Association Between Provider Volume and Comorbidity on Hospital Utilization and Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty Among National Health Insurance Enrollees

Effective Risk Assessment for Distal Radius Fractures: A Rigorous Multivariable Regression Analysis, Using a Novel 8-Item Modified Frailty Index

Introduction  Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are among the most common orthopaedic injuries. The prevalence of DRFs is increasing across all age groups but remains the second most common fracture in the elderly. The modified frailty index (MFI) often predicts morbidity and mortality in orthopaedic injuries. This study aims to determine the predictive value of MFI on complication rates following DRF and the patient length of stay and discharge outcomes. Methods  We utilized our MFI to perform a retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Results  In a total of 22,313 patients, the average age was 46 ± 16. An increase in MFI led to an increase in the odds ratio of readmission and reoperation ( p  < 0.001). MFI predicted complications, doubling the rate as the score increased from 1 to 2 ( p  < 0.001). An MFI of 2 also led to a delayed hospital stay of 5 days ( p  < 0.001), as well as an increase in the odds of patients not being sent home at discharge ( p  < 0.001). Finally, life-threatening complications were also predicted with an increased MFI, the odds of a life-threatening complication increasing 488.20 times at an MFI of 3 ( p  < 0.001). Discussion and Conclusion  While surgical decision-making for frail patients with DRFs remains contentious, this novel 8-item MFI score was significantly associated with the probability of hospital readmission/reoperation, postoperative complications, and delayed hospital length of stay. Three new parameters were incorporated into our 8-item score compared with the conventional 5; hypoalbuminemia status (< 3.5 mg/dL), previous diagnosis of osteoporosis, and severe obesity (body mass index > 35) enhancing its sensitivity. Future studies are warranted for its prospective utility in ruling out postsurgical comorbidity.

Is Discharge Within a Day Following Total Hip Arthroplasty Safe in the Septuagenarian and Octogenarian Population? A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Limited data exists on whether patients older than 70 can safely be discharged within a day (rapid discharge (RD)) following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to compare perioperative complications and readmission rates associated with RD in patients ≥70 years compared to longer lengths of stay following THA.

METHODS

A retrospective, propensity-matched cohort study was conducted using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2006 to 2020. Patients ≥70 years undergoing RD following THA were propensity matched to patients ≥70 years who had longer hospital stays (nonrapid discharge). Sub-analyses were performed for septuagenarians and octogenarians. Following 1:1 matching, multivariate analyses were performed to compare perioperative complications and readmissions. Following propensity matching, both groups contained 2,192 patients.

RESULTS

The RD patients were found to have shorter operative times (P < .001), less bleeding complications (P < .001), and were more likely to have home discharges (P < .001). The 2 cohorts did not differ in the remaining complications or 30-day postoperative period readmissions among all patients and when evaluating septuagenarians and octogenarians.

CONCLUSION

Patients ≥70 years undergoing RD following THA had comparable complication and readmission rates to patients older than 70 undergoing nonrapid discharge. Furthermore, RD patients were more likely to have home discharges and have shorter operations with less bleeding complications. Septuagenarians receiving RD were more likely to have an unplanned readmission. These data suggest that RD following THA can be performed safely in select patients older than 70.

Does rapid mobilisation as part of an enhanced recovery pathway improve length of stay, return to function and patient experience post primary total hip replacement? A randomised controlled trial feasibility study

PURPOSE

Day-zero ambulation may enable patients to recover and leave hospital quicker following total hip replacement (THR). The present randomised control feasibility study investigated the efficacy of day-zero ambulation as a physiotherapeutic intervention.

METHODS

Thirty-six non-blinded adults aged 44-85 (Mean 67.1; SD 9.6 years) undergoing primary, uncomplicated THR were block randomized to either a control group (n = 18) with standard post-operative physiotherapy or an intervention group (n = 18) incorporating walking on the same day as the operation. Outcomes were length of hospital stay (LOS), time to reach functional milestones and achieve all physiotherapy discharge criteria, post-operative pain scores, complications and patient experience.

