No Difference in Major Complication and Readmission Rates Following Simultaneous Bilateral vs Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty

Simultaneous Versus Staged Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Matched Cohort Analysis of Revenue and Contribution Margin

BACKGROUND

Though previous studies have demonstrated improved cost benefits associated with simultaneous versus staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (simBTHA and staBTHA), further investigation is needed regarding the revenues and contribution margins (CMs) of these procedures. In this study, we compared revenue, CM, and surgical outcomes between simBTHA and staBTHA.

METHODS

All patients who underwent simBTHA (both procedures completed the same day) and staBTHA (procedures completed on different days within one year) between 2011 and 2021 at a single high-volume orthopedic specialty hospital were identified. Of the 1,517 identified patients (n = 139 simBTHA, n = 1,378 staBTHA), 232 were included in a 1:1 propensity match based on baseline demographics (116 per cohort). Revenue, costs, CM, and surgical outcomes were compared between cohorts.

RESULTS

Compared to staBTHA, simBTHA procedures had significantly lower total costs (P < .001), direct costs (P < .001), and patient revenue. There was no significant difference in CM between groups (P = .361). Additionally, there were no significant differences in length of stay (P = .173), operative time (P = .438), 90-day readmissions (P = .701), 90-day revisions (P = .313), or all-cause revisions (P = .701) between cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Though simBTHA procedures have lower revenues than staBTHA, they also have lower costs, resulting in similar CM between procedures. As both procedures have similar postoperative complication rates, further research is required to evaluate specifically which patients may benefit from simBTHA versus staBTHA regarding clinical and patient-reported outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Simultaneous vs staged bilateral hip arthroplasty: monocentric analysis of satisfaction rate and complications

PURPOSE

Interest in bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been increasing over the past decade. This study aims to compare postoperative local and systemic complications, hospital readmissions, and satisfaction assessment in patients undergoing simultaneous versus staged bilateral THA.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted among patients who underwent simultaneous or staged bilateral THA between 2017 and 2020. Data on perioperative parameters, local and systemic complications, and 30-day hospital readmissions were collected. Patient satisfaction was assessed using Forgotten Joint Score (FJS). The comparison of continuous variables with normal distribution of variance was performed by ANOVA; for variables with abnormal distribution, the nonparametric test Mann-Whitney U was adopted. The distribution of dichotomous variables was analyzed by chi-square test, and statistical significance was calculated by Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

The study included 199 patients, of whom 156 underwent staged and 43 simultaneous bilateral THA. A total of 44 patients developed complications (21 systemics, 12 locals, and 20 postoperative anemia). There were no significant differences regarding local (simultaneous 5% vs. staged 6%; p = 0.999) or systemic complications (simultaneous 14% vs. staged 10%; p = 0.408). Only the incidence of postoperative anemia was significantly higher in simultaneous group compared with staged group (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in FJS between the two groups (p = 0.258).

CONCLUSION

No differences in local or systemic complications nor readmission rates were observed following simultaneous or staged bilateral THA. Simultaneous bilateral THA is non-inferior to staged implants in terms of safety and patient satisfaction.

In-Hospital Complications and Costs of Simultaneous Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty: The Case for Selection and Potential Cost Savings

Background

Published comparisons between bilateral and unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) remain controversial regarding the potential risks and benefits. Our objectives were to compare (1) postoperative complications and (2) resource utilization of patients having simultaneous bilateral THA with patients having unilateral procedures.

Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify patients undergoing primary elective THA from January 2016 to December 2019. Complications and costs were compared between unilateral and simultaneous bilateral patients. Binary logistic regression analysis controlling demographics, comorbidities, and the primary diagnosis was performed to compare the cohorts of unilateral and bilateral patients.

Results

Nine thousand nine hundred fifty-five Bilateral procedures and 785,609 unilateral procedures were identified. Patients with bilateral procedures were at increased risk for many medical complications including gastrointestinal complications (OR: 4.1; 95% CI: 2.4-6.9, P < .01), postoperative blood transfusions (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 3.3-3.9, P < .01), and pulmonary embolisms (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 2.0-5.1, P < .01). Patients with bilateral procedures were also at increased risk for joint complications, including periprosthetic fractures (OR: 7.4; 95% CI: 5.2-10.5, P < .01) and other mechanical complications (OR: 27.0; 95% CI: 23-30, P < .01). These patients also incurred higher index hospitalization costs ($25,347 vs $16,757, P < .001) and were discharged more commonly to a rehabilitation facility (17.8% vs 13.4%, P < .001).

Conclusions

Bilateral THA are at increased risk of developing postoperative complications despite being younger and having fewer comorbidities on average when compared with unilateral patients. While bilateral patients had a higher index hospitalization cost, the overall cost of one episode of care is lower than two separate hospitalizations.

Similar complication and readmission rates following simultaneous versus staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE

To compare short-term complications and readmission rates, in patients treated with simultaneous versus staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) within a year from the index procedure.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of patients that underwent simultaneous and staged-within a year-bilateral THA, between 2016 and 2020. Preoperative baseline characteristics were evaluated, while differences in terms of 30-day major and 30-day minor complications and readmission rates were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

One-hundred-sixty patients (mean age, 64.3 years; SD, ± 11.7) were identified. Seventy-nine patients were treated with simultaneous (Group A) and eighty-one patients with staged (Group B) THA. There were no differences in baseline characteristic between the two groups (p  > 0.050). Group A was more likely to receive general anesthesia (43% vs. 9.9%, p < 0.001) and had longer total operative time (182.8 vs. 128.0 min, p  < 0.001). Group A had an overall shorter total length of hospital stay (5.8 vs. 8.6 days, p  < 0.001). No differences in transfusion rates (p  = 0.229) and no differences in major and minor complications (p > 0.05) were identified. Postoperative visits at the emergency department or readmissions were similar between the two groups (p > 0.050).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that similar complication and readmission rates are expected after simultaneous and staged THA. Simultaneous bilateral THA is a safe and effective procedure, that should be considered for patients that present with radiologic and clinical bilateral hip disease.

Delta hemoglobin cutoffs do not predict readmission in patients undergoing primary simultaneous bilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty: A retrospective cohort study

Background/aims

Primary simultaneous bilateral total joint arthroplasty (simBTJA) can cause postoperative anemia. Clinicians might hesitate to discharge patients who have large changes in hemoglobin [Hgb], despite Hgb levels remaining above transfusion thresholds. This study was conducted to evaluate if delta Hgb or perioperative blood loss correspond with readmission in primary simBTJA patients not transfused perioperatively.

