we found no change in 90-day readmission or 1-year revision rates. Continued characterization of the THA patient population is vital to understanding this demographic shift and educating future strategies and improvements in patient care.

Understanding the Influence of Single Payer Health Insurance on Socioeconomic Disparities in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) Utilization: A Transnational Analysis.

Access to care varies between countries. It is theorized that income-based disparities in access may be reduced in countries with universal health insurance relative to the United States, but data are currently limited. We hypothesized that income-based differences in total hip arthroplasty (THA) utilization and outcomes would be larger in the United States than in Canada. We retrospectively compared all patients undergoing THA from 2012 to 2018 in Pennsylvania, the United States, and Ontario, Canada. We compared age-standardized and sex-standardized per-capita THA utilization in the United States and Canada overall and across different income strata, where income strata were defined by neighborhood income quintile. We also examined income-based differences in rates of 1-year revision, 90-day mortality, and 90-day readmission. Overall THA utilization per 10,000 people per year was higher across all income groups in Pennsylvania compared with Ontario (15.1 versus 8.8, P < 0.001 in lowest-income quintile; 21.4 versus 12.6, P < 0.001 in highest-income quintile). Income-based differences in utilization in the highest-income vs lowest-income quintile groups were greater in Ontario (43.2%) than Pennsylvania (41.7%). The adjusted odds for the lowest-income group compared with the highest-income group of 1-year revision were greater in Ontario compared with Pennsylvania (P = 0.03), and risk of 90-day mortality and 90-day readmission was similar between the regions. Income-based differences in THA utilization were more notable in Ontario than in Pennsylvania. In addition, patients in low-income communities in Ontario were at equal or greater risk relative to high-income community patients for adverse outcomes compared with patients in Pennsylvania. Income-based disparities in THA utilization and outcomes were smaller in the United States than in Canada, in contrast to what might be expected. III.

Trends in Revenue, Cost, and Contribution Margin of Patients Who Have a High Comorbidity Burden Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty From 2013 to 2021

BackgroundWith the increasing utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients who have a high comorbidity burden (HCB), coinciding with modifications to reimbursement models over the past decade, an evaluation of the financial impact of HCB on THA over time is warranted. This study aimed to investigate trends in revenue and cost associated with THA in HCB patients. MethodsOf 13,439 patients who had primary, elective THA between 2013 and 2021 at our institution, we retrospectively reviewed 978 patients considered to have HCB (Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 5 and American Society of Anesthesiology scores 3 or 4). We collected patient demographics, perioperative data, revenue, cost, and contribution margin (CM) of the inpatient episode. We analyzed changes as a percentage of 2013 values over time for these financial markers. Linear regression determined trend significance. The final analysis included 978 HCB patients who had complete financial data. ResultsBetween 2013 and 2021, direct costs increased significantly (P = .002), along with a nonsignificant increase in total costs (P = .056). While revenue remained steady during the study period (P = .486), the CM decreased markedly to 38.0% of 2013 values, although not statistically significant (P = .222). Rates of 90-day complications and home discharge remained steady throughout the study period. ConclusionsIncreasing costs for HCB patients undergoing THA were not matched by an equivalent increase in revenue, leading to dwindling CMs throughout the past decade. Re-evaluation of reimbursement models for THA that account for patients’ HCB may be necessary to preserve broad access to care. Level of EvidenceIII.

Total Hip Arthroplasty After Proximal Femoral Nailing: Preoperative Preparation and Intraoperative Surgical Techniques

The combination of an aging population and increased utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is leading to a higher incidence of conversion THA, defined as conversion from previous hip fracture surgery to THA. Conversion THA is a more technically challenging, time-consuming, and costly procedure compared to primary THA and frequently involve more medically complex patients.Thus, the aim of this review is to provide a rubric for surgeons to use when preparing for a conversion THA. We have assessed the compatibility of commonly available extraction devices with popular femoral nails. Furthermore, we review technical pearls for conversion THA including equipment planning, operative setup, intraoperative imaging, extraction sequencing, and troubleshooting commonly encountered obstacles.