RESULTS

Participants treated with day-zero ambulation had reduced median hospital LOS of 1 day (p = .096), and median reduced times to reaching functional milestones of 39.7 h quicker to transfer to a chair (p < .001), 24.5 h quicker to walk 10 m (p = .009) and 26.4 h quicker to independently ascend and descend stairs (p = .01). Participants in the intervention group were deemed physiotherapy ready to leave hospital significantly earlier than control group (1.04 days, p = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

Day-zero ambulation appears safe and may have clinically relevant effects in speeding patient functional recovery and facilitating earlier discharge from hospital. Implications for RehabilitationDay-zero ambulation following total hip replacement (THR) appears safe.Preliminary data suggest that day-zero mobilisation following THR could be efficacious and support the need for a fully powered randomised controlled trial.There may be a clinically relevant effect in speeding patient functional recovery and facilitating an earlier discharge from hospital.

The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity on Perioperative Total Joint Arthroplasty Outcomes: The Obesity Paradox and Risk Assessment in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Background

The relationship between elevated body mass index (BMI) and adverse outcomes in joint arthroplasty is well established in the literature. This paper aims to challenge the conventional thought of excluding patients from a total knee or hip replacement based on BMI alone. Instead, we propose using the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its defining components to better identify patients at high risk for intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Methods

Patients who underwent primary, elective total knee and total hip arthroplasty were identified in the 2015-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Several defining components of MetS, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, were compared to a metabolically healthy cohort. Postoperative outcomes assessed included mortality, length of hospital stay, 30-day surgical and medical complications, and discharge.

Results

The outcomes of 529,737 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program who underwent total knee and total hip arthroplasty were assessed. MetS is associated with increased complications and increased mortality. Both hypertension and diabetes are associated with increased complications but have no impact on mortality. Interestingly, while obesity was associated with increased complications, there was a significant decrease in mortality.

Conclusions

Our results show that the impact of MetS is more than the sum of its constitutive parts. Additionally, obese patients experience a protective effect, with lower mortality than their nonobese counterparts. This study supports moving away from strict BMI cutoffs alone for someone to be eligible for an arthroplasty surgery and offers more granular data for risk stratification and patient selection.

Surgeon and Facility Volumes Are Associated With Social Disparities and Post-Operative Complications After Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to further characterize the volume dependence of facilities and surgeons on morbidity and mortality after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

Adults who underwent THA from 2009 to 2014 were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification and Procedural codes in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. Complication rates were compared across surgeon and facility volumes using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression controlling for factors such as the Social Deprivation Index. Surgeon and facility volumes were compared between the low and high volume using cutoffs established by prior research.

RESULTS

In total, 99,832 patients were included. Low volume facilities had higher rates of readmission, urinary tract infection (UTI), acute renal failure, pneumonia, surgical site infection (SSI), cellulitis, wound complications, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in-hospital mortality, and revision. Low volume surgeons had higher rates of readmission, UTI, acute renal failure, pneumonia, SSI, acute respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, cellulitis, wound complications, in-hospital mortality, cardiorespiratory arrest, DVT, and revision. African Americans, Hispanics, and those with federal insurance had increased rates of readmission. Those with ≥1 Charlson comorbidities or from areas of higher social deprivation had increased incidence of treatment by low volume surgeons and facilities.

CONCLUSION

Both low volume facilities and surgeons performing primary THA have higher rates of readmission, UTI, acute renal failure, pneumonia, SSI, cellulitis, wound complications, DVT, in-hospital mortality, and revision. Demographic disparities exist between who is treated at low vs high volume surgeons and facilities placing those groups at higher risks for complications.

Predictive Factors of Extended Length of Hospital Stay Following Total Joint Arthroplasty in a Veterans Affairs Hospital Population

BACKGROUND

Improved perioperative care for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) procedures has resulted in decreased hospital length of stay (LOS), including effective discharge on postoperative day (POD) 1 in many patients. It remains unclear what contributes to discharge delay in patients that are not discharged on POD 1. This study investigated factors associated with delayed discharge in patients whose original planned discharge was on POD 1.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 451 patients who underwent a hip or knee TJA procedure from April 2015 to March 2018 with planned discharge on POD 1 was analyzed. Patient characteristics included demographics, lab values, course of treatment, procedure, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), complications, and other factors. Statistical regression was used to identify factors associated with delayed discharge; odds ratios (OR) were calculated for significant factors (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Of those studied, 70/451 (15.5%) experienced a delay from the planned POD 1 discharge. An increased likelihood of delayed discharge was associated with a nonhome discharge (P < .001, OR = 8.72 [95% CI: 4.22-18.06]) and higher CCI (P = .034, OR = 1.16 [95% CI: 1.01-1.32]). Inpatient physical therapy on the day of surgery was found to significantly correlate with successful discharge on POD 1 (P = .004, OR = 0.44 [95% CI: 0.25-0.77]).

