Total Joint Arthroplasty Surgery Research Articles

Wireless In-Ear Communication for Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Simulated Operating Room Evaluation

BackgroundEffective surgical team communication is a key component of patient safety. However, communication failure is common and has previously been identified as one of the leading causes of error. Nonetheless, there has been a lack of innovation in this domain. Contemporary communication technology may hamper loud noises frequently encountered during total joint arthroplasty surgery to allow the surgical team to communicate safely and effectively. The objective of this study was to assess whether the use of in-ear communication devices during simulated arthroplasty surgery could improve communication compared to standard of loud voice communication. MethodsThis was a randomized simulation study designed to evaluate differences in communication. Participants were recruited to engage in simulations of total joint arthroplasty with in-ear wireless communication devices and traditional methods. Data collected included participant demographics, sound level exposure, and communication effectiveness using a created list of phrases commonly involved in arthroplasty surgery. A System Usability Scale questionnaire and survey comparing participant experiences was given. ResultsFifteen participants were recruited. The median age was 29 years (standard deviation 2.9) and 66% were women. There were significant differences in the percent of correctly identified phrases (78.6% vs 44%), mean effectiveness (7.9/10 vs 4.9/10) and mean clarity (8/10 vs 4/10) in favor for the wireless in-ear communication simulation (P < .001 for all). Out of the 10 questions in the System Usability Scale questionnaire, 4 exhibited significant differences, favoring the use of in-ear communication, while the others showed no difference. The mean level of sound recorded was 86 dB in the in-ear device and 87.6 dB in the control group (P = .680). ConclusionsWireless in-ear communication appears to be safe and effective during total joint arthroplasty surgery which may promote efficiency and patient safety. Further, in-ear communication systems can dampen the loud and potentially damaging noise in orthopaedic procedures and may protect surgeons exposed to loud noises.

Tranexamic acid may benefit patients with preexisting thromboembolic risk undergoing total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study sought to determine if the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in preexisting thromboembolic risk patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) was linked to an increased risk of death or postoperative complications. We conducted a comprehensive search for studies up to May 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. We included randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies examining the use of TXA during TJA surgeries on high-risk patients. The Cochrane Risk of Bias instrument was used to gauge the excellence of RCTs, while the MINORS index was implemented to evaluate cohort studies. We used mean difference (MD) and relative risk (RR) as effect size indices for continuous and binary data, respectively, along with 95% CIs. Our comprehensive study, incorporating data from 11 diverse studies involving 812 993 patients, conducted a meta-analysis demonstrating significant positive outcomes associated with TXA administration. The findings revealed substantial reductions in critical parameters, including overall blood loss (MD = -237.33; 95% CI (-425.44, -49.23)), transfusion rates (RR = 0.45; 95% CI (0.34, 0.60)), and 90-day unplanned readmission rates (RR = 0.86; 95% CI (0.76, 0.97)). Moreover, TXA administration exhibited a protective effect against adverse events, showing decreased risks of pulmonary embolism (RR = 0.73; 95% CI (0.61, 0.87)), myocardial infarction (RR = 0.47; 95% CI (0.40-0.56)), and stroke (RR = 0.73; 95% CI (0.59-0.90)). Importantly, no increased risk was observed for mortality (RR = 0.53; 95% CI (0.24, 1.13)), deep vein thrombosis (RR = 0.69; 95% CI (0.44, 1.09)), or any of the evaluated complications associated with TXA use. The results of this study indicate that the use of TXA in TJA patients with preexisting thromboembolic risk does not exacerbate complications, including reducing mortality, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Existing evidence strongly supports the potential benefits of TXA in TJA patients with thromboembolic risk, including lowering blood loss, transfusion, and readmission rates.