Methods

From 2015 - 2020, a retrospective chart review of primary simultaneous bilateral total hip/knee arthroplasty cases was conducted. Preoperative and postoperative Hgb levels were obtained from our database or chart review. Exclusion criteria comprised patients who had a preoperative transfusion or transfusion postoperatively during their surgical admission, and patients not discharged home. Outcomes included whether delta Hgb or perioperative blood loss were predictive of 90-day readmission postoperatively, postoperative anemia, and transfusion during readmission.

Results

The 510 individuals undergoing primary simBTJA possessed an average preoperative Hgb of 14.1 g/dL, starting blood volume of 5012 mL, postoperative Hgb of 10.0 g/dL, delta Hgb of 3.90 g/dL, and perioperative blood loss of 1403 mL. 19 patients (3.73 %) were readmitted, with none requiring transfusion. When constructing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves predicting readmission from delta Hgb, a threshold of 4.1 g/dL had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.454, a sensitivity of 0.473, and a specificity of 0.56. For ROC curves predicting readmission from perioperative blood loss, a threshold of 1144 mL had an AUC of 0.453, a sensitivity of 0.842, and a specificity of 0.297. Similar AUCs, sensitivities, and specificities were obtained when adjusting ROC curves for preoperative Hgb or starting blood volume.

Conclusions

Delta Hgb and perioperative blood loss do not predict 90-day readmission after primary simBTJA in patients not transfused perioperatively. Patients with a large delta Hgb but stay higher than a 7 g/dL restrictive transfusion threshold may have a strong capacity to overcome postoperative anemia.

Increased Complication Risk Associated With Simultaneous Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Contemporary, Matched Cohort Analysis

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (sbTHA) continues to be performed in patients who have bilateral end-stage osteoarthritis. However, few studies have evaluated the risk associated with this practice compared to unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

Using a large national database, primary, elective sbTHAs, and unilateral THAs were identified from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2021. The sbTHAs were matched to unilateral THAs at a 1:5 ratio on age, sex, and pertinent comorbidities. Patient characteristics and comorbidities, and hospital factors were compared between both cohorts. Additionally, 90-day risk of postoperative complications, readmissions, and in-hospital deaths were assessed. After matching, 2,913 sbTHAs were compared to 14,565 unilateral THAs with an average age of 58.5 ± 10.0 years.

RESULTS

Compared to unilateral patients, sbTHA patients demonstrated higher rates of pulmonary embolism (PE) (0.4 versus 0.2%, P = .002), acute renal failure (1.2 versus 0.7%, P = .007), acute blood loss anemia (30.4 versus 16.7%, P < .001), and need for transfusion (6.6 versus 1.8%, P < .001). After accounting for confounders, sbTHA patients demonstrated increased risk of PE (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.76, 95% CI: 1.84 to 7.70, P < .001), acute renal failure (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.72, P = .003), acute blood loss anemia (aOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 2.10 to 2.53, P < .001), and transfusion (aOR: 4.08, 95% CI: 3.35 to 4.98, P < .001) compared to unilateral THA patients.

CONCLUSION

The practice of performing sbTHA was associated with an increased risk of PE, acute renal failure, and risk of transfusion. Careful evaluation of patient-specific risk factors is warranted when considering these bilateral procedures.

Bilateral simultaneous hip arthroplasty shows comparable early outcome and complication rate as staged bilateral hip arthroplasty for patients scored ASA 1-3 if performed by a high-volume surgeon

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare early outcomes after simultaneous and staged hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with bilateral symptomatic pathology.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all patients scheduled for primary THA for bilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA, n = 290). Patients either received simultaneous (n = 152, 52.4%) or staged (n = 138, 47.6%) bilateral THA based on individual preference. All operations (n = 428) were performed by one single, high-volume surgeon. Demographic data (e.g., age, ASA score) as well as perioperative parameters (haemoglobin drop (Hb), red blood cell transfusion, length of stay (LOS), operation time, six week complication rate and achievement of inpatient rehabilitation key points) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients in the simultaneous bilateral THA group were younger (62.8 ± 8.9 vs. 65 ± 9.7 years, p = 0.022) and had lower ASA scores (1.8, (34.2% ASA 1, 55.3% ASA 2, 37.2% ASA 3) vs. 2.0 (18.8% ASA 1, 61.6% ASA 2, 19.6% ASA 3)) than the staged group. While the average LOS was 7.1 ± 1.7 days for simultaneous bilateral THA, the combined LOS for the staged group was 12.9 ± 2.4 days (p < 0.001). The cumulative operation time in the simultaneous bilateral THA group was 61.1 ± 11.5 min and 57.6 ± 7.3 min in the staged group (p < 0.015). Cumulative Hb loss was significantly higher in the staged group (2.1 ± 7.2 g/dl vs. 3.7 ± 1.3 g/dl, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found concerning the complication rate or early inpatient rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous bilateral hip arthroplasty in patients with symptomatic bilateral hip osteoarthritis is as safe and successful as a staged procedure if performed by a high-volume surgeon.

Dexamethasone as additive of local infiltration analgesia reduces opioids consumption after simultaneous bilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled double-blind trial

PURPOSE

A randomized controlled double-blind trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding dexamethasone to the local infiltration analgesia (LIA) mixture on frequency of patient controlled analgesia (PCA) and opioids consumption after simultaneous bilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA).

METHODS

108 patients who received simultaneous bilateral THA or TKA were randomly divided into dexamethasone group and normal saline (NS) group. The main difference between two groups was whether or not dexamethasone was added to the LIA mixture. The main outcome was the cumulative consumption of opioids within 24 h. The secondary outcome were the total cumulative consumption of opioids during postoperative hospitalization, consumption of opioids drug for rescue analgesia, frequency of PCA, postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and complications.

RESULTS

Cumulative consumption of opioids in the 24 h was similar between two groups (P = 0.17). Total cumulative consumption of opioids in the dexamethasone group during postoperative hospitalization was significantly lower (P = 0.03). No significant difference in the consumption of opioids drug for rescue analgesia between two groups within 24 h, while the frequency of PCA was significantly different (P = 0.04). VAS of dexamethasone group and NS group were similar during postoperative hospitalization, while the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in dexamethasone group was lower than that in NS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding dexamethasone to LIA in the simultaneous bilateral THA or TKA can effectively reduce the total cumulative consumption of opioids and the frequency of PCA, as well as reduce the incidence of PONV. Trial Registration The trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration Number: ChiCTR2100042551, Date: 23/01/2021).

