Veterans RAND Research Articles

Carboplasty, a Minimally Invasive Procedure for Knee Osteoarthritis: Surgical Technique and Clinical Evidence

Knee osteoarthritis affects ~16% of adults in the world and is considered one of the most incapacitating diseases. Despite the advances in scientific knowledge and biological treatments in the field of orthopedics, available nonsurgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis are limited and still ineffective in delaying or stopping the progression of arthritis. Biologics such as platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, and progenitor cells have emerged as potential treatments for osteoarthritis; however, the results are still not as expected. Carboplasty is a new treatment that involves the application of bone marrow aspirate into the bone-cartilage interface and intra-articularly, with the intention of stopping the progression of osteoarthritis and delaying the need for total knee replacement. By applying bone marrow directly in the bone-cartilage interface, the communication between subchondral bone and articular cartilage may be reestablished, promoting the delivery of nutrients to the cartilage, and it is hoped that preserving, regenerating, and restoring knee cartilage. Thirteen patients with knee osteoarthritis underwent carboplasty. Patients showed a statistically significant improvement in the Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey, the visual analog scale for knee pain, the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement at 3 and 6 months postprocedure. No adverse events were reported during the follow-up. Carboplasty is promising and worthy of further research.

Outcomes of Biceps Tenodesis Variations With Concomitant Rotator Cuff Repair: A Multicenter Database Analysis.

Studies to date comparing biceps tenodesis methods in the setting of concomitant rotator cuff repair (RCR) have demonstrated relatively equivalent pain and functional outcomes. To compare biceps tenodesis constructs, locations, and techniques in patients who underwent RCR using a large multicenter database. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A global outcome database was queried for patients with medium- and large-sized tears who underwent biceps tenodesis with RCR between 2015 and 2021. Patients ≥18 years of age with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, visual analog scale for pain, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) scores were compared at 1 and 2 years of follow-up based on construct (anchor, screw, or suture), location (subpectoral, suprapectoral, or top of groove), and technique (inlay or onlay). Nonparametric hypothesis testing was used to compare continuous outcomes at each time point. The proportion of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) at the 1- and 2-year follow-ups were compared between groups using chi-square tests. A total of 1903 unique shoulder entries were analyzed. Improvement in VR-12 Mental score favored anchor and suture fixations at 1 year of follow-up (P = .042) and the onlay tenodesis technique at 2 years of follow-up (P = .029). No additional tenodesis comparisons demonstrated statistical significance. The proportion of patients with improvement exceeding the MCID did not differ based on tenodesis methods for any outcome score assessed at the 1- or 2-year follow-up. Biceps tenodesis with concomitant RCR led to improved outcomes regardless of tenodesis fixation construct, location, or technique. A clear optimal tenodesis method with RCR remains to be determined. Surgeon preference and experience with various tenodesis methods as well as patient clinical presentation should continue to guide surgical decision-making.

The Role of Severe Lateral Facet Patellar Osteoarthritis in Patient Selection for Success of a Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Mean Follow-Up of 10 Years

BackgroundLateral facet patellar osteoarthritis (LFPOA) has been reported as a contraindication for medial unicompartmental (UKA). The purpose of this paper was to determine if severe LFPOA was related to lower survivorship and patient-reported outcomes following medial UKA. MethodsA total of 170 medial UKAs were performed. Severe LFPOA was defined as Outerbridge grade 3 to 4 damage on the lateral facet cartilage surfaces of the patella as noted intraoperatively. There were 122 of 170 patients (72%) who had noLFPOA and 48 of 170 patients (28%) who had had severe LFPOA. A routine patelloplasty was performed in all patients. Patients completed the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) Mental Component Score (MCS) and Physical Component Score (PCS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Knee Society Score. ResultsThere were 4 patients in the noLFPOA group who required total knee arthroplasty and 2 in the LFPOA group. There was no significant difference in mean survival time: noLFPOA = 17.2 years [95% confidence interval (CI): 17 to 18] and LFPOA = 18.0 years [95% CI: 17 to 19] (P = .94). At mean follow-up of 10 years, there were no significant differences in knee flexion or extension. Patello-femoral crepitus without pain was noted in 7 patients who had LFPOA and 21 patients who had noLFPOA. There were no significant differences in VR-12 MCS, PCS, KOOS subscales, or Knee Society Score between groups. Patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) was achieved in 80% (90 of 112) for KOOS ADL in the noLFPOA group and 82% (36 of 44) in the LFPOA group (P = .68). PASS was achieved in 82% (92 of 112) for KOOS Sport in the noLFPOA group and 82% (36/44) in the LFPOA group (P = .87). ConclusionAt a mean of 10 years, patients who had LFPOA had equivalent survivorship and functional outcomes to patients who did not have LFPOA. These long-term results suggest that asymptomatic grade 3 or 4 LFPOA is not a contraindication to medial UKA.