Manajemen Nyeri dengan Guided Imagery pada Pasien Pasca Operasi Total Joint Arthroplasty

This study aims to identify the effectiveness of guided imagery in patients after total joint arthroplasty surgery. The method used is a systematic review using literature searches from 9 databases: PubMed, Scopus, Sage, ScienceDirect, Taylor &amp; Francis, Wiley, SpringerLink, Cochrane, and ProQuest. Fifteen thousand seven hundred forty-eight articles were obtained from the initial search using keywords related to "Total Joint Arthroplasty,"; "Guided Imagery," and "Pain," but only five articles met the inclusion criteria for this study, namely adult and elderly patients after total joint arthroplasty, period 2021 - 2024, in English, full-text and open access. The five research articles showed that guided imagery significantly reduced pain after total joint arthroplasty. In conclusion, guided imagery effectively reduces pain in patients after total joint arthroplasty surgery. Guided imagery is used because it is easy to do, teach, and affordable. Keywords: Guided Imagery, Pain, Total Joint Arthroplasty

Operating Room Air May Harbor Pathogens: The Role of an Ultraviolet Air Filtration Unit

BackgroundOne important factor for the prevention of surgical site infections is ultraclean air in the operating room (OR). Still, the direct sterilization potential of most technologies, especially in a dynamic clinical setting, is not well understood. We aimed to determine and compare the microbial presence from the inlet and outlet flow of a filtration unit with crystalline ultraviolet-C (C-UVC) light. MethodsA prospective study was conducted at a single institution, where primary total joint arthroplasty and spine surgeries were performed. The OR was fitted with a positive ventilation system. In addition, a filtration unit with a C-UVC sterilizing light was placed in the OR. The inlet and outlet air flows were swabbed simultaneously and compared. Swabs were processed for culture and next-generation sequencing. ResultsThe mean length of the surgical procedures sampled was 68 ± 13 minutes. Overall, 19 out of 200 (9.5%) swabs isolated microorganisms. Inlet air swabs were positive at a higher rate (16 versus 3%; P < .01) compared to the outlet air swabs. A wide variety of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria were isolated, but fungi were only recovered from inlet air swabs. The detection of microorganisms was also higher when more door openings were performed (32.5 ± 7.1 versus 27.9 ± 5.6; P < .01). ConclusionsAir swabs mainly isolated microorganisms from the inlet flow to the filtration unit with a C-UVC light. The sterilizing unit counteracted factors affecting the air quality in the OR, namely door openings, surgical personnel, and tissue combustion.

Return to Cycling After Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundAs total joint arthroplasty (TJA) candidates become younger, patients’ expectations continue to expand. We surveyed our patient population to determine rates of return to cycling after TJA so that we could provide more accurate counseling on performance and safety. MethodsAt our single institution, an online survey was generated and sent out to patients who had at least 3 months of follow-up. Patients were split into 4 categories based on surgery type: single total hip arthroplasty (THA), single total knee arthroplasty (TKA), multiple TJA, and revision TJA. ResultsA total of 1,029 surveys fit the inclusion criteria. The average age of the patient population was 69 years, with an average of 4.08 years from their time of most recent TJA surgery (maximum follow-up of 18.61 years). Nearly all those who were able to bike prior to surgery were able to return to cycling, with only 6% not being able to do so. There were 41.8% who returned to cycling less than 3 months after surgery. Most cyclists were able to return to their previous level. Patients who had a revision TJA had significantly lower rates of returning to cycling in comparison to single TKA, single THA, and multi-TJA (37.3%, 60.3%, 61.9%, and 60.3%, respectively, P < .005). Patients who never returned to cycling had higher revision rates in comparison to those who were able to get back on a bike (14.4 versus 9.2%, P = .01). ConclusionsA large proportion of patients who had prior cycling experience were able to return to bike riding within 3 to 6 months after TJA. Individuals who had revision TJA had lower rates of return to cycling in comparison to single TKA, single THA, and multi-TJA. Returning to cycling did not result in higher rates of revision.

Total Joint Arthroplasty Outcomes in Eligible Patients Versus Patients Who Failed to Meet at Least 1 Eligibility Criterion: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