Trends in the Use of Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Pediatric Population: A Review of the Literature.

Current literature shows that the utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) to address pediatric hip pathology has seen a significant rise worldwide in recent decades. However, performing THA in pediatric patients presents unique challenges due to their increased activity levels, varying skeletal maturity, and diverse medical conditions. These challenges have relegated THA to a secondary option for young patients. Nonetheless, despite these difficulties, recent studies have demonstrated a growing prevalence of THA in pediatrics. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of the existing literature on this topic. In this study, we examined large database and single-institution studies involving pediatric patients aged 21 years and under who underwent THA. The primary indications for THA in this population were osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, and inflammatory arthritis. To ensure informed decision-making for pediatric patients, it is crucial to gather consolidated information on trends and outcomes related to THA indications. This review aims to provide insights into these trends and facilitate better decision-making for the treatment of pediatric patients.

The combined effect of policy changes and the covid-19 pandemic on the same day discharge and complications following total hip arthroplasty: a nationwide analysis

IntroductionAs a result of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, elective surgeries, including total joint arthroplasty (TJA), were suspended nationwide. Concurrent removal of total hip arthroplasty (THA) from the Medicare inpatient-only list posed challenges to the delivery of quality patient care with low payor cost. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare temporal trends in patient demographics, case volumes, length of stay, and complications following elective THA in the years 2019 to 2020 in the United States.MethodsThe 2019 to 2020 ACS-NSQIP database was queried for elective THA patients. Patients Pre-COVID (2019 and 2020Q1) were compared with post-COVID (2020Q2-Q4). THA utilization, demographics, 30-day complications, and length of stay (LOS) were compared between years. Linear regression evaluated changes in case volumes over time with significance threshold of P < 0.05.ResultsA total of 77,797 patients underwent elective THA in 2019 (n = 43,667) and 2020 (n = 34,130), resulting in a 24.5% decline. Outpatient THA increased in 2020 (35.6%) vs. 2019 (5.7%) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the volume of cases in 2019Q1 through 2019Q4 (P = 0.984). Elective THA volumes declined by 68.8% in 2020Q2, returned to pre-pandemic baseline in 2020Q3, before leveling off at 81.5% of baseline in Q4. Average LOS was significantly shorter in 2020 (1.55 days) vs. 2019 (1.78 days) (P < 0.001) and the proportion of same day discharge (SDD) increased quarterly from 2019 to 2020. There was no significant difference in the total complication rates in 2019 (6.6%) vs. 2020 (6.6%) (P = 0.831).DiscussionElective THA precipitously declined during the second quarter of 2020. The combined effect of policy changes and the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a seven-fold increase in the number of surgeries performed in the outpatient setting in 2020. Rates of SDD doubled over the study period, despite no change in complication rates.

Socioeconomic Disparities in the Utilization of Total Hip Arthroplasty.

There is increasing focus on highlighting disparities in both access to and equity of care in orthopedics and understanding the impact disparities have on patient health. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate socioeconomic-related factors affecting whether a patient undergoes total hip arthroplasty (THA) after a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. From 2011 to 2018, patients ≥40 years of age diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis were identified in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System, a comprehensive all-payer database collecting preadjudicated claims in New York State. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision/Tenth Revision codes were used to identify the initial diagnosis and subsequent THA. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of patient factors on the likelihood of undergoing THA. Of 142,681 hip osteoarthritis diagnoses, 48.6% proceeded to THA. Compared to non-Hispanic white patients, Asian (odds ratio [OR] 0.65, P < .0001), Black (OR 0.51, P < .0001), and "Other" race (OR 0.54, P < .0001) had lower odds of THA. Hispanic patients (OR 0.55, P < .0001) had lower odds of surgery. Compared to commercial insurance, Medicare (OR 0.83, P < .0001), Medicaid (OR 0.49, P < .0001), Self-pay (OR 0.78, P < .0001), and workers' compensation (OR 0.71, P < .0001) had lower odds of THA. Having one or more Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR 0.45, P < .0001) was associated with lower odds of THA, as was increased social deprivation (OR 0.99, P < .0001). THA is associated with disparities among race, gender, primary insurance, and social deprivation. Additional research is necessary to identify the cause of these disparities to improve equity in patient care.