98 Care Discontinuity in Burn Patients: Does it Impact Long-Term Outcomes?

Abstract Introduction Care discontinuity, or the care that is provided by disparate healthcare professionals when patients are readmitted to a hospital different than their original admission (non-index hospital), has been associated with worse outcomes among surgical patients. However, little is known about its effect on burn patients. Our aim was to determine the impact of care discontinuity on long-term outcomes in a national sample of burn patients. Methods The longitudinal Burn Model System National Database was queried from 1996 to 2021. All adult burn patients from participating sites were included. Care discontinuity was defined by having therapy or burn-related surgeries at non-index hospitals. The main outcomes were the physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health component summary scores of the Veterans RAND 12 (VR-12) score at 6 and 12 months after injury. Multivariable regression was used to examine the association between care discontinuity and long-term outcomes, adjusting for patient characteristics and burn injury severity. Results A total of 1,866 burn patients were included. Mean age was 43.36 (SD 15.85) years, 73% were male and 76% were white. Mean PCS scores were 43.56 (SD 10.95) and 45.17 (SD 11.18); and mean MCS scores were 48.00 (SD 12.60) and 48.25 (SD 12.55) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Care discontinuity was reported in 423 (22.6%) burn patients, who reported having therapy or burn-related surgeries at a non-index hospital. In adjusted analyses, care discontinuity was associated with worse PCS at both 6 months (Coefficient -2.18, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] -3.44 – -0.91, p=0.001), and 12 months (Coefficient -2.16, 95% CI -3.50 – -0.82, p=0.002), compared to patients having therapy/surgery at index hospitals. Care discontinuity was not associated with MCS scores at 6 (Coefficient 0.54, 95% CI -0.04 – 2.03, p=0.473) and 12 months (Coefficient -0.90, 95% CI -2.49 – -0.67, p=0.262). Conclusions Care discontinuity was significantly associated with lower physical health component scores at long-term follow up, but not with mental health component scores. Future studies should focus on developing strategies to ensure continuity of care and/or identifying out of system patients to provide targeted resources. Applicability of Research to Practice Understanding the implications of care fragmentation on longitudinal outcomes may help clinicians develop strategies to ensure care continuity and consequently better outcomes.