BackgroundThis study looks to investigate how not meeting eligibility criteria affects postoperative outcomes following total joint arthroplasty surgery. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of total joint arthroplasty patients at a single academic institution. Demographics, laboratory values, and complications were recorded. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Student’s T-test and the Chi-Square test, respectively. Multivariable analysis was used to control for confounding variables. ResultsOur study included 915 total hip and 1,579 total knee arthroplasty patients. For total hip and total knee arthroplasty, there were no significant differences in complications (P = .11 and .87), readmissions (P = .83 and .2), or revision surgeries (P = .3 and 1) when comparing those who met all criteria to those who did not. Total hip arthroplasty patients who did not meet two criteria had 16.1 higher odds (P = .02) of suffering a complication. There were no differences in complications (P = .34 and .41), readmissions (P = 1 and .55), or revision surgeries (P = 1 and .36) between ineligible patients treated by total joint arthroplasty surgeons and those who were not. Multivariable analysis demonstrated no eligibility factors were associated with outcomes for both total hip and knee arthroplasty. ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in outcomes between those who met all eligibility criteria and those who did not. Not meeting two criteria conferred significantly higher odds of suffering a complication for total hip arthroplasty patients. Total joint arthroplasty surgeons had similar outcomes to non–total joint surgeons, although their patient population was more complex. Level of evidenceIII.

Estimating effectiveness of nasal decolonization in prevention of peri-prosthetic joint infection in nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus undergoing arthroplasty in a tertiary care institution

Introduction: Peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most challenging complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) surgeries. This study aims to (i) compare overall PJI rates with and without pre-operative nasal screening and decolonization for Staphylococcus aureus; (ii) estimate the difference in SSI rates between carriers and non-carriers undergoing TJA; and (iii) determine the efficacy of decolonization in reducing PJI rate in nasal carriers. Methods: A total of 760 patients were included in the study; with 399 patients in the study group, who underwent pre-operative screening and decolonization for nasal colonization with S. aureus; and 361 patients in the control group, who did not undergo pre-operative screening for nasal colonization. Patients were followed for 90 days post-surgery, and PJI rates were recorded following the Centers for Disease Control SSI criteria. Results: Twenty-one (5.26%) out of 399 patients in the study group developed PJI as opposed to 38 (10.53%) out of 361 patients in the control group. PJI rate due to either MSSA or MRSA was 2.5% in the study group (10/399) as opposed to 7.75% in the control group (28/361), with “P value” of 0.002 (&lt;0.05). Discussion: The overall SSI incidence was reduced by 51% after implementing the decolonization protocol. Regarding specific S. aureus SSI, 7.5% of the SSIs in the control group were caused by S. aureus, while only 2.5% were caused by this microorganism after implementing the screening and decolonization protocol. Conclusion: Implementing a screening and decolonization protocol for S. aureus before TJA can lead to a significant reduction in S. aureus surgical site infections.

Effectiveness of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Postoperative Fatigue Syndrome Following Total Joint Arthroplasty or Hip Fracture Surgery: Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials.

There is no high-quality, evidence-based protocol for the treatment of postoperative fatigue syndrome (POFS) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) or fracture surgery with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of CHM in the treatment of POFS after TJA or hip fracture surgery (HFS). We searched six databases to obtain randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CHM for the treatment of POFS after TJA or HFS. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of each database to August, 2022. According to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews version 5.1, we used RevMan 5.3 to evaluate the quality of the studies. Stata 14.0 software was used to merge and analyze the data. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was the effect estimate for statistical analysis. We also performed subgroup analyses according to different types of surgeries. A total of 11 RCTs were included in this study, comprising 430 cases in the CHM group and 432 cases in the control group (CG). The meta-analysis results showed that there was no significant difference in the Brief Profile of Mood States (BPOMS) score (WMD=0.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.29 to 0.45, P=0.688), Christensen Fatigue scale (CHFS) score (WMD = 0.15, 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.39, P=0.214) or Identity-Consequence Fatigue Scale (ICFS) score (WMD=-0.40, 95% CI: -1.84 to 1.05, P=0.589) between the CHM group and the CG on the first postoperative day. The use of CHM significantly reduced the BPOMS score (WMD=-0.85 and WMD=-3.01, respectively), CHFS score (WMD=-1.01 and WMD= -1.45, respectively), and ICFS score (WMD=-3.51 and WMD=-5.26) on postoperative days 3 and 7. Compared with the CG, the CHM group had significantly increased serum transferrin and IgG levels on postoperative days 3 and 7. The subgroup analysis results suggested that the application of CHM in HFS patients improved fatigue symptoms on postoperative days 3 and 7, while the application of CHM to treat POFS in TJA patients had great inconsistency in the evaluation of different indicators. The application of CHM improved the fatigue status of POFS patients after TJA or HFS and increased the levels of transferrin and IgG in serum, which is conducive to promoting the postoperative rehabilitation process of patients. The subgroup analysis results showed that the application of CHM to intervene in POFS in HFS patients had obvious benefits.