CONCLUSION

Most patients can be discharged on POD 1 after TJA. Physical therapy on the day of surgery increased the likelihood of patients being discharged on POD 1. Those with a higher CCI and a nonhome discharge were more likely to have a discharge delay. This information can help surgeons counsel patients and prepare for postoperative care.

Does Very High Surgeon or Hospital Volume Improve Outcomes for Hemiarthroplasty Following Femoral Neck Fractures?

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates whether very high-volume hip arthroplasty providers have lower complication rates than other relatively high-volume providers.

METHODS

Hemiarthroplasty patients ≥60 years old were identified in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System 2001-2015 dataset. Low-volume hospitals (<50 hip arthroplasty cases/y) and surgeons (<10 cases/y) were excluded. The upper and lower quintiles were compared for the remaining "high-volume" hospitals (50-70 vs >245) and surgeons (10-15 vs ≥60) using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Multiple sensitivity analyses were performed treating volume as a continuous variable.

RESULTS

In total, 48,809 patients were included. Very high-volume hospitals demonstrated slightly less pneumonia (6% vs 7%, hazard ratio [HR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-0.88, P < .0001). Very high-volume surgeons experienced slightly higher rates of inpatient morality (3% vs 2%, HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06-1.60, P = .01), revision surgery (3% vs 3%, HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02-1.52, P = .03), and implant failure (1% vs <1%, HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.10-2.96, P = .02). Sensitivity analyses did not significantly alter these findings but suggested that inpatient mortality may decline as surgeon volume approaches 30 cases/y before gradually increasing at higher volumes.

CONCLUSION

A clinically meaningful volume-outcome relationship was not identified among very high-volume hemiarthroplasty surgeons or hospitals. Although prior evidence indicates that outcomes can be improved by avoiding very low-volume providers, these results suggest that complications would not be further reduced by directing all hemiarthroplasty patients to very high-volume surgeons or facilities. Future research investigating whether inpatient mortality changes with surgeon volume (particularly around 30 cases/y) in a different dataset would be valuable.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III.

Limited Influence of Comorbidities on Length of Stay after Total Hip Arthroplasty: Experience of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery

Objectives

To identify predictors of length of stay (LOS) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program and evaluate the safety and cost‐efficiency of the ERAS program with reduced LOS for unselected patients in a Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 311 consecutive, unselected patients undergoing primary THA at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups: LOS ≤ 3 and LOS > 3 group. All patients were managed with the same ERAS protocol and went back home after discharge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for LOS > 3. Harris Hip Score at 90‐day follow‐up, 90‐day readmission rate, and hospitalization costs were compared between two groups.

Results

Multivariate regression analysis identified female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.623), living alone (OR = 4.127), and primary osteoarthritis of hip (OR = 3.565) to be correlated with LOS > 3. Preoperative hemoglobin (HB), postoperative HB, drain use, blood transfusion, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, number of comorbidities, and CCI score showed no significant influence on LOS after adjusting for other risk factors in the multivariate model. Harris Hip Score and readmission rate at 90‐day follow‐up showed no significant differences between two groups. Patients in LOS > 3 group had approximately 3948.6 Chinese yuan higher hospital costs.

Conclusion

Female gender, living alone, and primary osteoarthritis of hip were identified as independent risk factors for prolonged LOS. The experience from our institution suggested aggressive management of comorbidities in the ERAS program can minimize the influence of comorbidities on LOS. The safety, efficiency, and costs‐saving benefits of the ERAS program with reduced LOS for unselected patients was confirmed in this study.

