Postoperative Radiographic Assessment of the Vega Posterior-Stabilized TKA

Different biomechanical designs are incorporated into various total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants. The posterior-stabilized prosthesis design utilizes a polyethylene post and femoral cam in place of the posterior cruciate ligament. This produces a more stable component interface, increased range of motion, and potentially a less technical procedure. This study aimed to assess the short-term (>2 year) outcomes associated with the Vega System posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis (Aesculap Implant Systems, Center Valley, Pennsylvania) based on postoperative radiographs using the Knee Society Roentgenographic Evaluation and Scoring System (KSRESS). Thirty-seven TKA patients who had received the Vega posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis and had postoperative radiographs at each follow-up for a minimum of 2 years were enrolled, retrospectively. Two independent observers evaluated the radiographs using KSRESS. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The average age and body mass index of patients enrolled was 67 years (range, 51-89 years) and 38.5 kg/m(2) (range, 21.2-54 kg/m(2)), respectively. Patients had radiographic follow-up for an average of 36 months (range, 24-58 months). Comparison between first and last available postoperative radiographs revealed a stable femoral and tibial interface with no significant change in prosthesis alignment over the follow-up period. Assessment of the short-term survivorship of the Vega posterior-stabilized prosthesis using KSRESS revealed no significant change in alignment after 2 years of follow-up; however, mid- to long-term studies assessing this junction are needed. A future prospective study using KSRESS in combination with clinical follow-up is recommended to allow comparison of the Vega posterior-stabilized to other prostheses. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):S56-S60.].

Economics of All-Polyethylene Versus Metal-Backed Tibial Prosthesis Designs

With the large number of total knee arthroplasties being performed and expectations that these numbers will be on the rise over the coming decades, efforts to provide cost-efficient care are of greater interest. The preferred design of knee arthroplasty implants has changed over time, with the original all-polyethylene tibial (APT) design being replaced by metal-backed tibial (MBT) components, as well as more recent considerations of newer APT designs. Modern APT components have been shown to have similar or superior outcomes than MBT components. Despite their limitations, APT components can be used to reduce the economic burden to the provider, medical institution, and health care system as a whole. There is a paucity of evidence-based literature directly comparing the cost associated with APT and MBT components. The purpose of this report is to review the literature to assess the available data regarding direct and indirect costs of both designs so that orthopedic surgeons can account for economic differences in everyday practice. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):S61-S66.].

Cardiovascular Considerations for Joint Replacement Surgery

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular complications are associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates for patients who undergo orthopaedic surgery. Therefore, the clinical importance of a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and medical clearance is crucial and may substantially improve postoperative outcomes. A thorough knowledge of cardiovascular perioperative planning and management can enable healthcare professionals to identify patients who are potentially at risk for cardiovascular complications, and eventually improve both short- and long-term patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Perioperative Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease mediated by a widespread, chronic, and systematic inflammatory process that causes joint deterioration, which leads to pain, disability, and poor quality of life. The increased use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has been shown to markedly slow disease progression, which has translated into a decrease in the need for orthopaedic intervention in this population. However, in a substantial percentage of patients with the disease, optimal pharmacologic treatment fails and surgical intervention is required. A thorough understanding of medical considerations in these patients and improved knowledge of the medical complications caused by the disease process and the pharmacologic therapy used to treat it may lead to improved preoperative planning and medical clearance, which may ultimately improve the overall postoperative outcome.

Effect of Vitamin D on Joint Replacement Outcomes

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that affects not only bone metabolism and strength but also a variety of musculoskeletal health and surgical outcomes that are relevant to orthopaedic medicine. Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency include sex, age, skin pigmentation, obesity, and preexisting conditions such as nephritic syndrome and malabsorption syndrome. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency is associated with the development of postoperative complications, such as an increased risk of infection, morbidity, and mortality. The standardization of vitamin D terminology as well as a thorough understanding of the medical considerations associated with vitamin D deficiency can improve preoperative planning and clearance, and, ultimately, patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Effect of Smoking on Joint Replacement Outcomes: Opportunities for Improvement Through Preoperative Smoking Cessation

Because orthopaedic surgeons focus on identifying serious potential complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis, during the preoperative assessment, correctable factors, such as smoking, may be overlooked. Chronic exposure to nicotine has been correlated with perioperative complications that lead to worse outcomes, including decreased patient satisfaction, longer hospitalization periods, and an increased rate of hospital readmission. It has been proven that smoking is a negative risk factor for decreased bone mineral density, which leads to increased fracture risk, heightened pain, postoperative wound and bone healing complications, decreased fusion rates, and postoperative tendon and ligament healing complications. Physician-led preoperative smoking cessation programs that include, but are not limited to, pharmacotherapy plans have been shown to improve primary surgical outcomes and smoking cessation rates. Smoking has detrimental effects on specialty-specific physiology; however, there are many effective options for intervention that can improve primary outcomes.

The Growing Gap in Electronic Medical Record Satisfaction Between Clinicians and Information Technology Professionals: Issues of Most Concern and Suggested Remediations

BACKGROUND

With the alarming statistics concerning the quality of national health care, it is hoped that electronic health records (EHRs) will reduce inefficiencies associated with medical delivery and improve patient safety. This study reports the results of a survey that demonstrates a pattern in EHR system implementation that indicates that health-care information technology decisions are based more on the preferences of information technology professionals (ITPs) and hospital administrators than clinicians.