Outcomes of Total Joint Arthroplasty Subsequent to Ostomy: A Case Series

BackgroundOstomy surgery is associated with a high rate of postoperative complications and poses several theoretical concerns for subsequent total joint arthroplasty (TJA). There is concern that ostomy may negatively impact nutrition or increase risk of known gastrointestinal (GI) complications such as obstruction, constipation, or diarrhea, particularly with the use of postoperative opioids. There is also concern that the open nature of the ostomy may increase the risk of infection. This case series reports outcomes and assesses the risk associated with TJA in patients with previous surgical history of intestinal ostomy. MethodsThis is an institutional review board-approved retrospective case series of patients with surgical history of ostomy who underwent total hip or total knee arthroplasty. Cohort consisted of 14 cases in 10 patients and was examined to report individual TJA and ostomy procedural details and outcomes. ResultsOf the 14 cases, none required GI clearance or prophylaxis outside of standard perioperative antibiotics prior to TJA surgeries, and all TJAs resulted in good outcomes. Four cases (29%) had a complication, although only 2 of these were GI complications and none were life-threatening or required further surgery. The first of the 2 experienced increased ostomy output, and symptoms were resolved promptly with rehydration. The second experienced decreased ostomy output, and symptoms were resolved promptly with changes in prn pain medications. Other complications were postoperative urinary tract infection and syncopal episode. ConclusionsTJA can be performed safely in the setting of ostomy with major consideration being risk of diarrhea or constipation during postoperative period.

Use of Remote Physiologic and Therapeutic Monitoring Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Remote physiologic monitoring (RPM), or remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM), has grown exponentially for the management of chronic medical diseases in Medicare patients. More recently, the application of this technology has ventured into the orthopaedic arena, and more specifically, for total joint arthroplasty. Platforms to expedite this monitoring can provide continuous biodata feedback on digital biomarkers to patients and surgeons, which can potentially help improve and create novel patient-specific recovery pathways. Furthermore, various devices developed for this monitoring might help obviate the need for frequent emergency room visits, readmissions, and prolonged outpatient physical therapy sessions, as well as reduce complications and increase patient satisfaction scores after total joint arthroplasty surgery. However, while there are a number of potential benefits to technology for this type of care, its application following total knee arthroplasty has not been well-studied. Therefore, after an overview of the usage of RPM and RTM, the purpose of this study was to review the current literature regarding three common remote monitoring technologies: 1) smartphone apps; 2) wearables; and 3) combined smartphone apps and wearables. We also considered the potential financial implications of remote physiologic monitoring. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, MedLine, and Web of Science databases was performed. Three main subgroups of monitoring devices were included for analysis: smartphone apps, wearable devices, and combined wearable plus smartphone app platforms. Searches focused on remote physiologic monitoring, patient-specific advantages, financial advantages, billing and coding options, as well as overall efficacy of platforms. The current review found smartphone apps, wearables, and combined smartphone app and wearable platform technologies to be advantageous in the postoperative period following total knee arthroplasty. The wearable components can provide highly accurate and reproducible data, which the user-friendly smartphone app can relay to the patient so they can easily understand their progress. Additionally, through the apps, patients can directly access their surgical team. By constantly collecting and evaluating range of motion and functional data, the surgical team can identify if the patient is appropriately progressing through treatment or if further intervention is warranted. The incorporation of the remote physiologic monitoring devices during the post-total knee arthroplasty period shows strong promise as a progress-tracking modality. Published benefits include reduced physical therapy visits, decreased pain scores and reliance on opioids, increased activity levels as assessed by step counts, increased ability to follow less well-performing patients, reduced readmissions, reduced in-person clinic visits, and decreased postoperative costs.

