Identifying Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Infection Following Elective Lower-Extremity Total Joint Arthroplasty

Effects of an Integrated Geriatric-Orthopedic Co-management (InGerO) on the Treatment of Older Orthopedic Patients with Native and Periprosthetic Joint Infections

In view of our aging society, co-management with a geriatrician is becoming increasingly important. While such collaborations have been working successfully in trauma surgery for years, it is still unclear whether they are also helpful for non-trauma patients in orthopedics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of such a cooperation in orthopedic non-trauma patients with native and periprosthetic joint infections on the basis of five key areas.A retrospective observational study as a before and after comparison was used to compare routine data from patients with and without orthogeriatric co-management after nontraumatic surgery. Eligible patients for the study were 70 years and older, had a diagnosis of hip, knee, or shoulder infection, and had been hospitalized for at least 14 days. Co-management consisted of close follow-up by a geriatrician, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, and "complex early geriatric rehabilitation". The comparison group received therapy as usual, without a geriatrician and without "complex early geriatric rehabilitation". Special attention was paid to delirium, pain, mobility, postoperative complications, and renal function.Analysis was carried out with 59 patients "with" and 63 "without" geriatric co-management. In the co-management group, delirium was detected significantly more often (p < 0.001), significantly lower pain intensities were measured at the time of discharge (p < 0.001), transfer ability had clearly improved more (p = 0.04), and renal function was more frequently noted (p = 0.04). No significant differences were found with respect to principal diagnoses, surgical procedures performed, complication rates, pressure ulcer and delirium incidence, operative revisions, or length of inpatient stay.Orthogeriatric co-management in orthopedic patients with native and periprosthetic joint infections and nontraumatic surgery appears to have positive impacts on recognition and treatment of delirium, pain management, transfer performance, and attention to renal function. Further studies should follow in order to conclusively assess the value of such co-management in orthopedic nontraumatic surgery patients.

Surgical procedures for the treatment of fungal periprosthetic infection following hip arthroplasty: a systematic scoping review

Background

There has been limited literature synthesizing the therapeutic effects of surgical procedures for fungal periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following hip arthroplasty. The authors' current study aims to comprehensively review and analyze those relevant literature, and carefully make recommendations for future clinical practices.

Methods

Our current study was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. Studies regarding the surgical management of fungal PJI following hip arthroplasty were collected via a thorough search of PubMed, Embase and Google scholar databases. The search was lastly performed in March 2023. Non-English language, reviews, articles with duplicated data, and articles without clear information about the type of fungal pathogens and treatment options were excluded. The authors evaluated their systematic review compliance by using AMSTAR 2 criteria and fell in moderate quality. Clinical outcomes of different surgical procedures were evaluated, and a binary logistic regression model was used to identify the risks associated with treatment failure. Data analyses were performed using the SPSS version 19.0.

Results

A total of 33 articles encompassing 80 patients with fungal PJI following hip arthroplasty were identified. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated fungus (56.3%, 45/80). The overall treatment success was achieved in 71.1% (54/76) of the reported cases. Univariate analysis showed that the differences of success rate were not significant between publication periods, genders, ages, specimen collection methods, and fungal pathogens. Treatment success rate was 47.4% (9/19) in fungal PJI cases with bacterial co-infection, significantly lower than those without [vs. 79.0% (45/57), P=0.017]. The pooled success rate for surgical debridement, spacer implantation, resection arthroplasty, one-stage revision, and two-stage revision was 50.0% (4/8), 42.9% (3/7), 55.0% (11/20), 86.7% (13/15), and 88.5% (23/26), respectively, with significant differences between them (P=0.009). A binary logistic regression model showed that bacterial co-infection and surgical option were the two significant risk factors associated with treatment failure for fungal PJI following hip arthroplasty.

Discussion

Regarding the surgical treatment of fungal PJI following hip arthroplasty, patients with bacterial co-infection, and those treated with surgical procedures such as debridement, spacer implantation, and resection arthroplasty should be aware of the higher risks of failure. Nonetheless, future multiple-centre cohort studies are required to establish the optimal treatment.

A Comprehensive Summary of the Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews on Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapies for Knee Osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis (OA), including that of the knee joint, represents a significant proportion of musculoskeletal injuries in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) due to the frequent, high-stress physical activity for which member participation is necessary. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a conservative, autologous treatment that has the potential to relieve symptoms and improve functionality of military members to decrease the impact of the disease and ultimately strengthen the CAF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of systematic reviews and meta-analyses was conducted to determine the efficacy of PRP injections in treating knee OA. The Scopus database, PubMed database, and Omni academic search tools were scoped for relevant publications. English literature, published up to and including March 2023, that investigated only clinically randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was eligible for inclusion. The results of network meta-analyses were investigated and summarized independent of reviews and non-network meta-analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 225 unique systematic reviews and meta-analyses were initially identified, of which 39 publications, including 7 network meta-analyses, adhered to the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. PRP was found to significantly alleviate symptoms of pain based on the visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index pain scores within the 12-month follow-up. Function, activity, sport, quality of life, and stiffness were additionally determined to generally improve to a greater extent from PRP treatment compared to controls, while adverse effects were minor and temporary. PRP placed in the top 3 in 9 reported surface under the cumulative ranking curves, while individually reported rankings of leukocyte-poor and leukocyte-rich PRP both placed in the top 4. The clinical recommendations made were generally positive, with 17 publications acknowledging the benefits of PRP, 3 supporting possible efficacy, and an additional 8 recommending that it be an option for the conservative treatment of knee OA.