Effect of hospital volume on outcomes of total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A shift in the healthcare system towards the centralization of common yet costly surgeries, such as total hip arthroplasty (THA), to high-volume centers of excellence, is an attempt to control the economic burden while simultaneously enhancing patient outcomes. The "volume-outcome" relationship suggests that hospitals performing more treatment of a given type exhibit better outcomes than hospitals performing fewer. This theory has surfaced as an important factor in determining patient outcomes following THA. We performed a systematic review with meta-analyses to review the available evidence on the impact of hospital volume on outcomes of THA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a review of PubMed (MEDLINE), OVID MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library of studies reporting the impact of hospital volume on THA. The studies were evaluated as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 44 studies were included in the review. We accessed pooled data using random-effect meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Results of the meta-analyses show that low-volume hospitals were associated with a higher rate of surgical site infections (1.25 [1.01, 1.55]), longer length of stay (RR, 0.83[0.48-1.18]), increased cost of surgery (3.44, [2.57, 4.30]), 90-day complications (RR, 1.80[1.50-2.17]) and 30-day (RR, 2.33[1.27-4.28]), 90-day (RR, 1.26[1.05-1.51]), and 1-year mortality rates (RR, 2.26[1.32-3.88]) when compared to high-volume hospitals following THA. Except for two prospective studies, all were retrospective observational studies.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate superior outcomes following THA in high-volume hospitals. Together with the reduced cost of the surgical procedure, fewer complications may contribute to saving considerable opportunity costs annually. However, a need to define objective volume-thresholds with stronger evidence would be required.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42019123776.

Optimal Hospital and Surgeon Volume Thresholds to Improve 30-Day Readmission Rates, Costs, and Length of Stay for Total Hip Replacement

BACKGROUND

Little is known about whether there are optimal hospital and surgeon volume thresholds to reduce readmission, costs, and length of stay (LOS) for total hip replacement (THR). Nationwide population-based data were applied to identify the optimal hospital and surgeon volume thresholds and to discover the effects of these volume thresholds on 30-day unplanned readmission, costs and LOS for THR.

METHODS

A total of 6367 patients identified through Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database received THR in 2012. Restricted cubic splines were used to identify the optimal hospital and surgeon volume needed to decrease the risk of 30-day unplanned readmission. Multilevel regression modeling and propensity score weighting were used to examine the impact of hospital and surgeon volume thresholds on 30-day unplanned readmission, costs, and LOS, after adjusting for patient, surgeon, and hospital characteristics.

RESULTS

The volume thresholds for hospitals and surgeons were 65 cases and 15 cases a year, respectively. The overall mean LOS was 7.3 ± 4.3 days. Patients who received THR from surgeons who did not reach the volume threshold had higher 30-day unplanned readmission rates, costs, and LOS than those who received THR from surgeons who reached the volume threshold.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to identify the surgeon volume threshold that can reduce 30-day unplanned readmission rates, costs, and LOS for THR. However, the results from Taiwan may not be applicable to other parts of the world. Identifying the threshold could help patients, providers, and policymakers to make decisions regarding optimal delivery of THR.

Does Surgeon Volume Affect Outcomes Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Surgeon volume has been identified as an important factor impacting postoperative outcome in patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries. With an absence of a detailed systematic review, we sought to collate evidence on the impact of surgeon volume on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

PubMed (MEDLINE) and Google Scholar databases were queried for articles using the following search criteria: ("Surgeon Volume" OR "Provider Volume" OR "Volume Outcome") AND ("THA" OR "Total hip replacement" OR "THR" OR "Total hip arthroplasty"). Studies investigating total hip arthroplasty being performed for malignancy or hip fractures were excluded from the review. Twenty-eight studies were included in the final review. All studies underwent a quality appraisal using the GRADE tool. The systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Increasing surgeon volume was associated with a shorter length of stay, lower costs, and lower dislocation rates. Studies showed a significant association between an increasing surgeon volume and higher odds of early-term and midterm survivorship, but not long-term survivorships. Although complications were reported and recorded differently in studies, there was a general trend toward a lower postoperative morbidity with regard to complications following surgeries by a high-volume surgeon.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review shows evidence of a trend toward better postoperative outcomes with high-volume surgeons. Future prospective studies are needed to better determine long-term postoperative outcomes such as survivorship before healthcare policies such as regionalization and/or equal-access healthcare systems can be considered.

The impact of metabolic syndrome on 30-day outcomes in geriatric hip fracture surgeries

PURPOSE

Past literature has reported metabolic syndrome (MetS) to complicate postoperative care in patients undergoing various surgical procedures. We sought to analyze the impact of MetS on 30-day outcomes following hip fracture surgeries in the geriatric population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 2015-2016 ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients undergoing hip fracture repair using CPT codes for total hip arthroplasty (27130), hemiarthroplasty (27125) and open reduction internal fixation (27236, 27244, 27245). Only patients ≥ 65 years of age undergoing surgery due to a traumatic hip fracture were included in the study. MetS was defined using preset criteria used by other NSQIP studies as the presence of-(1) diabetes mellitus AND (2) hypertension requiring medication AND (3) BMI ≥ 30 kg/m².