Withholding of Hormone Replacement Therapy Prior to Total Joint Arthroplasty Surgery to Reduce the Risk of Postoperative Thromboembolic Events: Is It Justified?—A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines

BackgroundHormone replacement therapy (HRT), menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), and estrogen-containing medications are frequently withheld before elective lower limb arthroplasty, based on a perceived risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, evidence linking HRT, MHT, and an increased VTE risk is equivocal. This systematic review evaluated the concordance of international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on the withholding of HRT or MHT. MethodsThe PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Ovid databases were searched for CPGs for the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative management of patients on HRT and MHT undergoing elective lower limb arthroplasty. This was supplemented by an internet search. There were 7 international CPGs in English, from Europe and North America, published between January 2000 and February 2023 reviewed against the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Instrument (AGREE-II) criteria, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. ResultsThe guidelines reviewed revealed a mixed picture on HRT or MHT withdrawal and use in arthroplasty, with some featuring detailed advice on the preoperative and postoperative management of HRT or MHT (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), while others featured no guidance (American College of Chest Physicians). The evidence referenced in these guidelines highlighted studies showing HRT or MHT to play a limited role in increasing VTE risk, with most studies from the 1990s and 2000s. ConclusionsBased on current evidence, non-estrogen-containing transdermal HRT or MHT should not be withheld in patients undergoing elective joint arthroplasty, though further evidence is required to justify withholding estrogen-containing forms.

Activated mast cells in periprosthetic joint infection-associated tissue.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of total joint arthroplasty surgery. Increased densities of activated mast cells have been predicted to be present in PJI compared to non-infectious arthroplasty failure based on analysis of transcriptomic data, but their presence in PJI-associated periprosthetic tissues has not been visually confirmed. This preliminary study investigated the presence and activation status of mast cells in periprosthetic tissues associated with PJI. Periprosthetic tissues from five PJI cases and three arthroplasty failures due to instability and one due to stiffness were immunohistochemically stained using tryptase and microscopically evaluated to enumerate mast cells and evaluate overall activation status within tissue samples. Mast cell activation was evidenced by the release of tryptase into the extracellular space surrounding mast cells. Mast cells were found in all samples, with average cellular densities of 22 and 26 cells/mm2 tissue in PJI and uninfected samples, respectively (p, 0.6610). Apparent mast cell activation and degranulation was readily observed throughout each of the five PJI samples studied, but not in any of the uninfected samples studied. While preliminary, these findings provide evidence for a role of mast cells in the immune response in PJI. Additional investigation of the role of mast cells during arthroplasty failure is warranted, providing a better understanding of underlying biology and informing potential diagnostic and treatment targets.

‘Maze’ not pathway: focus group exploration of patients’ and public experiences of the UK NHS elective total joint arthroplasty pathway

ObjectiveTo explore patient and public perceptions of planned improvements to the National Health Service (NHS) total joint arthroplasty (TJA) pathway.DesignThree qualitative focus groups undertaken March–May 2018, as part of a...

Impact of opioid dependence on outcomes following total shoulder arthroplasty

The opioid epidemic is a well-established problem encountered in orthopedic surgery in the United States. Evidence in lower extremity total joint arthroplasty and spine surgery suggests a link between chronic opioid use and increased expense and rates of surgical complications. The purpose of this study was to study the impact of opioid dependence (OD) on the short-term outcomes following primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). A total of 58,975 patients undergoing primary anatomic and reverse TSA were identified using the National Readmission Database from 2015 to 2019. Preoperative opioid dependence status was used to divide patients into 2 cohorts, with 2089 patients being chronic opioid users or having opioid use disorders. Preoperative demographic and comorbidity data, postoperative outcomes, cost of admission, total hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge status were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariate analysis was conducted to control for the influence of independent risk factors other than OD on postoperative outcomes. Compared to nonopioid-dependent patients, OD patients undergoing TSA had higher odds of postoperative complications including any complications within 180 days (odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-1.7), readmission within 180 days (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.5), revision within 180 days (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4-2.1), dislocation (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.9), bleeding (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-9.4), and gastrointestinal complication (OR 14, 95% CI 4.3-48). Total cost ($20,741 vs. $19,643), LOS (1.8±1.8 days vs. 1.6±1.7 days), and likelihood for discharge to another facility or home with home health care (18 vs. 16% and 23% vs. 21%, respectively) were higher in patients with OD. Preoperative opioid dependence was associated with higher odds of postoperative complications, rates of readmission and revision, costs, and health care utilization following TSA. Efforts focused on mitigating this modifiable behavioral risk factor may lead to better outcomes, lower complications, and decreased associated costs.