Comparison study of patient demographics and risk factors for infections following primary total hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures.

While studies have shown favorable outcomes in the treatment of femoral neck fractures with the utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA), adverse events, such as infections, can still occur. Therefore, the aims of this study were to 1) compare baseline demographics and 2) identify risk factors associated with developing either surgical site infections (SSIs) or peri-prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent primary THA for femoral neck fractures were queried from the Medicare database. The inclusion criteria consisted of patients developing SSIs within 90days or PJIs within 3years following the index procedure. The query yielded 2502 patients who developed infections in the form of either SSIs (n = 987) or PJIs (n = 1515) out of 57,191 patients treated for femoral neck fractures with primary THA. Primary endpoints were to compare baseline demographic profiles and determine risk factors associated with developing infections. Multivariate binomial logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the odds (OR) of developing infections. A p value less than 0.001 was considered to be statistically significant. Patients who developed either infections were found to be significantly different when compared to patients who did not develop infections. SSI (10 vs. 8, p < 0.0001) and PJI (9 vs. 5, p < 0.0001) patients both had significantly higher mean Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) scores compared to their counterparts. The regression model found the greatest risks for developing SSIs included hypertension (OR 1.63, p = 0.001), pathologic weight loss (OR 1.58, p < 0.0001), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (OR 1.48, p < 0.0001), whereas IDA (OR 2.14, p < 0.0001), pathologic weight loss (OR 1.75, p < 0.0001), and rheumatoid arthritis (OR 1.57, p < 0.0001) increased the odds for PJIs. This study can be utilized by orthopedic surgeons and other healthcare professionals to adequately educate these patients of the complications which may occur following their surgery.

Utilization of technology-assisted total hip arthroplasty in the United States from 2005 to 2018.

BackgroundSuccessful outcomes in total hip arthroplasty (THA) rely in part on accurate component positioning, which may be optimized through the use of computer navigation and robot-assistance. Therefore, we queried a large national database to characterize national trends in technology-assisted THA utilization, determine whether these technologies were associated with increased hospital charges, and identify demographic factors associated with technology-assisted THA.MethodsUsing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, patients that underwent conventional THA, computer-navigated THA, and robot-assisted THA from 2005 to 2018 were identified. Patient and hospital demographics, charge data, and payer characteristics were collected. Temporal trends in utilization were reported. Univariate analyses were performed to compare differences between groups with multiple logistic regression analysis to account for confounders.ResultsIn total, 3,428,208 patients undergoing THA from 2005 to 2018 were identified, of which 63,136 (1.8%) used computer navigation and 32,660 (1.0%) used robot-assistance. National utilization of computer navigation in THA increased from 0.1% to 1.9% between 2005 and 2018, while utilization of robot-assisted THA increased from <0.1% to 2.1% from 2008 to 2018. On multivariate analysis, technology-assisted THA was most commonly performed in urban hospitals in the Northeastern United States. Median hospital charges were increased for technology-assisted THAs relative to conventional THAs ($66,089 ± $254 vs $55,418 ± $43).ConclusionsComputer navigation and robot-assistance in THA demonstrated a consistent increase in utilization during the period examined, representing 4.0% of THAs performed in 2018. Patient and hospital characteristics including risk of mortality, geographic region, and teaching status were associated with increased utilization. Utilization of computer navigation was associated with increased hospital charges.

Arthroplasty Rates Not Increasing in Young Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A National Database Review, 2005 Versus 2014.