113 Impact of State Labor and Industry Benefits on Quality-Adjusted Life-Years Among Working Burn-Injured Adults

Abstract Introduction State labor and industry benefits (L&I) include workers’ compensation, wage replacement, vocational rehabilitation (VcR), workplace accommodations, job retraining, and labor protections. These vital services are not available to working adults injured outside their workplaces. We aimed to examine the impact of L&I on quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) lost among working adults with burn injury. Methods Burn Model System National Database was queried for adult participants who self-identified as worker, volunteer, or caretaker and who answered the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) at discharge (pre-injury recall) and 6-, 12- and 24-month post-injury. Participants were stratified into those with and without L&I and compared using independent samples t-test and Chi-squared test. Primary outcome, QALYs lost, was calculated by transforming VR-12 responses to SF-6D (SF-12) utility values. Mixed effects linear regression modeling was used to assess the impact of L&I on utility values over a 2-year period post-injury. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, substance use, chronic medical conditions, burn size, hand injury, inhalation injury, and number of surgeries. Results 495 participants were analyzed (90 with L&I, 405 without L&I). Males accounted for 87% of L&I beneficiaries and 72% of those without L&I (p=0.001). No significant difference was seen in the other covariates. Mean utility values were 0.73 for L&I beneficiaries and 0.73 for those without L&I (p=0.99) pre-injury and were significantly lower for both groups at each timepoint post-injury (Figure 1). Greater utility value loss was seen in those with L&I compared to those without L&I at 6-month (p< =0.07), 12-month (p=0.02), and 24-month (p=0.03). During the 2 years post-injury, L&I beneficiaries lost 0.26 QALY and those without L&I lost 0.18 QALY (p=0.03). Conclusions All working adults experienced a drop in utility values post-injury. Those who received L&I benefits lost more QALYs than their non-L&I peers. These findings are consistent with investigations among working adults with non-burn upper extremity and back injuries, suggesting there is opportunity to improve the delivery of L&I benefits and VcR for all injured workers. Applicability of Research to Practice Current L&I benefits and VcR services for working adults with burn injury may not meet their needs. To actualize the benefits of VcR service delivery, the intensity of interventions should be more tailored to person-specific needs, risks of complicated return-to-work and recovery journeys.

118 Outcomes of Amputation Following Electrical Burn Injuries: A Five-Year Follow-Up

Abstract Introduction Studies have acknowledged the prevalence of amputation in patients with electrical burns; however, the exact probability of amputation as a result of electrical injuries and the effect of amputation on the long-term health remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze electrical burn survivors with amputation using a large multi-center database and assess their corresponding long-term physical and mental health, compared with a non-electrical burn population with amputation. Methods Retrospective reviews of burn patients from 1993 to 2021 were performed using the Burn Model System National Database, that yielded 408 patients with electrical etiology and 6341 with non-electrical etiology. The variables for analysis included the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29, collected at discharge, six months, 12 months, 24 months, and five years post-burn. Results Electrical burn patients showed a higher amputation rate (30.3%) than non-electrical burn patients (6.6%) (p < 0.0001). Electrical burn patients with amputation showed significantly lower physical component scores (PCS=34.1) and physical function scores (PFS=37.1) at discharge than electrical burn patients without amputation (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in mental component scores, anxiety, depression, sleep, or fatigue between patients regardless of burn type or amputation. Electrical burn patients experienced similar post-injury trends compared with non-electrical burn patients. Non-electrical burn survivors with amputation had the worst outcomes of all patient groups. The Hispanic population comprised the largest percentage of the electrical burn group (80%). Conclusions This study shows that patients with amputation need extra attention to their physical impairment at discharge. Early rehabilitation in electrical burn patients with amputation should be emphasized. Non-electrical burn survivors with amputation need the most support from both physical and psychological perspectives. This study like many others supports that regardless of burn etiology, all burn survivors require psychological support at discharge. The study also accentuates the need for better electrical injury prevention and rehabilitation program for those who speak Spanish. Applicability of Research to Practice More intensive and comprehensive interventions for electrical burn survivors with amputation in the earlier stages of rehabilitation can help ensure better long-term physical, psychological, and social outcomes. In contrast, rehabilitation plans for patients with non-electrical burns with amputation should concentrate more on the long-term management for up to a minimum of two years post injury, as these patients face significantly longer and severe difficulties than electrical burns patients with and without amputation.

Resolution of Sleep Disturbance and Improved Functional Outcomes After Rotator Cuff Repair