CONCLUSION

The results of this review support the efficacy of PRP for relieving symptoms of pain and improving function, stiffness, and quality of life for patients experiencing knee OA within 12 months. As a result, leukocyte-poor-PRP could be considered for members of the CAF with mild to moderate knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-3) to slow the progression of OA and extend the military careers of CAF members. There continues to be a need for future studies to investigate the longer-term effects of PRP to verify sustained benefits at follow-up points greater than 12 months, including findings of improvement in a delayed fashion at the 3- and 6-month timeframe compared to hyaluronic acid treatment.

Patient "No-Show" Increases the Risk of 90-Day Complications Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 6,776 Patients

BACKGROUND

Patients who "no-show" (NS) clinical appointments are at a high risk of adverse health outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize the relationship between NS visits prior to primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 90-day complications after TKA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 6,776 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA. Study groups were separated based on whether patients who NS versus always attended their appointment. A NS was defined as an intended appointment that was not canceled or rescheduled ≤2 hours before the appointment in which the patient did not show. Data collected included total number of follow-up appointments prior to surgery, patient demographics, comorbidities, and 90-day postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Patients who have ≥3 NS appointments had 1.5 times increased odds of a surgical site infection (odds ratio (OR) 1.54, P = .002) compared to always attended patients. Patients who were ≤65 years old (OR: 1.41, P < .001), smokers (OR: 2.01, P < .001), and had a Charlson comorbidity index ≥3 (OR: 4.48, P < .001) were more likely to miss clinical appointments.

CONCLUSION

Patients who have ≥3 NS appointments prior to TKA had an increased risk for surgical site infection. Sociodemographic factors were associated with higher odds of missing a scheduled clinical appointment. These data suggest that orthopaedic surgeons should consider NS data as an important clinical decision-making tool to assess risk for postoperative complications to minimize complications following TKA.

Risk factors for rehospitalization within 90 days in patients with total joint replacement: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The risk factors influencing the readmission within 90 days following total joint replacement (TJR) are complex and heterogeneous, and few systematic reviews to date have focused on this issue.

METHODS

Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched from the inception dates to December 2022. Relevant, published studies were identified using the following keywords: risk factors, rehospitalization, total hip replacement, total knee replacement, total shoulder replacement, and total joint replacement. All relevant data were collected from the studies that meet the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

RESULTS

Of 68,336 patients who underwent TJR, 1,269,415 (5.4%) were readmitted within 90 days. High American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (OR, 1.502; 95%CI:1.405-1.605; P < .001), heart failure (OR,1.494; 95%CI: 1.235-1.754; P < .001), diabetes (OR, 1.246; 95%CI:1.128-1.377; P < .001), liver disease (OR, 1.339; 95%CI:1.237-1.450; P < .001), drinking (OR, 1.114; 95%CI:1.041-1.192; P = .002), depression (OR, 1.294; 95%CI:1.223-1.396; P < .001), urinary tract infection (OR, 5.879; 95%CI: 5.119-6.753; P < .001), and deep vein thrombosis (OR, 10.007; 95%CI: 8.787-11.396; P < .001) showed statistically positive correlation with increased 90-day readmissions after TJR, but high blood pressure, smoking, and pneumonia had no significant association with readmission risk.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this review and meta-analysis will aid clinicians as they seek to understand the risk factors for 90-day readmission following TJR. Clinicians should consider the identified key risk factors associated with unplanned readmissions and develop strategies to risk-stratify patients and provide dedicated interventions to reduce the rates of readmission and enhance the recovery process.

Periprosthetic knee infection in octogenarians: a single institution experience at midterm outcome

PURPOSE

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in the elderly is among the clinically most challenging scenarios given multimorbidity combined with poor bone and soft tissue quality. Despite increasing prevalence, limited is known on PJI among this unique group of patients. As such, this study analyzed PJI characteristics, implant survivorship and non-surgical complications of octogenarians revised PJI for the knee.

METHODS

We identified 31 patients that were revised for PJIs of the knee between 2010 and 2019 using a single university-based registry. Mean age was 83 years (range 80-87), 48% were females, and mean BMI was 29 kg/m2. Mean age adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index was 7, and mean ASA score was 3. Major causative pathogens included Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (26%), Staphylococcus aureus (13%), and Streptococci (13%). Two-stage exchange was performed in 30 patients, permanent resection arthroplasty in one joint. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analyses were performed. Mean follow-up was 4 years.