BackgroundFor 20 years, authors have predicted an expansion in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) utilization. Over this same period, the introduction of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has dramatically altered the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with hopes of preventing articular damage and obviating the need for prosthetic replacement. The goal of our investigation was to evaluate TKA and THA utilization in young patients with RA (<65 years) in 2005 vs 2014 compared to patients with osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsUsing relevant International Classification of Disease Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and Current Procedural Terminology codes, the Truven MarketScan Database (over 46 million enrollees) was queried to determine THA and TKA incidence rates for RA and OA patients aged <65 years during the final decade of ICD-9 use. Patients with potentially confounding ICD-9 codes were excluded to limit coding variation. Statistical analysis consisted of student t-tests, Pearson's chi-square tests, and Breslow-Day tests.ResultsFor patients with OA, TKAs increased substantially from 0.07% in 2005 to 0.1% in 2014 (+42.9% change, P < .001). Similarly for patients with OA, THAs increased from 0.04% to 0.06% over the same time period (+66.0% change, P < .001). For young patients with RA, the rate of TKA remained relatively stable—1.06% in 2005 to 1.04% in 2014 (−1.7% change, P = .65)—as did THA—0.44% to 0.48% (+9.0% change, P = .14).ConclusionsDramatic increases in THA and TKA rates for OA patients aged <65 years were indeed observed from 2005 to 2014. This trend, however, was not seen in the RA population where TKA and THA rates remained unchanged.

Increased Utilization of Total Joint Arthroplasty After Medicaid Expansion.

The expansion of state Medicaid programs under the U.S. Affordable Care Act has led to a dramatic increase in the number of Americans with health insurance coverage. Prior analyses of a limited number of states have suggested that greater utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) should be expected after Medicaid expansion. The purpose of our study was to examine whether increased utilization of THA and TKA occurred across a broader range of states after Medicaid expansion. We analyzed administrative data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 9 states (Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New York, and Vermont) that expanded Medicaid in 2014 and 2 states that did not expand Medicaid (Florida and Missouri). We included patients who were 18 to 64 years of age and had a primary THA or TKA from 2012 to 2015 with Medicaid as the primary payer. Other payers (including dual-eligible Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries) were excluded. We performed multivariable regression modeling with the number of Medicaid-insured THAs or TKAs as the dependent variable and the interaction between the state Medicaid expansion status and year as the main policy independent variable, with adjustment for community characteristics. Among all 11 states, there were 39,452 total joint arthroplasties (42% THA and 58% TKA) funded by Medicaid from 2012 to 2015. After adjusting for community characteristics, within expansion states, compared with 2013, THA and TKA increased 15% in 2014 (p < 0.0001) and 23% in 2015 (p < 0.0001) within expansion states. Within non-expansion states, compared with 2013, there were significant utilization decreases of 18% in 2014 (p < 0.0001) and 11% in 2015 (p = 0.0002). Medicaid expansion was associated with significant increases in Medicaid-funded THA and TKA utilization in 9 states. As additional states consider expanding Medicaid programs and as alternative health reforms that increase insurance eligibility are debated, surgeons, administrators, and policymakers should prepare for a surge in the utilization of THA and TKA.

Closing the Socioeconomic Gap in Massachusetts: Trends in Total Hip Arthroplasty From 2013 to 2015.