Background: Most patients experience sleep disturbances before rotator cuff repair, with these symptoms largely improving postoperatively. However, the relationship between the resolution or persistence of sleep disturbance and patient-reported outcomes after rotator cuff repair remains unknown. Purpose: To compare outcomes after rotator cuff repair between patients who reported a preoperative sleep disturbance and those who did not. Outcomes at various time points after surgery were also assessed in relation to the persistence or resolution of sleep disturbance. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients undergoing primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a tertiary academic center were prospectively enrolled in a registry database. Patient characteristics were obtained preoperatively and validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were obtained pre- and postoperatively, including the visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Simple Shoulder Test, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey Physical and Mental components. Sleep disturbance was evaluated via responses to Simple Shoulder Test question 2. Patients with and without sleep disturbance were compared before and after surgery. Results: In total, 293 patients were prospectively enrolled. A total of 262 (89.8%) patients reported a sleep disturbance preoperatively. Of these, 221 (84.4%) reported a resolution of sleep disturbance by 2 years postoperatively. After adjustment for age, workers’ compensation status, and Cofield tear size, patients with a preoperative sleep disturbance reported significantly worse baseline PROMs, apart from the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey Mental component, before surgery. However, postoperatively, these patients had greater improvement in PROMs, and no significant remaining differences were seen at follow-up between patients with and without preoperative sleep disturbance. Among patients who reported a preoperative sleep disturbance, those whose symptoms resolved postoperatively had superior PROM scores as well as significantly greater improvements from preoperative baseline values compared with patients with persistent sleep disturbances after surgery. Conclusion: Patients with preoperative sleep disturbances reported worse baseline functional scores before rotator cuff repair compared with patients without sleep disturbance. These disturbances largely resolved after surgery, with postoperative outcomes comparable with those of patients who reported no preoperative sleep concerns. Patients whose sleep disturbances resolved postoperatively also reported superior PROM scores compared with patients whose sleep disturbances persisted postoperatively.

Utilizing psoas muscle cross-sectional area to predict functional outcome

Background This study evaluated psoas muscle area (PMA) as a predictor of frailty and functional outcome in trauma patients. Methods The cohort included 211 trauma patients admitted to an urban level I trauma center from March 2012 to May 2014 who consented to participate in a longitudinal study and underwent abdominal-pelvic computed tomography scans during their initial evaluation. Physical component scores (PCS) of the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey were administered to assess physical functionality at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. PMA in mm2 and Hounsfield units was calculated using the Centricity PACS system. Statistical models were stratified by injury severity score (ISS), <15 or ≥15, and adjusted for age, sex, and baseline PCS. Follow-up PCS were analyzed using general linear regression models. Results For participants with an ISS <15, increased PMA was significantly associated with higher PCS at 3 (P = 0.008), 6 (P = 0.02), and 12 months (P = 0.002), although this relationship was not statistically significant for ISS ≥15 (P = 0.85, 0.66, 0.61). Conclusion For mild to moderately injured (but not seriously injured) patients, those with larger psoas muscles experience better functional outcomes after injury.

A Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Preoperative Nickel Allergy Receiving Cobalt Chromium or Nickel-Free Implant

BackgroundThe role of metal hypersensitivity reactions in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) failure is debated. There is no consensus on whether use of a more expensive nickel-free implant is indicated for patients who have preoperative nickel allergy. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome of patients who have preoperative nickel allergy receiving nickel-free or cobalt chromium (CoCr) implants. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of 17,798 patients who underwent 20,324 unilateral primary TKAs between 2016 and 2020. Presence of preoperative nickel allergy was determined (n = 282). Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: those receiving (1) nickel-free or (2) CoCr implants. Clinical outcome scores and revision rates were assessed. Results243 received a nickel-free implant and 39 received a CoCr implant. There was no significant difference in revision rate between the cohorts. Survivorship free of revision was 94% in the CoCr implant cohort and 98% in the nickel-free implant cohort (P = .9). When comparing clinical outcome scores between cohorts, there was no difference in preoperative, 6-week or 1-year Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Lower Extremity Activity Scale, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), and Veterans RAND 12-item scores between cohorts. ConclusionIn this retrospective cohort study, there was no difference in revision rates or clinical outcomes in patients who had a nickel allergy undergoing primary TKA with CoCr or nickel-free implants. Further studies are needed to determine if nickel allergy is an independent risk factor for worse TKA outcomes in general.

Health measurement instruments and their applicability to military veterans: a systematic review

IntroductionAccurate measurement of health status is essential to assess veterans’ needs and the effects of interventions directed at improving veterans’ well-being. We conducted a systematic review to identify instruments that...