RESULTS

Out of 31,621 patients, a total of 1388 (4.4%) geriatric patients with MetS underwent hip fracture surgery. Following adjusted analysis, the presence of MetS was associated with higher odds of a prolonged length of stay > 5 days (OR 1.14 [95% CI 1.01-1.29]; p = 0.031), deep SSI (OR 2.48 [95% CI 1.20-5.14]; p = 0.014), progressive renal insufficiency (OR 3.27 [95% CI 1.98-5.42]; p < 0.001), acute renal failure (OR 2.08 [95% CI 1.04-4.15]; p = 0.038), urinary tract infection (OR 1.43 [95% CI 1.12-1.81]; p = 0.004), 30-day readmissions (OR 1.28 [95% CI 1.08-1.52]; p = 0.005) and a non-home discharge (OR 1.42 [95% CI 1.18-1.71]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

MetS is associated with a significantly increased risk of several postoperative complications, readmissions and non-home discharge dispositions. Providers can utilize these data to promote the need for better perioperative care in these high-risk patients.

Effect of Surgeon and Hospital Volume on Morbidity and Mortality After Hip Fracture

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have examined the relationship between surgeon and hospital volumes and outcome following hip fracture surgical procedures, but the results have been inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to assess the hip fracture volume-outcome relationship by analyzing data from a large, managed care registry.

METHODS

The Kaiser Permanente Hip Fracture Registry prospectively records information on surgically treated hip fractures within the managed health-care system. Using this registry, all surgically treated hip fractures in patients 60 years of age or older were identified. Surgeon and hospital volume were defined as the number of hip fracture surgical procedures performed in the preceding 12 months and were divided into tertiles (low, medium, and high). The primary outcome was mortality at 1 year postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were mortality at 30 and 90 days postoperatively as well as reoperation (lifetime), medical complications (90-day), and unplanned readmission (30-day). To determine the relationship between volume and these outcome measures, multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression were performed, controlling for potentially confounding variables.

RESULTS

Of 14,294 patients in the study sample, the majority were female (71%) and white (79%), and the mean age was 81 years. The overall mortality rate was 6% at 30 days, 11% at 90 days, and 21% at 1 year. We did not find an association between surgeon or hospital volume and mortality at 30 days, 90 days, or 1 year (p > 0.05). There was also no association between surgeon or hospital volume and reoperation, medical complications, or unplanned readmission (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this analysis of hip fractures treated in a large integrated health-care system, the observed rates of mortality, reoperation, medical complications, and unplanned readmission did not differ by surgeon or hospital volume. In contrast to other orthopaedic procedures, such as total joint arthroplasty, our data do not suggest that hip fractures need to be preferentially directed toward high-volume surgeons or hospitals for treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Medical Comorbidities Impact the Episode-of-Care Reimbursements of Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) costs are a source of great interest in the currently evolving health care market. The initiation of a bundled payment system has led to further research into costs drivers of this commonly performed procedure. One aspect that has not been well studied is the effect of comorbidities on the reimbursements of THA. The purpose of this study was to determine if common medical comorbidities affect these reimbursements.

METHODS

A retrospective, level of evidence III study was performed using the PearlDiver supercomputer to identify patients who underwent primary THA between 2007 and 2015. Patients were stratified by medical comorbidities and compared using the analysis of variance for reimbursements of the day of surgery, and over the 90-day postoperative period.

RESULTS

A cohort of 250,343 patients was identified. Greatest reimbursements on the day of surgery were found among patients with a history of cirrhosis, morbid obesity, obesity, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hepatitis C. Patients with cirrhosis, hepatitis C, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation, and CKD incurred in the greatest reimbursements over the 90-day period after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Medical comorbidities significantly impact reimbursements, and inferentially costs, after THA. The most costly comorbidities at 90 days include cirrhosis, hepatitis C, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation, and CKD.