Simultaneous bilateral versus unilateral total hip arthroplasty: Pain and physical function in a one- and five-year follow-up - retrospective patients record study

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) decreases pain and improves function in patients with osteoarthritis. In some cases, both hips have been operated simultaneously. Our aim was to report patients' pain and physical function after one- and five-years post-operatively among patients who underwent unilateral THA and those who underwent bilateral THA at the same time in one orthopaedic hospital in Finland.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 488 patients retrospectively selected patients from a single centre; 421 of them underwent unilateral THA and 67 underwent simultaneous bilateral THA. The patients had two clinical examinations one and five years postoperatively. Systematic data about pain and physical function were collected using the scaled Orton Hip Score (sOHS). Register data on revisions and mortality events were from the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare.

RESULTS

At the one-year follow-up, total sOHS was improved remarkably from the preoperative situation, both in the unilateral THA (age and gender adjusted mean improvement 42 points (95% CI: 40 to 44, p < 0.001) and in the bilateral THA groups (age and gender adjusted mean improvement 45 [95% CI: 41 to 49], p < 0.001), with no group differences after five-years of operation (age and gender adjusted p = 0.19). Total sOHS was statistically higher in the bilateral THA compared to the unilateral THA after one year (98 vs. 95, p < 0.001) and five years (97 vs. 95, p = 0.003) of operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in unilateral THA and bilateral THA groups had increased their physical function, and pain had decreased after one-year follow-up of the primary THA operation, and condition remained after five years of operation. At follow-ups, patients who underwent bilateral THA had slightly better physical function compared to patients who underwent unilateral THA at follow-up; however, this difference had no clinical relevance.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes and Early Complications Between a Direct Anterior Approach or Posterolateral Approach in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study

Background: Controversies remain on the best surgical approaches for unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). There are little data on simultaneous bilateral THA via direct anterior approach (SimBDAA-THA) or posterolateral approach (SimBPA-THA). Purpose: We sought to assess differences in perioperative outcomes and early medical and surgical complications between SimBDAA-THA and SimBPA-THA. Methods: This retrospective study involved patients who underwent either SimBDAA-THA in a supine position (n = 73) or SimBPA-THA in a lateral position (n = 162) at our institution from January 2015 to November 2021. The 2 groups were compared in terms of clinical and demographic characteristics, surgical parameters, and complications during 6-months of follow-up. Results: There were no differences in clinical and demographic characteristics between the 2 groups prior to surgery. Simultaneous bilateral THA via direct anterior approach significantly shortened the length of both the operation (117.50 ±19.42 vs 143.97 ± 32.20 min) and the hospitalization (140.64 ± 43.22 vs 156.24 ± 56.64 h) but increased perioperative loss of hemoglobin (3.28 ± 1.01 vs 3.21 ± 2.26 g/dL). There were no significant differences between the two groups in transfusion rate; levels of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein or creatine kinase; or complications. Conclusion: This retrospective study of patients at a single institution found minimal differences in perioperative outcomes or early medical and surgical complications between SimBDAA-THA and SimBPA-THA except operative time and length of hospitalization. Larger studies with longer follow-up should be conducted to identify whether a direct anterior approach is superior to a posterolateral one.

Simultaneous Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty with Straight-Stems and Short-Stems: Does the Short One Do a Better Job?

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is known to be the most successful orthopaedic surgery of the last century, but it is still struggling with controversies concerning one-stage bilateral THA. The current study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of patients with unilateral or simultaneous bilateral THA by using short-stem and straight-stem designs and focusing on operation time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay (LOS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2006 and 2018, 92 patients were enrolled in this study. Forty-six patients underwent a bilateral THA in one session, and forty-six matched patients underwent a unilateral THA. In each of the two groups (unilateral vs. bilateral), 23 patients received either a straight (unilateral: 10 females, 13 males, mean age 63; bilateral: 12 females, 11 males, mean age 53 years) or short stem (unilateral: 11 females, 12 males, mean age 60 years; bilateral: 12 females, 11 males, 53 mean age 62 years). The blood count was checked preoperatively as well as one and three days after surgery. Furthermore, the operation time and LOS were investigated.

RESULTS

Compared to THA with straight-stems, short-stem THA showed significantly less blood loss; there was no difference in the LOS of both groups. A significantly shorter operative time was only observed in the bilateral THA.

CONCLUSION

The current study showed that simultaneous bilateral THA appears to be safe and reliable in patients without multiple comorbidities. In addition, short-stem THA appears to be beneficial in terms of clinical performance and outcome, and it appears to be superior to straight-stem THA, regardless of whether the patient underwent unilateral or simultaneous bilateral THA.

Timing is Everything: Surgical Outcomes for SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patients

BACKGROUND

A debate remains on how long to postpone surgery after testing positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aimed to determine surgical outcomes at different time points after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test.

METHODS

This cohort study included non-preoperative critically ill adult surgical patients from 5/2020-5/2021 and a subset of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients 15-30 days before surgery from 5/2020-12/2021. Demographics, comorbidities, surgical variables, and outcomes were compared between SARS-CoV-2 positive patients within 50 days before surgery to SARS-CoV-2 negative surgical patients. Cases were stratified based on the timing of SARS-CoV-2 positivity before surgery in days (< 15, 15-30, > 30). Outcomes were compared between strata and against SARS-CoV-2 negative controls. A multivariable model was built to determine the association that the timing of SARS-CoV-2 positivity has on the odds of a major complication.

RESULTS

The SARS-CoV-2 positive cohort had 262 patients compared to 1,840 SARS-CoV-2 negative patients. Timing strata contained 145 (< 15 days), 53 (15-30 days), and 64 (> 30 days). The SARS-CoV-2 positive group had a higher incidence of comorbidities (87.4% vs. 57.2%) and underwent more emergent surgery (45.7% vs. 9.3%). The odds of major complications in patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 before surgery were 1.88 (1.13-3.15) (< 15 days), 0.43 (0.14-1.30) (15-30 days), and 0.98 (0.44-2.21) (31-50 days) times the odds in SARS-CoV-2 negative surgery patients when controlling for other variables.

CONCLUSION

Timing of SARS-CoV-2 positivity before surgery has an impact on major complications. In certain cases, it may be appropriate to postpone surgery 14 days after SARS-CoV-2 positivity.