Low resilience is associated with decreased patient-reported outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between preoperative resiliency and outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). The hypothesis was that patients with low preoperative resilience would have poorer postoperative patient reported outcomes compared to patients with high preoperative resilience following ARCR. <h3>Methods</h3> Eighty-one consecutive patients undergoing ARCR over a 1 year period at a single institution were prospectively evaluated. Baseline evaluation included a Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), range of motion, and the following patient-reported outcomes (PROs): visual analog scale pain (VAS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) tests. PROs and range of motion were reassessed at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Patients were divided based on the baseline BRS score into low-resilience (LR), normal-resilience (NR), and high-resilience (HR), and outcome scores were calculated for each group. Additionally, a regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of the final ASES score as a continuous variable. <h3>Results</h3> Despite similar baseline characteristics and postoperative range of motion and VAS scores, patients with LR had poorer postoperative ASES scores compared to patients with HR. The postoperative ASES score was 69 in the LR group, compared to 90 in the HR group (p =.031). Satisfaction was 78% in the LR group, compared to 100% in the HR group (p =.086). Based on regression analysis, the final ASES score increased 1.6 points for every 1-point increase in resilience. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Preoperative low resilience is associated with an over 20-point drop in postoperative ASES scores following ARCR. This difference is present despite similar baseline characteristics, suggesting the psychological contribution to postoperative outcomes is substantial.

Minimum 5-Year Clinical Outcomes and Survivorship for a Single Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty System Using Hybrid Fixation and Press-Fit Stems

BackgroundHybrid fixation, utilizing diaphyseal press-fit stems and cement fixation in the tibial and femoral metaphyseal areas, has long been a strategy for revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survivorships of hybrid fixation using a single rTKA revision system with a minimum of 5 years follow-up. MethodsWe reviewed our prospectively collected database to identify 281 patients who underwent rTKA using a single revision system with hybrid fixation and press-fit stems between July 2006 and August 2016. We reviewed the clinical outcome scores, including the Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index, and Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey. We also evaluated the 5 and 10-year survivorships and the indications for reoperations. The cohort had a mean age of 70 years (range, 45.2 to 92.0) and a mean body mass index of 33.4 (range, 17.3 to 55.8). The mean time from rTKA surgery was 11.1 years (range, 5.3 to 15.5). ResultsPaired t-test analyses showed significant improvements from preoperative versus postoperative clinical outcome scores (P < .001) for Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis, and Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey Physical component. Prosthetic joint infections after index rTKA were the most common failure mode with 29 patients requiring reoperations. Rerevision due to aseptic loosening was uncommon (6 patients) with a cumulative survival rate of 95.2% at 5 years and 94.2% at 10 years. ConclusionThe use of this single rTKA system utilizing press fit stems combined with hybrid fixation provided significant improvements in the clinical outcomes and excellent survivorships at 5 and 10 years.

Interpositional scaffold anchor rotator cuff footprint tear repair: excellent survival, healing, and early outcomes.