Higher Modified Charlson Index Scores Are Associated With Increased Incidence of Complications, Transfusion Events, and Length of Stay Following Revision Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Revision total hip arthroplasty (RHA) has been associated with greater morbidity and length of stay (LOS) compared to primary total hip arthroplasty. Despite this, few validated metrics exist for risk stratification in RHA cohorts. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) has been associated with complications in total hip arthroplasty, but its utility in revision surgery remains unexplored. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between preoperative CCI and a variety of outcome metrics following RHA.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify all patients undergoing aseptic RHA between 2006 and 2013. A variety of demographics and perioperative variables were collected. Modified CCI scores were computed for each patient based on a validated formula incorporating comorbidities found in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Outcome variables of interest included mortality, major postoperative complications, minor adverse events, incidence of transfusion, and prolonged LOS. Perioperative factors were tested for association with these outcomes using bivariate analysis and significant variables were then incorporated into a logistic regression model to explore the relationship between preoperative CCI scores and postoperative events.

RESULTS

In a multivariable regression model controlling for the significant perioperative variables, operative time, and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, higher CCI scores were significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.64-2.18, P < .001), major complications (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.20, P = .001), minor complications (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.39-1.69, P < .001), transfusions (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.20, P < .001), and prolonged LOS (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.26-1.39, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Higher preoperative CCI scores were independent risk factors for numerous complications. This highlights the potential utility of the CCI in risk stratification for RHA populations.

Patient Comorbidity Status and Incremental Total Hospitalization Costs in Elective Orthopedic Procedures

This study examined the correlation between patient comorbidity status, hospitalization length of stay (LOS), and cost for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), total hip arthroplasty (THA), and 1- to 3-level lumbar spinal fusion procedures. Using the Premier Perspective Database, adults older than 18 years who underwent primary unilateral TKA, THA, or spinal fusion between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2014, were identified. Generalized linear models controlling for age, sex, region, hospital size, academic status, payor, and procedure year predicted the incremental total hospitalization cost among the sickest patients (Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] ≥3) vs healthy controls (CCI=0). The study cohort included 536,582 TKAs, 275,953 THAs, and 177,493 spinal fusion procedures. The percentages of patients with a CCI of 3 or greater were 5.4%, 4.7%, and 4.3%, for TKA, THA, and spinal fusion procedures, respectively. Mean (SD) LOS was longer by 0.9 (1.5), 1.4 (2.3), and 2.3 (3.8) days for patients with a CCI of 3 or greater vs 0 for TKA, THA, and spinal fusion procedures, respectively. Unadjusted total hospitalization costs were $17,512 for TKA, $18,915 for THA, and $32,932 for spinal fusion procedures; generalized linear models showed an incremental total hospitalization cost for CCI scores of 3 or greater of $2211, $3041, and $3922 vs CCI equal to 0 for each procedure type, respectively. Although representing a relatively small proportion of all patients undergoing elective orthopedic procedures, highly comorbid patients were associated with a greater total hospitalization cost burden. With the average patient comorbidity burden growing nationally, this study warrants further examination of improved standards of care for comorbid patients undergoing elective orthopedic procedures. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):237-246.].

Association between hospital procedure volume and risk of revision after total hip arthroplasty: a population-based study within the Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association database

OBJECTIVE

Outcome after total hip arthroplasty (THA) depends on several factors related to the patient, the surgeon and the implant. It has been suggested that the annual number of procedures per hospital affects the prognosis. We aimed to examine if hospital procedure volume was associated with the risk of revision after primary THA in the Nordic countries from 1995 to 2011.

DESIGN

The Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association database provided information about primary THA, revision and annual hospital volume. Hospitals were divided into five volume groups (1-50, 51-100, 101-200, 201-300, >300). The outcome of interest was risk of revision 1, 2, 5, 10 and 15 years after primary THA. Multivariable regression was used to assess the relative risk (RR) of revision.

RESULTS

417,687 THAs were included. For the 263,176 cemented THAs no differences were seen 1 year after primary procedure. At 2, 5, 10 and 15 years the four largest hospital volume groups had a reduced risk of revision compared to group 1-50. After 10 years RR was for volume group 51-100 0.79 (CI 0.65-0.95), group 101-200 0.76 (CI 0.61-0.95), group 201-300 0.74 (CI 0.57-0.96) and group >300 0.57 (CI 0.46-0.71). For the uncemented THAs an association between hospital volume and risk of revision were only present for hospitals producing 201-300 THAs per year, beginning at years 2 through 5 and in all subsequent time intervals to 15 years.