METHODS

We present survey data highlighting the growing discrepancy in EHR-related satisfaction between clinicians and ITPs. We conducted a literature search to identify major barriers that must be overcome to achieve optimal EHR benefits. We summarize our recommendations in order to maximize the favorable impact of EHRs on the health-care system.

RESULTS

The existing gap in postimplementation EHR satisfaction ratings between ITPs and clinicians reveals an underlying systematic problem. Electronic medical record vendors perceive administrators and ITPs as the "buyers" for many EHR systems, and their needs are given higher priority than those of clinicians. This possibly may lead to the lack of clinically optimized EHRs, with systems often presenting as rigid and standardized with a limited exchange of health information.

CONCLUSIONS

EHRs have the potential to become a powerful tool that may improve many processes related to health care, including quality, safety, and economical aspects. The involvement of physicians in every step of the process, from electronic medical record selection to acquisition, implementation, and ongoing optimization, is crucial for enabling the achievement of the medical organization's mission.

Anterior knee pain following primary total knee arthroplasty

Despite improvements in technique and technology for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), anterior knee pain impacts patient outcomes and satisfaction. Addressing the prosthetic and surgical technique related causes of pain after TKA, specifically as it relates to anterior knee pain, can aid surgeons in addressing these issues with their patients. Design features of the femoral and patellar components which have been reported as pain generators include: Improper femoral as well as patellar component sizing or designs that result in patellofemoral stuffing; a shortened trochlear groove distance from the flange to the intercondylar box; and then surgical technique related issues resulting in: Lateral patellar facet syndrome; overstuffed patella/flange combination; asymmetric patellar resurfacing, improper transverse plane component rotation resulting in patellar subluxation/tilt. Any design consideration that allows impingement of extensor mechanism anatomical elements has the possibility of impacting outcome by becoming a pain generator. As the number of TKA procedures continues to increase, it is increasingly critical to develop improved, evidence based prostheses that maximize function and patient satisfaction while minimizing pain and other complications.

Caring for the surgically anxious patient: a review of the interventions and a guide to optimizing surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Preoperative surgical anxiety is an unpleasant and common reaction exhibited by patients who are scheduled for surgical procedures. Beyond emotional effects on the patient, it can also have negative repercussions on the surgery including longer hospital stays and poorer outcomes. Given the widespread impacts of preoperative anxiety, it is critical for surgeons to gain a better understanding of how to identify and reduce surgical anxiety in their patients.

DATA SOURCES

This study used the PubMed database to review the current literature to evaluate screening tools and interventions for surgically anxious patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric anxiety surveys are currently the most appropriate form of assessment for surgical anxiety. Patient education is important for preventing and reducing anxiety levels in patients. Both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing patient anxiety and treatment should be based on patient preference, resources available, and the surgeon's experience.

Renal and Gastrointestinal Considerations in Joint Replacement Surgery

Renal and gastrointestinal diseases affect a significant portion of the general population. The process of decision making regarding surgical clearance and pre-operative management of the various complexities and medical conditions associated with these diseases hence becomes crucial. To optimize postoperative outcomes, the considerations for the care of this patient population revolve around effective management of hemostasis and electrolyte status. This subset of conditions is uniquely important with regard to the negative impact of improper administration of medications and perioperative care on patients' prognoses. A thorough understanding and knowledge of standards of care and treatment guidelines for patients with renal dysfunction and gastrointestinal disease assures comprehensive preoperative planning and surgical clearance. This may ultimately lead to improvement of surgical outcomes and potential decrease in postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Impact of Age, Gender and Anesthesia Modality on Post-Operative Pain in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients

BACKGROUND

Optimizing pain control following total knee arthroplasty is of utmost importance to the immediate post-operative course. Various anesthesia modalities are available, but studies comparing multiple anesthesia modalities, patient age, and sex are limited.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to examine the impact of patient age, gender, and perioperative anesthesia modality on postoperative pain following primary total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

443 patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty by 14 surgeons with some combination of general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, femoral nerve block, and intrathecal morphine were identified. Anesthesia route and type, length of surgery, post-operative patient-reported pain measures using the Visual Analog Scale, opioid consumption, and length of hospital stay were recorded for each patient and used to compare differences among study groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences were noted between anesthesia groups with regards to postoperative pain or length of hospital stay. Patients receiving spinal anesthesia and femoral nerve block without intrathecal morphine were significantly older than other groups. Patients receiving general anesthesia required significantly more daily intravenous morphine equivalents than patients receiving spinal anesthesia. Patients receiving spinal anesthesia with femoral nerve block and intrathecal morphine consumed the least amount of morphine equivalents. When comparing males and females among all groups, females had significantly higher pain ratings between 24-36 and 24-48 hours postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Although no significant differences were noted on pain scores, patients who received spinal anesthesia with intrathecal morphine and femoral nerve block used less narcotic pain medication than any other group. Females reported significantly higher pain between 24-48 hours post-op compared with males but not significantly greater anesthetic usage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Therapeutic Study, (Retrospective Comparative study).