Shoulder function limitation duration after a full-thickness rotator cuff tendon (RCT) tear may influence post-repair healing and outcomes. A suture anchor was developed to improve footprint repair fixation and healing through biological fluid delivery and scaffold augmentation. The primary multicenter study objective was to evaluate RCT repair failure rate based on 6-month MRI examination, and device survival at 1-year follow-up. The secondary objective was to compare the clinical outcomes of subjects with shorter- and longer-term shoulder function limitation duration. Seventy-one subjects (46 men) with moderate-to-large RCT tears (1.5-4cm), at a median 61years of age (range = 40-76), participated in this study. Pre-repair RCT tear location/size and 6-month healing status were confirmed by an independent radiologist. Subjects with shorter- (Group 1: 17.8 ± 21days, n = 37) and longer-term (Group 2: 185.4 ± 89days, n = 34) shoulder function limitation durations were also compared over 1year for active mobility, strength, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's Shoulder Score (ASES score), Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) pain and instability scores. Three of the 52 subjects [5.8%] who underwent 6-month MRI experienced a re-tear at the original RCT footprint repair site. By the 1-year follow-up, overall anchor survival was 97%. Although Group 2 displayed lower ASES and VR-12 scores pre-repair (ASES = 40.1 ± 17 vs. 47.9 ± 17; VR-12 physical health (PH) = 37.2 ± 9 vs. 41.4 ± 8) (p ≤ 0.048), at 3-month post-RCT repair (ASES = 61.3 ± 19 vs. 71.3 ± 20; VR-12 PH = 40.8 ± 8 vs. 46.8 ± 9) (p ≤ 0.038), and at 6-month post-RCT repair (ASES = 77.4 ± 18 vs. 87.8 ± 13; VR-12 PH = 48.9 ± 11 vs. 54.0 ± 9) (p ≤ 0.045), by 1-year post-RCT repair, groups did not differ (n.s.). Between-groups VR-12 mental health score differences were not evident at any time period (n.s.). Shoulder pain and instability VAS scores also did not differ (n.s.), displaying comparable improvement between groups from pre-RCT repair to 1-year post-RCT repair. Groups had comparable active shoulder mobility and strength recovery at each follow-up (n.s.). At 6-month post-RCT repair, only 3/52 of patients [5.8%] had a footprint re-tear, and at 1-year follow-up, overall anchor survival was 97%. Use of this scaffold anchor was associated with excellent early clinical outcomes regardless of shoulder function impairment duration. II.

Establishing Minimum Clinically Important Difference Thresholds for Physical Function and Pain in Patients Undergoing Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

To establish minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) for the physical function patient-reported outcome measures, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS-PF), 12-Item Short Form (SF-12) physical component score (PCS), Veterans RAND 12 (VR-12) PCS, and pain patient-reported outcome measures visual analog scale (VAS) back and VAS leg through anchor- and distribution-based calculations. Patients undergoing ALIF with preoperative and 6-month Oswestry Disability Index were included. Using Oswestry Disability Index as the anchor, anchor-based calculation methods were the average change, minimum detectable change, and receiver operating characteristic curve methods. Distribution-based methods were the standard error of measurement, reliable change index, effect size, and half of the standard deviation (0.5ΔSD). Fifty-one patients were identified. Anchor-based methods ranged from 2.9 to 11.5 for PROMIS-PF, 8.2-13.6 for SF-12 PCS, 7.8-16.8 for VR-12 PCS, 0.5-3.9 for VAS back, and 1.0-3.4 for VAS leg. The area under curve ranged from 0.59 (VAS back) to 0.78 (VR-12 PCS). Distribution-based methods ranged from 1.0 to 4.2 for PROMIS-PF, 1.8-12.2 for SF-12 PCS, 1.9-6.2 for VR-12 PCS, 0.4-1.6 for VAS back, and 0.5-1.7 for VAS leg. The MCID values greatly relied on the calculation method. The minimum detectable change method was selected as the most appropriate MCID calculation method. The MCID values that may be utilized for ALIF patients are 7.3 for PROMIS-PF, 8.2 for SF-12 PCS, 7.8 for VR-12 PCS, 3.2 for VAS back, and 2.2 for VAS leg.

Less groin pain with dual-mobility bearings versus fixed bearings in total hip arthroplasty.

The relationship between implant type, dual mobility (DM) or fixed bearing (FB), and postoperative groin pain remains unexplored. We examined the incidence of groin pain in DM implants and compare this to a cohort of FB THA patients. From 2006 to 2018, a single surgeon performed 875 DM THA and 856 FB THA procedures with 2.8-year and 3.1-year follow-up, respectively. Each patient received a questionnaire postoperatively and was asked if they had any groin pain (yes/no). Secondary measurements were implant characteristics such as head size, head offset, cup size, and cup-to-head ratio. Additional PROMs that were collected included: Veterans RAND 12 (VR-12), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, Pain visual analogue scale (Pain VAS), and range of motion (ROM). The incidence of groin pain was 2.3% in the DM THA cohort and 6.3% in the FB THA group (p < 0.001). Also, low head offset (⩽0 mm) had a significant odds ratio (1.61) for groin pain in both cohorts. There was no significant difference in terms of revision rate between the cohorts (2.5% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.39) at the latest follow up. This study demonstrated a lower incidence of groin pain (2.3%) in patients with a DM bearing compared to a FB (6.3%) and a greater risk of groin pain with low head offset (<0 mm). As such, surgeons should try to recreate offset of the hip compared to the contralateral side to avoid groin pain.