Incidence and predictors of blood transfusions in one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty: a single center prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The safety of performing one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains controversial among the orthopedic community. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence and predictors of blood transfusions in one-stage bilateral THA performed in a high-volume single center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing one-stage bilateral THA between 2015 and 2017 were included. The following data were collected from the hospital medical records: age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, smoking habit, comorbidities, preoperative serum creatinine, serum iron, ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and hemoglobin (Hb). The Hb levels at postoperative day 1 and 3 were also collected.

RESULTS

A total of 367 patients with a mean age of 56.1 years (range, 32-79) were included. Forty-eight (13%) patients were transfused with a mean number of 1.6 blood units per patient. In non-transfused patients, the average Hb drop was 3.6 (SD ± 1) g/dL and 4.9 g/dL (SD ± 1.3) at postoperative day 1 and day 3, respectively. The average preoperative Hb level was 14.64 (SD ± 1.21) g/dL. In the univariate logistic regression, the following variables were predictive factors for transfusions: male gender (OR 0.447; P = 0.01), preoperative hemoglobin level (OR 0.622; P = 0.001), preoperative ferritin level (OR 0.995; P = 0.016), BMI (OR 0.837; P = 0.001), cardiopathy (OR 3.534; P = 0.046), preoperative anaemia (OR 10.54; P = 0.011). In the multivariate logistic regression only preoperative hemoglobin level (OR 0.666; P = 0.01), and BMI (OR 0.868; P = 0.007) were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of blood transfusions after one-stage bilateral THA is low in non-anemic patients operated on at a high-volume arthroplasty center. The main predictors of blood transfusions are preoperative Hb level and BMI.

Comparative study of bilateral total hip arthroplasty in one or two stages

INTRODUCTION

Bilateral total hip arthroplasty (Bi THA) for disabling bilateral hip osteoarthritis can be performed in one or two operative sessions. The objective of this study was to compare the complication rates of a group of patients who had bilateral THA in one operating session (Bi-1S THA) to a matched group of patients who had bilateral THA in two separate operating sessions (Bi-2S THA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective case-control study compared 84 Bi-1S THA matched to 84 Bi-2S THA by age, gender, diagnosis, ASA score (1-2) and surgical approach. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. Complication rates, total blood loss, number of blood transfusion units, and functional outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (14.3%) in the Bi-1S THA group had minor or major complications, compared to twenty-one (25%) in the Bi-2S THA group (p=0.08): there were fewer minor complications in the Bi-1S THA group and a similar rate of major complications amongst the two groups. Total blood loss estimated using the OSTHEO formula was significantly lower in patients operated on by Bi-1S THA (1853±753mL versus 2804±1012mL, p <0.0001). The number of blood transfusion units was similar between the groups (0.5±0.8 versus 0.3±1.4 respectively, p=0.55). No significant difference was found regarding the functional results.

CONCLUSION

Under the conditions of this study, bilateral total hip arthroplasty in one operative session leads to fewer minor complications, and a similar rate of major complications, when compared to bilateral total hip arthroplasty in two separate sessions. This strategy can therefore be recommended for ASA 1 and 2 patients, under the age of 80 with disabling bilateral osteoarthritis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective comparative study.

Effects of Walking With a Cane on Frontal Plane Hip Joint Loading in Patients With Late-Stage Unilateral Hip Osteoarthritis

Objective

To investigate the effects of walking with a cane on frontal plain bilateral hip joint loading in patients with late-stage unilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Design

Nonrandomized experimental design.

Setting

Urban inpatient hospital.

Participants

Adults (men, n=10; women, n=17) with osteoarthritis who were scheduled for total hip arthroplasty (N=27).

Intervention

Gait with and without a T-cane was assessed using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system.

Main Outcome Measures

Peak hip adduction moment and hip adduction moment impulse, vertical ground reaction force, and ground reaction force impulse were assessed under 4 different conditions: OA side vs non-OA side with non-cane gait, OA side vs non-OA side with cane gait, non-cane vs cane gait on OA side, and non-cane vs cane gait on non-OA side. The lateral trunk lean angle in the stance phase on both sides was compared between with and without a cane. Pain during walking with and without a cane was also determined using a visual analog scale (0=no pain; 100=most painful).

Results

Walking with a cane reduced the peak hip adduction moment from an average of 0.76 to 0.57 Nm/kg (reduction approximately 25%) and the mean hip adduction moment impulse from 50.58 to 42.78 Nm/kg (reduction approximately 15%) on the affected side. Walking with a cane reduced the peak ground reaction force from an average of 10.15 to 9.20 N/kg but did not markedly affect the mean ground reaction force impulse on the affected side. The mean impulse of vertical ground force and hip adduction moment on the nonaffected side with a T-cane was larger than that without a cane (940.4 vs 899.2, 73.7 vs 68.8, respectively), albeit without statistical significance. The mean lateral trunk lean angle on the affected side was 5.85±3.95 degrees with a non-cane gait and 4.46±2.66 degrees with a T-cane gait, showing a significant difference. Furthermore, walking with a cane was associated with a significant decrease in the visual analog scale of pain from 42.1 to 26.4.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that walking with a cane reduces the load and pain on the affected hip joint. The effect of the cane on the trunk lean was small, but it is worth noting that walking with a cane may increase the load on the healthy side.

Short-Term Complications Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty and Associated Risk Factors: A NSQIP Database Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has become increasingly utilized over the past 20 years to treat osteoarthritis of the ankle. The efficacy and safety of this procedure has been previously reported, but relatively few studies have documented the risk of postoperative complications associated with TAA over the past 10 years. Thus, the aim of this study is to provide a current report on the safety of TAA, particularly in association with a number of preoperative risk factors.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who underwent TAA between 2012 and 2018 was performed. A total of 1333 patients were included in this analysis. Penalized logistic regression to consider small numbers of the postoperative complications was used to identify factors associated with incidence of the complications.

RESULTS

The rate of readmission and superficial wound infection were found to be 1.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Risk factors associated with a prolonged hospital stay were black race, Hispanic race, and smoking. Diabetes was associated with a significantly increased risk of readmission. Age, sex, body mass index, and steroid use were not associated with increased risk of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the rate of surgical site infection and readmission in TAA was found to be relatively low, compared to published data on total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. Both race and smoking increase the risk of prolonged hospital stay, while diabetes increases the risk of readmission.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative trial.