CONCLUSION

Hospital procedure volume was associated with a long term risk of revision after primary cemented THA. Hospitals operating 50 procedures or less per year had an increased risk of revision after 2, 5, 10 and 15 years follow up.

Does Categorization Method Matter in Exploring Volume-Outcome Relation? A Multiple Categorization Methods Comparison in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Surgical Site Infection

BACKGROUND

Volume-infection relation studies have been published for high-risk surgical procedures, although the conclusions remain controversial. Inconsistent results may be caused by inconsistent categorization methods, the definitions of service volume, and different statistical approaches. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a relation exists between provider volume and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgical site infection (SSI) using different categorization methods.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional multi-level study was conducted. A total of 10,405 patients who received CABG surgery between 2006 and 2008 in Taiwan were recruited. The outcome of interest was surgical site infection for CABG surgery. The associations among several patient, surgeon, and hospital characteristics was examined. The definition of surgeons' and hospitals' service volume was the cumulative CABG service volumes in the previous year for each CABG operation and categorized by three types of approaches: Continuous, quartile, and k-means clustering.

RESULTS

The results of multi-level mixed effects modeling showed that hospital volume had no association with SSI. Although the relation between surgeon volume and surgical site infection was negative, it was inconsistent among the different categorization methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Categorization of service volume is an important issue in volume-infection study. The findings of the current study suggest that different categorization methods might influence the relation between volume and SSI. The selection of an optimal cutoff point should be taken into account for future research.

Which Kind of Provider's Operation Volumes Matters? Associations between CABG Surgical Site Infection Risk and Hospital and Surgeon Operation Volumes among Medical Centers in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Volume-infection relationships have been examined for high-risk surgical procedures, but the conclusions remain controversial. The inconsistency might be due to inaccurate identification of cases of infection and different methods of categorizing service volumes. This study takes coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgical site infections (SSIs) as an example to examine whether a relationship exists between operation volumes and SSIs, when different SSIs case identification, definitions and categorization methods of operation volumes were implemented.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional multilevel study was conducted. A total of 7,007 patients who received CABG surgery between 2006 and 2008 from 19 medical centers in Taiwan were recruited. SSIs associated with CABG surgery were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) codes and a Classification and Regression Trees (CART) model. Two definitions of surgeon and hospital operation volumes were used: (1) the cumulative CABG operation volumes within the study period; and (2) the cumulative CABG operation volumes in the previous one year before each CABG surgery. Operation volumes were further treated in three different ways: (1) a continuous variable; (2) a categorical variable based on the quartile; and (3) a data-driven categorical variable based on k-means clustering algorithm. Furthermore, subgroup analysis for comorbidities was also conducted.

RESULTS

This study showed that hospital volumes were not significantly associated with SSIs, no matter which definitions or categorization methods of operation volume, or SSIs case identification approaches were used. On the contrary, the relationships between surgeon's volumes varied. Most of the models demonstrated that the low-volume surgeons had higher risk than high-volume surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Surgeon volumes were more important than hospital volumes in exploring the relationship between CABG operation volumes and SSIs in Taiwan. However, the relationships were not robust. Definitions and categorization methods of operation volume and correct identification of SSIs are important issues for future research.

What preoperative patient-related factors predict inpatient recovery of physical functioning and length of stay after total hip arthroplasty? A systematic review

Objective:

To identify the preoperative patient-related characteristics predicting inpatient recovery of functioning and/or length of hospital stay after elective primary total hip arthroplasty.

Design:

A search was conducted of the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL from inception through April 2014. Observational studies were selected for systematic review if they identified clinically relevant preoperative prognostic factors and reported an association between inpatient recovery of physical functioning and/or length of hospital stay. Study participants were adults undergoing an elective primary total hip arthroplasty.

Results:

Fourteen studies were included, a total of 199,410 individual total hip arthroplasty procedures. Two studies investigated inpatient recovery of physical functioning, no strong level of evidence was found for a relationship between functional recovery and any of the preoperative predictors. Twelve studies investigated the length of hospital stay and reported 19 preoperative prognostic factors. A strong level of evidence suggested that higher scores on the American Society of Anaesthesiologists assessment (OR 3.34 to 6.22, +0.20 days), increased number of comorbidities (RR of 1.10, +0.59 to 1.61 days), presence of heart disease, (RR of 1.59, +0.26 days), and presence of lung disease (RR of 1.30, +0.34 days) were associated with longer lengths of hospital stay following total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusion:

For the prediction of inpatient recovery of physical functioning no factors with a strong level of evidence were found. For length of stay there was a strong level of evidence for the American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, number of comorbidities, and presence of heart or lung disease.