The Effect of Prosthetic Joint Infection on Work Status and Quality of Life: A Multicenter, International Study

BackgroundPeriprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and subsequent revision surgeries may affect patients’ social and physical health, ability to complete daily activities, and disability status. This study sought to determine how PJI affects patients’ quality of life through patient-reported outcome measures with minimum 1-year follow-up. MethodsPatients who suffered PJI following primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) from 2012 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients met Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria for acute or chronic PJI, underwent revision TJA surgery, and had at least 1 year of follow-up. Patients were surveyed regarding how PJI affected their work and disability status, as well as their mental and physical health. Outcome measures were compared between acute and chronic PJIs. In total, 318 patients (48.4% total knee arthroplasty and 51.6% total hip arthroplasty) met inclusion criteria. ResultsFollowing surgical treatment for knee and hip PJI, a substantial proportion of patients reported that they were unable to negotiate stairs (20.5%), had worse physical health (39.6%), and suffered worse mental health (25.2%). A high proportion of patients reported worse quality of life (38.5%) and social satisfaction (35.3%) following PJI. Worse reported patient-reported outcome measures including patients’ ability to complete daily physical activities were found among patients undergoing treatment for chronic PJI, and also, 23% of patients regretted their initial decision to pursue primary TJA. ConclusionsA PJI negatively affects patients’ ability to carry out everyday activities. This patient population is prone to report challenges overcoming disability and returning to work. Patients should be adequately educated regarding the risk of PJI to decrease later potential regrets. Level of EvidenceCase series (IV).

Perioperative allogenic blood transfusions are associated with increased fracture related infection rates, but not nonunion in operatively treated distal femur fractures

IntroductionDistal femur fractures are common injuries that remain difficult for orthopedic surgeons to treat. High complication rates, including nonunion rates as high as 24% and infection rates of 8%, can lead to increased morbidity for these patients. Allogenic blood transfusions have previously been identified as risk factors for infection in total joint arthroplasty and spinal fusion surgeries. No studies have explored the relationship between blood transfusions and fracture related infection (FRI) or nonunion in distal femur fractures. Methods418 patients with operatively treated distal femur fractures at two level I trauma centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics were collected including age, gender, BMI, medical comorbidities, and smoking. Injury and treatment information was also collected including open fracture, polytrauma status, implant, perioperative transfusions, FRI, and nonunion. Patients with less than three months of follow up were excluded. Results366 patients were included in final analysis. One hundred thirty-nine (38%) patients received a perioperative blood transfusion. Forty-seven (13%) nonunions and 30 (8%) FRI were identified. Allogenic blood transfusion was not associated with nonunion (13% vs 12%, P = 0.87), but was associated with FRI (15% vs 4%, P<0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis identified a dose dependent relationship between number of perioperative blood transfusions and FRI: total transfusion ≥2 U PRBC RR= 3.47(1.29, 8.10, P = 0.02), ≥3 RR= 6.99 (3.01, 12.40, P<0.001), and ≥4 RR= 8.94 (4.03, 14.42, P<0.001). DiscussionIn patients undergoing operative treatment of distal femur fractures, perioperative blood transfusions are associated with increased risk of fracture related infection, but not the development of a nonunion. This risk association increases in a dose-dependent relationship with increasing total blood transfusions received.

Improving Resource Utilization for Arthroplasty Care by Leveraging Machine Learning and Optimization: A Systematic Review

There is a growing demand for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) surgery. The applications of machine learning (ML), mathematical optimization, and computer simulation have the potential to improve efficiency of TJA care delivery through outcome prediction and surgical scheduling optimization, easing the burden on health-care systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate strategies using advances in analytics and computational modeling that may improve planning and the overall efficiency of TJA care. A systematic review including MEDLINE, Embase, and IEEE Xplore databases was completed from inception to October 3, 2022, for identification of studies generating ML models for TJA length of stay, duration of surgery, and hospital readmission prediction. A scoping review of optimization strategies in elective surgical scheduling was also conducted. Twenty studies were included for evaluating ML predictions and 17 in the scoping review of scheduling optimization. Among studies generating linear or logistic control models alongside ML models, only 1 found a control model to outperform its ML counterpart. Furthermore, neural networks performed superior to or at the same level as conventional ML models in all but 1 study. Implementation of mathematical and simulation strategies improved the optimization efficiency when compared to traditional scheduling methods at the operational level. High-performing predictive ML-based models have been developed for TJA, as have mathematical strategies for elective surgical scheduling optimization. By leveraging artificial intelligence for outcome prediction and surgical optimization, there exist greater opportunities for improved resource utilization and cost-savings in TJA than when using traditional modeling and scheduling methods.