RESULTS

The 2-year survivorship free of any recurrent PJI was 96%, and there was one PJI relapse noted at 6 months. Moreover, there were three additional revisions for aseptic loosening, and one further revision for fracture. As such, the 2-year survivorship free of any revision was 87%. In addition to the aforementioned revisions, there was one additional plate osteosynthesis for a Vancouver C fracture, resulting in a 79% survivorship free of any reoperation at 2 years. Mean perioperative complication score according to the Clavien-Dindo classification was 2 out of 5. A total of three patients died: one patient 40 days after resection arthroplasty, two others 4 months and 8 months after reimplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Octogenarians revised for PJI of the knee are at low risk of recurrent infection and overall revision at 2 years. However, moderate rates of perioperative complications and mortality at short term must acknowledge before deciding upon procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic level IV.

Optimizing Total Joint Arthroplasty for Patients Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Introduction

Significant advancements in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment have led to an increasing life expectancy among patients living with HIV (PLWH). Given this rise in life expectancy, as well as the ability to lead a more active lifestyle, the rate of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in this population is increasing. Unfortunately, the current medical literature surrounding the safety and efficacy of TJA in this patient population is indeterminant. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if optimization of PLWH prior to TJA would result in any changes in the incidence of postoperative complications and hospital length of stay (LOS) when compared to historically reported data. 

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was performed of all PLWH 18 years and older who underwent either a primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) between 2009 and 2019 at our academic institution. Medical records were reviewed for each patient to assess demographics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory studies, operative details, length of hospital stay, complications, and follow-up time. Patients were optimized using our institution's current optimization guidelines: body mass index (BMI) less than 40 kg/m², hemoglobin >12 g/dL, no tobacco use within 30 days of surgery, albumin >3.5 g/dL. Independent-sample t-tests and Pearson's chi-square tests were used to evaluate the continuous and categorical variables, respectively.

Results

This study included 47 TJA in PLWH, including 14 TKA and 33 THA. Out of the 47 patients, 13 (27.7%) were fully optimized for all four variables: BMI, hemoglobin, non-smoking status, and albumin. There was no significant difference between the group of PLWH that was completely optimized and the group that was not in any patient characteristics, preoperative labs, intraoperative variables, or postoperative variables, including length of hospital stay and complications. A larger proportion of patients not completely optimized was found to be active smokers (p=0.0003). All complications occurred in cases in which the patients were not fully optimized. Subgroup analysis of PLWH, who were completely optimized, showed an average LOS of 4.3+/-1.5 days following TKA and 2.9+/-1.1 days following THA. Subgroup analysis of PLWH not completely optimized showed that each case was optimized for at least one variable and that those optimized for albumin had the largest (12.2%) number of complications.

Conclusion

PLWH can achieve a low rate of complications and LOS similar to that of the general population if medically and nutritionally optimized. Additional research is necessary to reveal well-defined parameters for achieving a higher rate of optimization prior to surgery in this important patient population.

Prediction of Early Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Purpose

To develop a parsimonious risk prediction model for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) within 90 days after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Patients and Methods

We used logistic LASSO regression with bootstrap ranking to develop a risk prediction model for PJI within 90 days based on a Swedish cohort of 88,830 patients with elective THA 2008–2015. The model was externally validated on a Danish cohort with 18,854 patients.

Results

Incidence of PJI was 2.45% in Sweden and 2.17% in Denmark. A model with the underlying diagnosis for THA, body mass index (BMI), American Society for Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, sex, age, and the presence of five defined comorbidities had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.66 to 0.69) in Sweden and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.64 to 0.69) in Denmark. This was superior to traditional models based on ASA class, Charlson, Elixhauser, or the Rx Risk V comorbidity indices. Internal calibration was good for predicted probabilities up to 10%.

Conclusion

A new PJI prediction model based on easily accessible data available before THA was developed and externally validated. The model had superior discriminatory ability compared to ASA class alone or more complex comorbidity indices and had good calibration. We provide a web-based calculator (https://erikbulow.shinyapps.io/thamortpred/) to facilitate shared decision making by patients and surgeons.

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Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Total Hip and Knee Replacement: One European Consensus

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication in total hip and knee replacement. Its prevention is key to decrease the incidence and avoid some consequences that seriously impact patients and health systems. In view of the variety of recommendations and guidelines, we decided to conduct an expert, peer-reviewed European consensus analysis about the pre-, intra-, and postoperative prevention of PJI. A multinational group of practicing orthopedic experts developed a series of 47 consensus statements in 6 main groups of intervention, and a 2-stage Delphi approach was launched with a threshold for agreement at 75% and for very high agreement at more than 90%. A total of 306 orthopedic surgeon responses were gathered from 9 countries. Consensus was reached for 42/47 statements, 31/47 of which achieved a very high consensus. Many preoperative actions gathered strong consensus, although areas like the use of alcoholic chlorhexidine or the timing of hair removal did not attain strong consensus, despite available evidence. Intra- and postoperative actions showed more variability regarding incise drapes, skin suturing techniques, and wound follow-up. This study confirms an important consensus among orthopedic surgeons across Europe in many areas well known to contribute to the prevention of PJI; however, there are still grounds for improvement.