The association between comorbidity and length of hospital stay and costs in total hip arthroplasty patients: a systematic review

We performed a systematic review on the relationship between comorbidity and length of hospital stay (LOS) and hospital costs (HC). Electronic databases were systematically searched for relevant studies, conducting methodological quality assessment and best-evidence synthesis: 317 articles were identified, 10 of which fit the inclusion criteria; nine studies determined the relationship between comorbidity and LOS, with eight reporting a positive correlation; five studies were considered to be of high quality, four of which found a positive correlation; two studies analyzed the relationship between comorbidity and HC and reported significantly higher HC for patients with comorbidities, and were considered to be of high quality. In conclusion, there is limited evidence that patient comorbidity has a positive correlation with LOS and HC.

Medical comorbidity is associated with persistent index hip pain after total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

To characterize whether medical comorbidity predicts persistent moderate-severe pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

We analyzed the prospectively collected data from the Mayo Clinic Total Joint Registry for patients who underwent primary or revision THA between 1993 and 2005. Using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses, we examined whether certain medical comorbidities were associated with persistent moderate-severe hip pain 2 or 5 years after primary or revision THA. Odds ratios (ORs), along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and P value, are presented.

RESULTS

The primary THA cohort consisted of 5,707 THAs and 3,289 THAs at 2 and 5 years, and revision THA, 2,687 and 1,627 THAs, respectively. In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, in the primary THA cohort, renal disease was associated with lower odds of moderate-severe hip pain (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.3, 1.0) at 2 years. None of the comorbidities were significantly associated at 5 years. In the revision THA cohort, heart disease was significantly associated with higher risk (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1, 2.6) at 2 years and connective tissue disease with lower risk (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3, 0.9) of moderate-severe hip pain at 5-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study identified new correlates of moderate-severe hip pain after primary or revision THA, a much-feared outcome of hip arthroplasty. Patients with these comorbidities should be informed regarding the risk of moderate-severe index hip pain, so that they can have a fully informed consent and realistic expectations.

Body mass index as predictor of health-related quality-of-life changes after total hip arthroplasty: a cross-over study

The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of patient weight and other preoperative variables to improvements in the general physical health of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Data were prospectively collected on 63 THA patients (28 males and 35 females). The primary outcome measure was the improvement in general health (Short Form-12 Health Survey questionnaire) at three months post-THA. Patients with body mass index >28kg/m(2) showed greater improvements in function and in the physical component of general health after THA. Stepwise regression analyses revealed that the BMI and WOMAC general index were independent and significant predictors of physical function and together explained 34.2% of the variance in physical function scores. These findings suggest that the body mass index before surgery and improvements in hip function are relevant contributors to post-THA improvements in general health.

Medical and psychological comorbidity predicts poor pain outcomes after total knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

To study comorbidity correlates of moderate to severe pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

We analysed prospectively collected Total Joint Registry data to examine whether medical (heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and CTD) and psychological (anxiety and depression) comorbidity is associated with moderate to severe pain after primary or revision TKA. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression simultaneously adjusted for all comorbidities, age, sex, BMI, underlying diagnosis, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class, distance from medical centre and implant fixation (only for primary TKA) was used to analyse primary and revision TKA separately.

RESULTS

The primary TKA cohort consisted of 7139 and 4234 TKAs (response rates 65% and 57%) and the revision TKA cohort consisted of 1533 and 881 TKAs at 2 and 5 years (response rates 57% and 48%), respectively. In the primary TKA cohort, anxiety was associated with 1.4 higher odds (95% CI 1.0, 2.0) of moderate to severe index knee pain at 2 years; at 5 years, heart disease (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1, 2.6), depression (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1, 2.5) and anxiety (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.2, 3.1) were significantly associated with moderate to severe pain. For revision TKA, CTD (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.2, 0.9) and depression (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1, 3.1) were significantly associated with moderate to severe pain.

CONCLUSION

This study identified medical and psychological comorbidity risk factors for moderate to severe pain after primary and revision TKA. This information can be used to provide realistic outcome expectations for patients before undergoing primary or revision TKA.