Comparison of Gait Symmetry and Joint Moments in Unilateral and Bilateral Hip Osteoarthritis Patients and Healthy Controls

Patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis show a characteristic gait pattern in which they unload the affected leg and overload the unaffected leg. Information on the gait characteristics of patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis is very limited. The main purposes of this study were to investigate whether the gait pattern of both legs of patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis deviates from healthy controls and whether bilateral hip osteoarthritis patients show a more symmetrical joint load compared to unilateral hip osteoarthritis patients. In this prospective study, 26 patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis, 26 patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis and 26 healthy controls were included. The three groups were matched for gender, age and walking speed. Patients were scheduled for a unilateral total hip arthroplasty on the more affected/more painful side. All participants underwent a three-dimensional gait analysis. Gait kinematics and gait kinetics of patients and controls were compared using Statistical Parametric Mapping. Corrected for speed, the gait kinematics and kinetics of both legs of patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis differed from healthy controls. Bilateral patients had symmetrical knee joint loading, in contrast to the asymmetrical knee joint loading in unilateral hip osteoarthritis patients. The ipsilateral leg of the bilateral patients could be included in studies in addition to unilateral hip osteoarthritis patients as no differences were found. Although patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis show more symmetrical frontal plane knee joint moments, a pathological external knee adduction moment in the second half of stance was present in the ipsilateral leg in patients with unilateral and bilateral hip osteoarthritis. The lateral adjustment of the knee adduction moment may initiate or accelerate progression of degenerative changes in the lateral compartment of the knee.

Does age increase perioperative complications for single-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty?

The potential of post-operative complication may exclude elderly patients from undergoing single-staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SSBTHA). This study retrospective compared perioperative complications between SSBTHA patients <70 (N = 157) and ≥70 (N = 56) years of age. Patients ≥70 had significantly lower body mass index (p = 0.029) and had a higher ASA classification (p = 0.041) compared to patients <70. No differences in post-operative complications or transfusion rates were found between age groups. However, patients ≥70 were less likely to be discharged home. While SSBTHA can safely be performed in patients ≥70, the risk of transfusion may suggest pre-operative hemoglobin screenings, especially for patients ≥70.

One-stage bilateral versus unilateral short-stem total hip arthroplasty: A matched-pair analysis of 216 hips

Background

One-stage, bilateral, short-stem total hip arthroplasty (1B-ssTHA) represents an alternative to staged, unilateral, short-stem total hip arthroplasty (U-ssTHA); however, the safety and reliability of 1B-ssTHA remain unknown. The objective of the present study was to compare the functional outcomes, complications, and mortality rates between 1B-ssTHA and U-ssTHA at mid-term.

Methods

A retrospective, matched-pair study was performed, including 216 short stems implanted in 162 patients. Among the study population, 54 patients were treated with 1B-ssTHA. Patients were matched by gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification. A total of 46 full matches could be accomplished. The mean follow-up time for the 1B-ssTHA group was 61.7 months (standard deviation [SD] 6.2 months), compared with was 63.4 months (SD 8.0 months) for the U-ssTHA group. Mortality, complication, and revision rates were documented. For clinical examinations, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate satisfaction, rest pain, and load pain, and the Harris Hip Score (HHS) was determined.

Results

No surgery-related deaths were observed. At mid-term, none of the 1B-ssTHA patients required stem revision. The rate of complications for both groups was low. The mean drop in haemoglobin measured in the 1B-ssTHA group was 4.42 mg/dl, compared with 3.18 mg/dl in the U-ssTHA group. The mean HHS in the 1B-ssTHA group was 98.3 points (SD 2.80), whereas, in the U-ssTHA group, the mean HHS was 97.9 points (SD 3.44) (p = 0.478). Satisfaction rates were significantly higher in the 1B-ssTHA group (p = 0.04) than in the U-ssTHA group, whereas no significant differences were found for pain at rest and pain at load (p = 0.56 and p = 0.26, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that 1B-ssTHA is an effective and beneficial procedure for a select population. Mortality, complications, implant survival, and clinical outcomes were comparable to those for a matched group with unilateral osteoarthritis treated with U-ssTHA. However, an increase in blood loss must be acknowledged for the 1B-ssTHA procedure.

Prolonged surgical time increases the odds of complications following total knee arthroplasty

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of operating time on complications and readmission within 30 days of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to determine if there were specific time intervals associated with worse outcomes.

Methods:

The American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients 18 years of age and older who underwent TKA between 2006 and 2017, using procedural codes. Patient demographic characteristics, operation length and 30-day major and minor complication and readmission rates were captured. We used multivariable regression to determine if the rates of complications and readmission differed depending on the length of the operation, while adjusting for relevant covariables.

Results:

A total of 263 174 patients who underwent TKA were identified from the database. Their mean age was 66.8 (standard deviation 9.7) years. Within 30 days of the index procedure, 5700 patients (2.2%) experienced a major complication, 5185 (2.0%) experienced a minor complication and 7730 (3.1% of 249 746 patients from 2011 to 2017) were readmitted. Mean operation length was 91.7 minutes (range 30–240 min). After adjustment for relevant covariables, an operating time of 90 minutes or more was a significant predictor of major and minor complications as well as readmission. There was no difference in the odds of complications or readmission for operations lasting 30–49, 50–69 or 70–89 minutes (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that operating times of 90 minutes or more may be associated with an increase in the 30-day odds of complications and readmission following TKA. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and determine the influence of surgical time on outcomes when there is increased case complexity.

Synchronous or sequential cementless bilateral total hip arthroplasty for osseous ankylosed hips with ankylosing spondylitis

Background

Bilateral osseous ankylosed hips secondary to ankylosis spondylitis (AS) are relatively rare but impact the quality of life hugely. Cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) for bilateral osseous ankylosed hips with AS is a challenging procedure. No previous literature compares the clinical outcomes of synchronous and sequential bilateral THA for these special patients.

Methods

23 patients (46 hips) were retrospectively analyzed and divided into bilateral THA synchronously (group A) and sequentially (group B). The clinical measurement, radiological assessments, and complications were compared. Independent sample T test was used for data analysis.