To extend insurance coverage to all residents, Massachusetts legislation expanded Medicaid eligibility and added new private insurance categories. To date, no one has analyzed the effect of these changes and compared recent trends in total hip arthroplasty (THA) utilization. Therefore, this study sought to update the current trends of THA utilization in Massachusetts from 2013 to 2015. The Massachusetts State Inpatient Database was queried for all patients who underwent primary THA between 2013 and 2015, and 30,308 patients were identified. Analyzed variables included age, sex, race, Charlson Comorbidity Index, median household income, primary payer, discharge disposition, length of stay, hospital charges, hospital costs, and complications. Categorical and continuous variables were assessed using chi-square analyses and analyses of variance, respectively. Between 2013 and 2015, annual THAs increased from 9361 to 10,562. Race did not vary significantly (P=.447), although an increase in patients using Medicaid and a decrease in patients using other insurance was observed (P<.001). Patients with an income quartile of 1 increased, whereas the number of THA patients in quartile 3 decreased (P<.001). There was a decrease in both hospital charges (P<.001) and costs (P<.001). Mean length of stay decreased (P<.001), and the number of patients with complications decreased (P<.001). Massachusetts has been successful in increasing access to THA procedures for low-income patients and increasing the number of patients who use Medicaid for THAs. The current delivery of health care in Massachusetts has shown improvement for its residents, serving as an example that other states can learn from. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(2):e167-e172.].

Where Do We Stand Today on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities? An Analysis of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty From a 2011-2017 National Database.

BackgroundLittle is known about the persistence of health disparities in joint arthroplasty. The objective of this study was to update our knowledge on the state of racial and ethnic disparities in total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsPatients undergoing primary, elective THA using the 2011-2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were retrospectively reviewed. Five minority groups (non-Hispanic black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander) were compared with non-Hispanic whites. The primary outcomes were in the differences in demographic characteristics, comorbidities, perioperative characteristics, THA utilization, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day adverse events (mortality, readmission, reoperation, and complications).ResultsA total of 155,870 patients were identified with racial and ethnic data available on 134,961 (86.6%) of them. Non-Hispanic white patients comprised 74.5% of all THA procedures. Except for Asians, all minority groups were more likely to be younger, have a higher body mass index, and smoke tobacco (P < .001). There were higher rates of nonprimary osteoarthritis, procedure length exceeding 100 minutes, and comorbidities among all minority groups. All minority groups, except Asian and Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders, were more likely to require an LOS >2 days. Blacks were more likely to develop surgical or medical complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21 and 1.2, respectively), whereas Hispanics or Latinos were more likely to develop surgical complications (OR: 1.28). American Indians or Alaska Natives were more likely to undergo reoperations (OR: 1.91).ConclusionsHealth disparities persist among minority groups with respect to comorbidities, THA utilization, LOS, and complications. Blacks and Hispanics or Latinos appear to be the most impacted by these disparities.

The impact of socioeconomic status on the utilization of total hip arthroplasty during 1995–2017: 104,055 THA cases and 520,275 population controls from national databases in Denmark

Background and purpose — In Denmark, all citizens are guaranteed free access to medical care, which should minimize socioeconomic status (SES) inequalities. We examined the association between SES and the utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) by age and over time. Patients and methods — Data on education, income, liquid assets, and occupation on 104,055 THA cases and 520,275 population controls were obtained from Danish health registers. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for THA with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results — Risk (CI) of THA was higher for 45–55-year-olds with lowest vs. highest education (aOR 1.4 [1.3–1.5]), and for those with lowest vs. highest income (aOR 1.1 [1.0–1.2]). The association between education and income and higher risk of THA decreased with increasing age. The risk of THA was lower for persons with lowest vs. highest liquid assets in all age groups and time periods. The risk of THA was higher for persons with lowest education in 1995–2000 (aOR 1.2 [1.1-1.3]), but diminished in 2013–2017 (aOR 1.0 [1.0–1.0]). For those on lowest income there was a higher risk of THA in 1995–2000 (aOR 1.2 [1.1–1.3]), changing to lower risk in 2013–2017 (aOR 0.8 [0.8–0.9]). Interpretation — In a society where all citizens are guaranteed free access to medical care, we observed a social inequality in regard to the risk of THA with a development over time and in relation to age in most of our SES markers, showing a need for more patient involvement by implementing more focused interventions targeted to the most vulnerable patient groups identified as currently living alone, on low income, and with a low level of liquid assets.