The effects of prehabilitation on the functional status of patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty: A Literature Review

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Background&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: Total Joint Arthroplasty (TJA) has been proven as the common procedure for end-stage disease in both hip and knee OA. TJA surgery is usually elective. There is a long waiting time between the diagnosis and the surgery, creating a potential for functional decline during the preoperative period that makes a greater effect of disease severity on postoperative result. Therefore, preoperative management is important in TJA preparation in allowing an opportunity window to improve function in patients waiting for TJA surgery and improve postoperative functional recovery. Preoperative exercise programs, known as prehabilitation, have been studied to improve results, before and after surgery. The implementation of prehabilitation before TJA in the recent literature has been shown has many benefits to improve functional status&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Objective&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;s&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: This literature review sought to assess the effects of prehabilitation on the functional status of patients undergoing TJA.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Method&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;s&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: This review made use of articles obtained through online search on the database of EBSCO, Science Direct, Proquest, and Scopus, with inclusion criteria having full text, published in 2016-2021, and written in English which then matched with certain specific keywords to get the appropriate article.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Results&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: A total of 7 selected articles have been reviewed in accordance with the search objectives and the results are presented in tabular form. The results of the article indicate that the participants in this study consisted of patients who underwent TKA or THA.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Conclusion&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;s&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: Based on a review conducted on selected articles, it was revealed that prehabilitation provides several benefits including increasing muscle strength, increasing ROM, reducing pain, reducing hospital stay duration, and allowing faster physical and functional recovery after TJA surgery.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Prior Authorization in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Survey of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Membership

BackgroundThis study surveyed the impact that prior authorization has on the practices of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) members of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS). MethodsA 24-question survey was approved by the AAHKS Advocacy Committee and distributed to all 2,802 board-certified members of AAHKS. ResultsThere were 353 survey responses (13%). Ninety-five percent of surgeons noted a 5-year increase in prior authorization. A majority (71%) of practices employ at least 1 staff member to exclusively work on prior authorization. Average time spent on prior authorization was 15 h/wk (range, 1 to 125) and average number of claims peer week was 18 (range, 1 to 250). Surgeries (99%) were the most common denial. These were denied because nonoperative treatment had not been tried (71%) or had not been attempted for enough time (67%). Most (57%) prior authorization processes rarely/never changed the treatment provided. Most (56%) indicated that prior authorization rarely/never followed evidence-based guidelines. A majority (93%) expressed high administrative burden as well as negative clinical outcomes (87%) due to prior authorization including delays to access care (96%) at least sometimes. DiscussionPrior authorization has increased in the past 5 years resulting in high administrative burden. Prior authorizations were most common for TJA surgeries because certain nonoperative treatments were not attempted or not attempted for enough time. Surgeons indicated that prior authorization may be detrimental to high-value care and lead to potentially harmful delays in care without ultimately changing the management of the patient.

Hypoalbuminemia Caused by Malnutrition and Total Joint Arthroplasties: A Narrative Review

Background: Albumin is the most abundant soluble protein in plasma, and it is a widely used and low-cost marker for the diagnosis of malnutrition. The serum albumin level below 35 g/L defines hypoalbuminemia. Objective: This review aims to discuss the role of albumin in the body, review hypoalbuminemia associated with postoperative complications in total joint arthroplasty surgeries, and examine the impact of nutritional interventions in malnutrition patients submitted to total joint arthroplasty. Method: This article is a narrative review of the literature. Results: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia has been identified as the only significant predictor for surgical site infection and delayed wound healing after total joint arthroplasty. The postoperative complications related to hypoalbuminemia are infection of the surgical site, pneumonia, length of hospital stay, reintervention, and death. As a result, hypoalbuminemia is also associated with a higher cost of hospitalization for patients. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia and malnutrition are causes of postoperative complications of hip arthroplasty, and the control of these conditions can lead to better results in the postoperative period.