Results

Harris Hip Scores (HHS) improved greatly for both groups (P = 0.58) as well as the range of motion (P = 0.64). But group B can realize shorter time (3.6 ± 1.2 days) to walk for the first time postoperatively (P = 0.02). Group A needed more blood transfusions (P = 0.028). For group A, no statistical difference was found in the bilateral inclination of cup (IC) (P = 0.48) and femoral offset (FO) (P = 0.07). For group B, no statistical difference was observed in bilateral IC (P = 0.37) but in bilateral FO (P = 0.04). Group A showed the fewer difference of bilateral IC (P = 0.02), while comparative measurements were found for two groups in the difference of bilateral FO (P = 0.78) and leg length discrepancy (P = 0.83). For both groups, the total hospital expense for each patient was similar and almost all patients were very satisfied with the outcomes. For group A, one patient encountered femoral fracture intraoperatively and another patient encountered hip dislocation and delay union of wound. 3 hips from group A and 3 hips from group B encountered heterotopic ossification.

Conclusions

Our retrospective research demonstrated that cementless bilateral THA was a reliable treatment for osseous ankylosed hip due to AS. Synchronous and sequential bilateral THA can realize similarly satisfactory clinical outcomes and radiographic evaluation.

Complications, readmission and reoperation rates in one-stage bilateral versus unilateral total hip arthroplasty: a high-volume single center case-control study

The study aimed to assess the safety of one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with unilateral THA. In this retrospective observational case–control study were included patients undergoing unilateral (group 1) and one-stage bilateral (group 2) THA in a high-volume center. The groups were matched for gender, age at surgery, and pre-operative American Society of Anesthesiology score. The following variables were assessed: local and systemic complications, postoperative anemia, 30-day and 1-year readmission and reoperation rates, length of hospital stay, and ambulation time. Group 1 reported a significantly higher rate of local and systemic complications compared with group 2 (5.4% versus 3.9% and 29.6% versus 4.7%, respectively). Postoperative anemia was significantly lower in group 1 compared with group 2 (8.1% versus 30%). There was no significant difference in terms of 30-day and 1-year readmission rates between the two groups. The average length of hospital stay was 5.1 ± 2.3 days in group 1, and 5.3 ± 1.9 days in group 2 (p = 0.78). Ambulation time was significantly lower for group 1 (day 0.9 ± 0.9 in group 1, and day 1 ± 0.8 in group 2, p = 0.03). In a high-volume center, one-stage bilateral THA is a safe procedure compared with unilateral THA in terms of postoperative local and systemic complications, 30-day readmission and 1-year reoperation rates, and length of hospital stay.

Safety of Single-Stage Bilateral Versus Unilateral Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist on patient safety after single-stage bilateral and unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) through the anterior approach (AA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare length of stay (LOS), operative time, 90-day adverse events, 90-day readmission rate, and 1-year revision rate after single-stage bilateral and unilateral THA in matched patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective matched cohort study of prospectively collected data from 2008 to 2018 of a single-surgeon practice. We used the built-in propensity score matching formula in SPSS software and matched bilateral and unilateral patient groups on the relevant covariates of age, sex, and body mass index. This resulted in 60 patients undergoing bilateral THA and 60 patients undergoing unilateral THA.

RESULTS

The average LOS was 4.7 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3 to 5 days; range, 2 to 21 days) after bilateral THA and 3.0 days (IQR, 2 to 4 days; range, 1 to 13 days) after unilateral THA (p < 0.001). The mean operative time was 140 minutes for bilateral THA and 69 minutes for unilateral THA (p < 0.001). The adverse event rate was 6.7% after bilateral THA and 5.0% after unilateral THA (p = 0.660). The 90-day readmission rate was 3.3% after bilateral THA and 5.0% after unilateral THA (p = 0.321), which also accounted for all of the revisions within the first year.

CONCLUSIONS

When considering single-stage versus staged bilateral AA total hip replacement, patients can expect the same clinical outcome. Because the operative time is longer with bilateral THA, the main advantages are that the patient avoids a second anesthesia session and has an overall shorter recovery time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Analysis of hemostatic effect and safety of tranexamic acid in primary simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty]

Objective

To explore the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on the transfusion rate, dominant blood loss, and postoperative complications in simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SBTHA).

Methods

A clinical data of 72 patients who underwent the primary SBTHA between January 2010 and December 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. A single dose of 15 mg/kg TXA was administered intravenously before 5-10 minutes of operation in 48 patients of trial group and 24 patients were not treated with TXA in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in the gender, age, body mass index, the type of disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading, comorbidity, and preoperative hospital stay, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, coagulation function tests. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative transfusion rate, dominant blood loss, complication, and hospital stay were recorded and compared between the two groups.

Results

The median operation time of the trial group was 208.0 minutes, and that of the control group was 202.5 minutes, with no significant difference ( Z=-1.046, P=0.295). Postoperative transfusion was performed in 26 patients (54.2%) in the trial group and 21 patients (87.5%) in the control group, and the difference of transfusion rate between the two groups was significant ( χ ² =7.843, P=0.005). However, there was no significant difference in the amount of transfused suspended red blood cells and plasma between the two groups ( P>0.05). The median intraoperative blood loss was 550 mL in the trial group and 600 mL in the control group, with no significant difference ( Z=-1.378, P=0.168). The postoperative drainage volume and median dominant blood loss in the trial group were (542±269) and 1 050 mL, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(710±316) and 1 270 mL] ( P<0.05). There was 1 case of skin tension blisters around the incision, 1 case of lower limb numbness and muscle strength loss, and 1 case of lacunar cerebral infarction in the trial group, while in the control group, there was 1 case of skin ecchymosis around the incision and 1 case of bilateral lower limb numbness and muscle strength loss, which showed no significant difference in the incidences of complications ( P>0.05). No pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis was found in the two groups. The median postoperative hospital stay and median total hospital stay were 9.0 and 13.0 days in the trial group, while 9.0 and 13.0 days in the control group, respectively, with no significant difference ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

For patients who are treated with the primary SBTHA, TXA can reduce transfusion rate and perioperative dominant blood loss, and has a good hemostatic effect without increasing complications of incision, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and hospital stay. Therefore, TXA is relative safe.

Thirty-Day Outcomes After Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Nationwide Cohort

Background

Approximately 42% of patients with end-stage osteoarthritis have bilateral disease. Although bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) is physiologically demanding, certain patients may benefit from simultaneous rather than staged bilateral procedures. This study examines the intraoperative differences and 30-day outcomes in patients receiving bilateral THA compared with those who underwent unilateral THA.

Methods

Patients undergoing THA were selected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2008 to 2015. Patients were selected according to those with primary and concurrent coding for Current Procedural Terminology 27130. Thirty-day complications were recorded, and multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether concurrent THA was a risk factor for poor outcomes.