Short to long term outcomes of 154 cemented total hip arthroplasties in ankylosing spondylitis

BackgroundLong-term outcome of Total Hip arthroplasty (THA) in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) remains unreported. Literature suggests a higher overall failure rate in ankylosing spondylitis as compared to osteoarthritis. Concern has been expressed regarding joint survival, given that recipients are generally young. The results of cemented THA in patients with ankylosing spondylitis were studied to determine the utility of THA for these patients. MethodsConsecutive series of 96 patients (77 males (80%) and 19 females (20%)) with ankylosing spondylitis who underwent 154 cemented THAs at a tertiary referral orthopaedic centre between January 1990–September 2015 were retrospectively analyzed for clinical and radiological outcomes; 58 patients (60.4%) underwent bilateral surgery. ResultsMean age at surgery was 48 years. Average follow up was 12.8 (2.1–24.8) years. 95% of the patients had a good or excellent post-operative outcome.Out of the total 154 hips operated on, 11% (17 hips) developed post-operative complications. Overall, 15 hips (9.7%) required a revision of the procedure, with the most common indication being aseptic loosening of the acetabulum. Average time to revision was 8.5 years (2–15). Survivorship analysis revealed probability of survival of both components at the end of 10 years, with revision due to any reason as the end point to be 92% (with 95% confidence intervals).21 hips (14%) developed heterotopic ossification post-operatively, of which 4 patients (2%) had clinically significant ossification (Brooker III or IV). ConclusionThis is one of the largest series of patients with ankylosing spondylitis with long term follow up available. Cemented THA in patients with ankylosing spondylitis provided consistently good and predictable long term results, with low rate of complications and revisions.

Clinical Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures in Patients 80 Years of Age and Older Selected by Clinical Frailty Score.

PurposeThe utility of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients (≥80 years of age) remains controversial as a patient's general condition is an essential factor impacting recovery. This study aims to determine if THA is a valuable option for appropriately selected elderly patients.Materials and MethodsAll patients underwent cementless THA using a direct lateral approach with a rectangular stem. Eighty-two patients ≥80 years of age underwent THA due to a displaced femoral neck. Clinical frailty scale (CFS) scores <5 were indicated for THA. The modified Harris hip score (mHHS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction were used to assess outcomes.ResultsNine of 82 patients died in the study period with another underlying disease. One, a 90-year-old male with pneumonia expired in the intensive care unit at 7-day postoperatively, while the other eight died due to causes unrelated to THA. Of the remaining 73 patients: (i) mean mHHS score increased to 80.57±21.36 at 1-year postoperatively; (ii) VAS was 2.3±0.9 points six-months postoperatively; and (iii) 78.7% of patients reported that they were very satisfied or satisfied 1-year postoperatively. The number of perioperative complications was 10.8% (9 hips) without the need for revision surgery.ConclusionThe use of THA in patients ≥80 years of age with low CFS scores (<5) described here yielded favorable results and a relatively low rate of complications. However, a well-controlled comparative study or randomized trial is required to further refine selection criteria for THA in this patient population.

Unmet Need for Total Joint Arthroplasty in Medicaid Beneficiaries After Affordable Care Act Expansion.

The utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) increased after Medicaid expansion under the U.S. Affordable Care Act (ACA), suggesting a potential unmet need for THA and TKA. We examined the timing of THA and TKA in patients after obtaining Medicaid expansion insurance coverage. We hypothesized that patients with Medicaid expansion insurance would undergo a surgical procedure sooner than patients in traditional Medicaid populations. We used administrative data from a Medicaid managed care company to determine the timing of primary THA and TKA in patients who were 18 to 64 years of age in 4 states with Medicaid expansion (Illinois, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington) and 4 states without Medicaid expansion (Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Wisconsin) from 2008 to 2015. The insurance types were Medicaid expansion, Medicaid plans for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Roughly, these 3 groups correspond to relatively healthy childless adults, relatively unhealthy disabled adults, and parents of children with Medicaid insurance. The main outcome measure was time from enrollment to the surgical procedure. The primary exposure of interest was insurance type. We used a generalized linear regression model to adjust for patient age, sex, social deprivation, surgeon supply and reimbursement, and state-level Medicaid enrollment. In the unadjusted analysis of 4,117 patients, there was a significantly shorter time from enrollment to THA and TKA for the expansion group (median, 7.5 months) relative to the SSI group (median, 16.1 months; p < 0.0001) and the TANF group (median, 12.2 months; p < 0.0001). In the adjusted analysis, the time from enrollment to THA and TKA was significantly shorter in the expansion group (β, -1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI), -1.35 to -1.07]; p < 0.001) compared with the TANF group (β, -0.27 [95% CI, -0.38 to -0.17]; p < 0.001) and the SSI group (reference). Compared with the SSI group, these coefficients are equivalent to a 70% shorter time to the surgical procedure in the expansion group and a 24% shorter time to the surgical procedure in the TANF group. Our findings suggest an unmet need for THA and TKA among newly enrolled Medicaid expansion beneficiaries. This need should be considered by surgeons, hospitals, and policymakers in ensuring access to care. Furthermore, consideration should be given to existing insurance-based disparities in access to orthopaedic care, as these may be exacerbated by an increased demand for THA and TKA from Medicaid expansion beneficiaries.

Two-State Comparison of Total Joint Arthroplasty Utilization Following Medicaid Expansion

BackgroundAlthough Medicaid expansion has improved access to primary care services, its impact on surgical specialty utilization remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine whether Medicaid expansion is associated with increased utilization rates of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Illinois (which expanded Medicaid) relative to Missouri (which did not expand Medicaid). MethodsUsing administrative data sources, we analyzed 374,877 total hospitalizations (236,333 in Illinois and 138,544 in Missouri) for THA/TKA from 2011 to 2016 (Illinois’ Medicaid expansion date: January 1, 2014). ResultsThe percentage of THA/TKA funded by Medicaid in Illinois was 2.4% in 2013 and 3.9% in 2016 (Missouri 2013: 2.7%; 2016: 2.6%). A difference-in-difference analysis (adjusted for patient age and gender, county-level Area Deprivation Index, and number of orthopedic surgeons) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in Medicaid-funded THA/TKA in Illinois in 2016 compared to 2013 (P = .012). ConclusionOur study demonstrates that Medicaid expansion in Illinois was associated with increased utilization of THA and TKA. Further study is needed to understand the impact of Medicaid expansion in other states and for other procedures.

Trends in Utilization of Total Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures in the United States.

The ideal mode of fixation for patients with femoral neck fractures is not well defined in the current literature. This study describes the recent trends in surgical management of femoral neck fractures with an analysis on perioperative outcomes. The National Hospital Discharge Survey was used to identify femoral neck fractures in the United States between 1990 and 2007 (n = 1,155,960) treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), total hip arthroplasty (THA), or hemiarthroplasty (HA). Trends were examined over the following 3 time periods: 1990 to 1995 (group 1), 1996 to 2001 (group 2), and 2002 to 2007 (group 3). Elixhauser Comorbidity Index and perioperative complications were calculated. Use of HA increased (74.4% to 84.6%), whereas that of THA (7.3% to 4.9%) and ORIF (18.3% to 10.6%) decreased, from group 1 to group 3 in the age group of >80 years. The use of ORIF increased (63.9% to 81.4%), whereas the use of both HA and THA decreased, from group 1 to group 3 in the age group of <50 years. The rate of adverse events increased across all fixation types but was greatest among THA (32.2% to 48.3%). The femoral neck patient population is now older and has more medical comorbidities. We observed a trend toward performing HA in older patients and ORIF in younger patients. Despite superior functional outcomes reported in THA, this study found a decreased utilization of THA in all age groups along with an increase in adverse events and nonroutine discharges for patients with femoral neck fractures treated with THA.