Validation of an Adapted Version of the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey for Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care Homes.

The Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) is a generic patient-reported outcome measure of physical and mental health status. An adapted version of the VR-12 was developed for use with older adults living in long-term residential care (LTRC) homes in Canada: VR-12 (LTRC-C). This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric validity of the VR-12 (LTRC-C). Data for this validation study were collected via in-person interviews for a province-wide survey of adults living in LTRC homes across British Columbia (N = 8,657). Three analyses were conducted to evaluate validity and reliability: (1) confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to validate the measurement structure; (2) correlations with measures of depression, social engagement, and daily activities were examined to evaluate convergent and discriminant validity; and (3) Cronbach's alpha (r) statistics were obtained to evaluate internal consistency reliability. A measurement model with 2 correlated latent factors (representing physical health and mental health), 4 cross-loadings, and 4 correlated items resulted in an acceptable fit (root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.07; comparative fit index = 0.98). Physical and mental health were correlated in expected directions with measures of depression, social engagement, and daily activities, though the magnitudes of the correlations were quite small. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable for physical and mental health (r > 0.70). This study supports the use of the VR-12 (LTRC-C) to measure perceived physical and mental health among older adults living in LTRC homes.

Prospective Randomized Trial of Biologic Augmentation With Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Background: Although initial studies have demonstrated that concentrated bone marrow aspirate (cBMA) injections promote rotator cuff repair (RCR) healing, there are no randomized prospective studies investigating clinical efficacy. Hypothesis/Purpose: To compare outcomes after arthroscopic RCR (aRCR) with and without cBMA augmentation. It was hypothesized that cBMA augmentation would result in statistically significant improvements in clinical outcomes and rotator cuff structural integrity. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Patients indicated for aRCR of isolated 1- to 3-cm supraspinatus tendon tears were randomized to receive adjunctive cBMA injection or sham incision. Bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crest, concentrated using a commercially available system, and injected at the aRCR site after repair. Patients were assessed preoperatively and serially until 2 years postoperatively via the following functional indices: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Simple Shoulder Test, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 1 year to assess rotator cuff structural integrity according to Sugaya classification. Treatment failure was defined as decreased 1- or 2-year ASES or SANE scores as compared with preoperative baseline, the need for revision RCR, or conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty. Results: An overall 91 patients were enrolled (control, n = 45; cBMA, n = 46): 82 (90%) completed 2-year clinical follow-up and 75 (82%) completed 1-year MRI. Functional indices significantly improved in both groups by 6 months and were sustained at 1 and 2 years (all P < .05). The control group showed significantly greater evidence of rotator cuff retear according to Sugaya classification on 1-year MRI (57% vs 18%; P < .001). Treatment failed for 7 patients in each group (control, 16%; cBMA, 15%). Conclusion: cBMA-augmented aRCR of isolated supraspinatus tendon tears may result in a structurally superior repair but largely fails to significantly improve treatment failure rates and patient-reported clinical outcomes when compared with aRCR alone. Additional study is warranted to investigate the long-term benefits of improved repair quality on clinical outcomes and repair failure rates. Registration: NCT02484950 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Eliminating Food Insecurity in the USA: a Target Trial Emulation Using Observational Data to Estimate Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life.