Results

A total of 97,804 patients and 587 patients who underwent unilateral and bilateral THA, respectively, were identified. Patients who underwent bilateral procedures were younger (57.3 vs 64.6 years, P < .001), were of lower body mass index (29.2 vs 30.2, P < .001), and had fewer comorbidities than patients who underwent unilateral procedures. Length of stay was not increased for bilateral recipients (3.13 vs 2.93 days, P = .308), although fewer were discharged to home (62.8% vs 77.6%, P < .001). The bilateral recipients required postoperative transfusions at a higher rate (29.8% vs 10.9%, P < .001) and had an increased incidence of deep wound infections on univariate analysis (1.2% vs 0.3%, P = .002). There was no increased risk of superficial infection, medical complications, or thromboembolic events for the bilateral cohort.

Conclusions

Although bilateral THA recipients are younger with fewer preoperative comorbidities, bilateral THA is associated with an increased rate of transfusion in a nationwide setting. With this knowledge, specific interventions should be instituted to target these procedure-specific risks.

One-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty versus unilateral total hip arthroplasty: A retrospective case-matched study

BACKGROUND

One-stage bilateral hip replacement has the advantage of involving a single anesthesia, single hospital admission and single rehabilitation program. The theoretic drawback is increased surgical risk. Few French series have been reported, and none with comparison versus unilateral arthroplasty. We therefore conducted a comparative case-control study between 1-stage bilateral (1B-THA) and unilateral total hip arthroplasty (U-THA), assessing (1) morbidity/mortality, (2) survival, and (3) functional scores and forgotten hip rates.

HYPOTHESIS

In a selected ASA 1 or 2 population, 1B-THA shows complications rates and implant survival comparable to U-THA.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Between 2004 and 2018, 327 patients were included: 109 with 1B-THA, 218 with U-THA. One 1B-THA patient was matched to 2 U-THA patients on age, gender, diagnosis, ASA score 1 or 2, and anterior or posterior approach. Minimum follow-up was 12 months. Complications were collected for all patients in both groups. Early (≤90 days) or late (>90 days) morbidity/mortality and implant survival were recorded for both groups. Secondary endpoints concerned blood-sparing strategy and blood loss, functional scores, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Mortality was zero in both groups. There was no significant difference in complications rates (1B-THA 38.5%, U-THA 40.8%) (p=0.69), whether early (8.3% [9/109] and 7.8% [17/218] respectively [p=0.89]) or late (30.3% [33/109] and 33.0% [72/218] respectively [p=0.61]). Limb-length discrepancy was significantly less frequent in 1B-THA (5.5% [6/109] versus 13.3% [29/218] [p=0.03]). Forgotten hip rate was significantly more frequent in 1B-THA (86% [94/109] versus 70% [152/218] [p=0.01]). Five-year Kaplan-Meier implant survival was 97.2% (95% CI [91.9-99.1]) in 1B-THA and 96.6% (95% CI [93.0-98.4]) in U-THA (p=0.08).

DISCUSSION

One-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty gave acceptable results in disabling bilateral osteoarthritis of the hip with low surgical risk in selected patients (ASA 1 or 2). Mortality, complications and implant survival were unaffected, but the 1-stage bilateral procedure allowed better control of limb-length and provided a higher rate of forgotten hip.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, matched case-control study.

Safety of Single-Stage Bilateral Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed in All Eligible Patients at a Honolulu Hospital

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a commonly performed surgery, with candidates often requiring bilateral replacement. Simultaneous, single-stage bilateral THA offers several advantages and the direct anterior approach (DAA) for THA is well-suited for this procedure. In Hawai'i, single-stage bilateral DAA THA has yet to be adopted as a primary practice, and currently, there is limited research on patient outcomes following single-stage bilateral DAA THA in heterogeneous patient populations. In this study, we present our experience regarding intraoperative and 90-day complication rates encountered in a consecutive, all-inclusive cohort of single-stage bilateral DAA THA performed at the Straub Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawai'i, from January 2016 to May 2018. A total of 99 patients were included with a mean age of 64.7 ± 10.1 (mean ± standard deviation) years. The sample consisted of 43 (43.4%) males. Mean BMI was 27.0 ± 5.3 kg/m². The racial composition consisted of 50 (50.5%) Asian, 37 (37.4%) Caucasian, 8 (8.1%) Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 1 (1.0%) African-American, 3 (3.0%) undisclosed. Mean operating time was 180 ± 23 minutes. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 386 ± 75 mL, and 11 (11.1%) patients received a postoperative allogenic blood transfusion. There were no major intraoperative complications. The only major local complication observed was one patient who developed high-grade heterotopic ossification requiring surgery. No major systemic complications occurred. The overall complication rate was 0.5%. In conclusion, we demonstrate that single-stage bilateral DAA THA is a safe option for the treatment of bilateral hip pathology in a wide spectrum of patients.

Simultaneous or Staged Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty? An Analysis of Complications in 14,460 Patients Using National Data

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SimBTHA) is often performed in younger, fitter patients with bilateral hip disease. If patients are deemed not suitable for SimBTHA due to concurrent comorbidity, it may be more appropriate to perform staged bilateral total hip arthroplasties (StBTHAs) 3-6 months apart to minimize complications and morbidity. Complication rates following hip arthroplasty are low and large national datasets are helpful for assessing these rare events. We aimed at comparing SimBTHA vs StBTHA in order to determine any differences in morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

Hospital Episode Statistics data for all patients who underwent bilateral THAs in the English National Health Service between April 2005 and July 2014 were obtained. Patients were grouped into SimBTHAs (same day) or staged, with the second THA occurring between 3 and 6 months after the first. Medical and surgical complications were compared and total length of stay was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 2507 underwent SimBTHAs and 9915 had StBTHAs. SimBTHA patients were significantly younger (60.6 vs 65.5 years, P < .001) and more likely to be male, but had similar Charlson comorbidity scores. Compared to StBTHAs, patients undergoing SimBTHAs had a greater risk of pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, renal failure, chest infection, and inhospital death. Patients undergoing SimBTHAs had a significantly shorter overall hospital stay (8.9 vs 10.4 days). Patients undergoing SimBTHA at high-volume units had a lower average Charlson score and subsequent complication rate than low-volume units.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the greater risks of SimBTHA in patients with Charlson score greater than 0 performed at lower-volume centers in England.

Body Mass Index Screening in Knee Arthroscopy: An Analysis Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Database

PURPOSE

To analyze patients undergoing knee arthroscopy stratified by body mass index (BMI) and assess the tradeoffs in complications avoided versus access to care that occur when instituting BMI eligibility criteria.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to identify patients who underwent knee arthroscopy from 2015 to 2016. Patients were categorized by BMI, and differences in complication rates between BMI categories were assessed. The positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated for various BMI cutoffs, with further analysis performed to identify the number of surgeries that would be denied to avoid a single complication.

RESULTS

There were 44,153 knee arthroscopy cases identified and an overall complication rate of 1.7%. There was no significant difference found in major complication rate between those with a BMI >40 kg/m² and those with a BMI <40 (1.7% vs 1.7%, P = .70), and no significant associations between increased complications and a higher BMI were found on binary logistic regression. Instituting a BMI cutoff of 40 has a PPV of 1.7% and would result in the avoidance of 11% of complications while denying 10% of otherwise uncomplicated surgeries. This cutoff would deny 57 surgeries for every complication avoided.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing knee arthroscopy, this study failed to detect a significant increased risk of major complications associated with having a BMI >40. The institution of BMI eligibility cutoffs would result in low PPVs and a high number of denials for surgery that would otherwise be complication free.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective cohort-based database study.

Direct Anterior Approach for One-Stage Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty in an ASA 3 Wheelchair-Dependent Woman

This case report involves a 79-year-old wheelchair-dependent woman with bilateral destructive coxarthrosis, requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA). Mobilization and transfers were unbearable due to the bilateral involvement of her hips. Performing unilateral THA would not be sufficient due to the coexisting pain from the contralateral side. Therefore, the decision was made to perform bilateral THA in one stage using the direct anterior approach (DAA). One-stage bilateral THA (1-SBTHA) using the DAA in ASA 3 patients is not previously described in the literature. The procedure was completed as planned, without any major perioperative complications. Eight weeks postoperatively, the patient was able to mobilize unaccompanied using a walker. She regained her mobility and independence. This outcome suggests that 1-SBTHA using DAA can be considered for disabling coxarthrosis in carefully selected ASA 3 patients. DAA is the superior approach for 1-SBTHA, due to decreased muscle damage leading to early mobilization with improved gait. Another benefit of DAA is that both hips can be draped simultaneously without repositioning the patient during the procedure.

Duration of surgery affects the risk of complications following total hip arthroplasty

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of operating time on 30-day complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Patients and Methods

We identified patients aged 18 years and older who underwent THA between 2006 and 2016 from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. We identified 131 361 patients, with a mean age of 65 years (sd 12), who underwent THA. We used multivariable regression to determine if the rate of complications and re-admissions was related to the operating time, while adjusting for relevant covariables.

Results

The mean operating time decreased from 118.3 minutes (29.0 to 217.0) in 2006, to 89.6 minutes (20.0 to 240.0) in 2016. After adjustment for covariables, operating times of between 90 and 119 minutes increased the risk of minor complications by 1.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 1.3), while operating times of between 120 and 179 minutes increased the risk of major complications by 1.4 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.6) and minor complications by 1.4 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.5), and operating times of 180 minutes or more increased the risk of major complications by 2.1 (95% CI 1.8 to 2.6) and minor complications by 1.9 (95% CI 1.6 to 2.3). There was no difference in the overall risk of complications for operating times of between 20 and 39, 40 and 59, or 60 and 89 minutes (p > 0.05). Operating times of between 40 and 59 minutes decreased the risk of re-admission by 0.88 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.97), while operating times of between 120 and 179 minutes, and of 180 minutes or more, increased the risk of re-admission by 1.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.3) and 1.6 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.8), respectively.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that an operating time of more than 90 minutes may be an independent predictor of major and minor complications, as well as re-admission, following THA, and that an operating time of between 40 and 90 minutes may be ideal. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):51–56.

Combined total hip and knee arthroplasty during the same hospital admission: is it safe?

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of combined total joint arthroplasty (TJA) (total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed during the same admission) versus bilateral THA, bilateral TKA, single THA, and single TKA. Combined TJAs performed on the same day were compared with those staged within the same admission episode.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample recorded between 2005 and 2014 were used for this retrospective cohort study. Postoperative in-hospital complications, total costs, and discharge destination were reviewed. Logistic and linear regression were used to perform the statistical analyses. p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Combined TJA was associated with increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, prosthetic joint infection, irrigation and debridement procedures, revision arthroplasty, length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital costs compared with bilateral THA, bilateral TKA, single THA, and single TKA. Combined TJA performed on separate days of the same admission showed no statistically significant differences when compared with same-day combined TJA, but trended towards decreased total costs and total complications despite increased LOS.

CONCLUSION

Combined TJA is associated with increased in-hospital complications, LOS, and costs. We do not recommend performing combined TJA during the same hospital stay. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:573-581.

The Impact of Body Mass Index on Complications After Shoulder Arthroscopy: Should Surgery Eligibility Be Determined by Body Mass Index Cutoffs?

PURPOSE

The goal of this study is to analyze postoperative complications after shoulder arthroscopy stratified by body mass index (BMI) and to quantify the trade-off in postsurgical complications and access to care that occurs with BMI eligibility cutoffs.

METHODS

Patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2015 to 2016 were identified. Patients were categorized on the basis of their BMI. χ² tests were used to identify differences in complication rates between different BMI categories. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio of having a major complication by BMI category. The positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated at different BMI cutoffs.

RESULTS

There were 26,509 shoulder arthroscopy cases identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database with 383 major complications, for an overall rate of 1.4%. Patients with a BMI >40 had a higher overall complication rate (2.3% vs 1.4%, P = .001), as well as higher rates of readmission (P = .012), pneumonia (P = .030), progressive renal insufficiency (P = .006), and cardiac arrest (P = .008). BMI >40 was associated with an increased risk of major complications (odds ratio, 1.84; confidence interval, 1.29-2.61). A BMI cutoff of 40 would avoid 12% of major complications while excluding 8% of complication-free surgeries. At a BMI cutoff of 40, the PPV was 2.3% where 43 surgeries would be denied for every complication avoided.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a BMI >40 have a statistically significant but only slightly increased risk of 30-day complications after shoulder arthroscopy. Instituting a BMI eligibility cutoff at 40 has a low PPV and would prevent 43 complication-free surgeries from proceeding for every complication prevented. Patients should be counseled individually about their risk factors, but denial of shoulder arthroscopy on the basis of BMI alone may not be an appropriate strategy for risk reduction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, comparative prognostic trial.