Food insecurity is associated with many aspects of poor health. However, trials of food insecurity interventions typically focus on outcomes of interest to funders, such as healthcare use, cost, or clinical performance metrics, rather than quality of life outcomes that may be prioritized by individuals who experience food insecurity. To emulate a trial of a food insecurity elimination intervention, and quantify its estimated effects on health utility, health-related quality of life, and mental health. Target trial emulation using longitudinal, nationally representative data, from the USA, 2016-2017. A total of 2013 adults in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey screened positive for food insecurity, representing 32 million individuals. Food insecurity was assessed usingthe Adult Food Security Survey Module. The primary outcome was the SF-6D (Short-Form Six Dimension) measure of health utility. Secondary outcomes were mental component score (MCS) and physical component score (PCS) of the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (a measure of health-related quality of life), Kessler 6 (K6) psychological distress, and Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item (PHQ2) depressive symptoms. We estimated that food insecurity elimination would improve health utility by 80 QALYs per 100,000 person-years, or 0.008 QALYs per person per year (95% CI 0.002 to 0.014, p = 0.005), relative to the status quo. We also estimated that food insecurity elimination would improve mental health (difference in MCS [95% CI]: 0.55 [0.14 to 0.96]), physical health (difference in PCS: 0.44 [0.06 to 0.82]), psychological distress (difference in K6: -0.30 [-0.51 to -0.09]), and depressive symptoms (difference in PHQ-2: -0.13 [-0.20 to -0.07]). Food insecurity elimination may improve important, but understudied, aspects of health. Evaluations of food insecurity interventions should holistically investigate their potential to improve many different aspects of health.

Patellar Component Design Does Not Impact Clinical Outcomes in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundRound or oval implants are used in patellar resurfacing during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, whether component geometry affects clinical outcomes is unclear. This study aimed to determine if one implant shape conferred superior outcomes to the other. MethodsA retrospective review of primary TKA cases performed from 2016 to 2020 was conducted at an urban, tertiary academic center. Four hundred consecutive, primary TKAs were included in these analyses. Cases were included if a surgeon used the round design then oval design for fifty consecutive cases. Baseline demographic data and radiographic measurements were assessed. Surgical data, reasons for revision, and patient-reported outcome measures were analyzed. Independent samples t-test and chi-square tests were used to compare means and proportions. There were no demographic differences between the cohorts. ResultsPostoperative patellar tilt was statistically different between the cohorts. Sixteen patients required revision surgery; however, revision rates did not differ between the cohorts. Of the 9 rounds, 1 button was revised for infection. Of the 7 ovals, 1 button was revised for infection and 1 for loosening. Veterans RAND 12 Physical Component Score at 3 months postoperatively was higher for the round cohort, but no differences were observed at 1 year. ConclusionWhile radiographic patellar tilt was significantly different between the cohorts, there was no clinical correlation in outcomes at 3 months or 1 year postoperatively. Longer-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the implications of patellar component design on outcomes and function. Nevertheless, the current study affirms that both designs are clinically equivalent which should be used to guide clinical decision-making. Level III evidenceRetrospective Cohort.

Complications, Implant Survivorships, and Functional Outcomes of Conversion Total Knee Arthroplasty With Prior Hardware

BackgroundEnd-stage knee osteoarthritis with retained periarticular hardware is a frequent scenario. Conversion total knee arthroplasty (TKA) leads to excellent outcomes, but poses unique challenges. The evidence supporting retention versus removal of hardware during TKA is controversial. MethodsPatients who underwent TKA with prior hardware between January 2009 and December 2019 were identified. A total of 148 patients underwent TKA with prior hardware. The mean follow-up was 60 months (range, 24-223). Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to study correlations among factors and surgical-related complications, prosthesis failures, and functional outcomes. ResultsThe complication rate was 28 of 148 (18.9%). The use of a quadriceps snips in addition to a medial parapatellar arthrotomy was associated with a higher complication (odds ratio: 20.7, P < .05), implant failures (odds ratio: 13.9, P < .05), and lower the Veterans Rand 12 Mental Score (VR-12 MS) (−14.8, P < .05). Hardware removal versus retention and use of single versus multiple incisions were not associated with complications or prosthesis failures. Removal of all hardware was associated with significantly higher (+7.3, P < .05) VR-12 MS compared to retention of all hardware. ConclusionsTKA with prior hardware was associated with more complications, implant failures, and lower VR-12 MS when a more constrained construct or quadriceps snip was performed. This probably reflects the level of difficulty of the procedure rather than the surgical approach used. Hardware removal or retention was not associated with complications or implant failures; however, removal rather than retention of all prior hardware is associated with increased general health outcomes. Level of evidenceIV, cohort without control.