Republication of "Most Readmissions Following Ankle Fracture Surgery Are Unrelated to Surgical Site Issues: An Analysis of 5056 Cases"

Background

Ankle fracture surgeries are generally safe and effective procedures; however, as quality-based reimbursement models are increasingly affected by postoperative readmission, we aimed to determine the causes and risk factors for readmission following ankle fracture surgery.

Methods

Ankle fracture cases were identified from the prospectively collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2013 to 2014. Demographics, comorbidities, and fracture characteristics were collected. Rates of 30-day adverse events and readmissions were determined as well as the causes for readmission. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with having any adverse events and being readmitted within 30 days of surgery.

Results

There were 5056 patients included; 167 (3.3%) were open fractures. The rate of any postoperative adverse event was 5.2%. There were 116 unplanned readmissions, with a readmission rate of 2.3%. Of the 116 unplanned readmissions, 49 (42.2%) were for reasons related to the surgery or surgical site, with the most common causes being deep surgical site/hardware infections (12.9%), superficial site infections (11.2%), and wound disruption (6.9%). Most readmissions were for reasons unrelated to the surgical site (51.7%), including cardiac disorders (8.6%), pulmonary disorders (7.8%), and neurological/psychiatric disorders (6.9%). The cause of readmission was unknown for 6% of readmissions. With multivariable logistic regression, the strongest risk factors for readmission were a history of pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.29), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class ≥3 (OR, 2.28), and open fractures (OR, 2.04) (all P < .05).

Conclusion

In this cohort of 5056 ankle fracture cases, 2.3% of patients were readmitted within 30 days, with at least 51.7% of all unplanned readmissions due to causes unrelated to the surgery or surgical site. Predictors of readmission included a history of pulmonary disease, higher ASA class, and open fractures. Based on these findings, we advocate close medical follow-up with nonorthopaedic providers after discharge for high-risk patients.

Level of Evidence

Level III.

PROMIS Global-10 performs poorly relative to legacy shoulder instruments in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral arthritis

BACKGROUND

The PROMIS Global-10 is a 10-item questionnaire that assesses general health-related quality of life. There is a paucity of research on the utility of the PROMIS Global-10 in the evaluation of orthopedic conditions. The aim of this study is to compare PROMIS Global-10 and legacy shoulder-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for shoulder arthritis.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent TSA for shoulder arthritis and completed preoperative and 1-year postoperative surveys. Primary outcome measures were the physical (PROMIS-P) and mental (PROMIS-M) components of PROMIS Global-10. The legacy PROMs included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and the Shoulder Activity Scale (SAS). Analyses included postoperative changes for each outcome, correlations between measures and a responsiveness assessment.

RESULTS

A total of 170 patients met inclusion criteria. Average age and body mass index were 67.7 ± 7.8 years and 28.0 ± 4.9, respectively. All legacy PROMs and PROMIS-P were significantly higher at 1-year follow-up compared with the preoperative level (P < .0001), whereas PROMIS-M did not change (P = .06). Preoperatively, both PROMIS components were either poorly correlated with all legacy PROMs (r < .04, P < .05) or not correlated at all (P > .05). Postoperatively, PROMIS-M was poorly correlated with all legacy PROMs (r < .04, P < .01), whereas PROMIS-P had fair correlation with ASES (r = .5, P < .0001) and poor correlation with SANE and SAS (r < .04, P < .01). A floor effect was observed for SANE, and SANE and ASES had a ceiling effect. The effect sizes for SANE and ASES were high (d = 2.01 and 2.39 respectively), whereas the effect size for SAS was moderate (d = 0.65), and the effect sizes for the PROMIS measures were small (d < .5). ASES was the most responsive measure and PROMIS-M was the least responsive.

CONCLUSION

PROMIS Global-10 had limited correlation with legacy PROMs and was less responsive at 1-year follow-up in patients following TSA. The Global-10 appears to have limited utility in the evaluation of patients with shoulder arthritis both preoperatively and after TSA.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes After Anatomic Reconstruction of the Proximal Tibiofibular Joint

PURPOSE

To assess the most common presenting symptoms, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction after anatomic reconstruction of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) with a free semitendinosus autograft.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with minimum 2-year follow-up after isolated anatomic PTFJ reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and Lysholm Knee Survey score along with a simple numeric patient satisfaction score (0-10, with 10 rated as perfect). Statistical analysis was performed with paired t tests, with P < .05 considered significant.

RESULTS

The study included 16 PTFJ reconstruction surgical procedures in 15 patients with isolated proximal tibiofibular instability verified by an examination under anesthesia (4 reconstructions in male patients vs 12 in female patients); the average age was 37.9 ± 14.6 years, with an average follow-up period of 43.2 months (range, 22-72 months). Of the 13 patients with complete follow-up, 11 (84.6%) were able to return to full desired activities and previous level of sport. Fourteen patients presented with concomitant common peroneal nerve pathology. Two patients had a subsequent complication. No patients needed an additional procedure. Significant (P < .05) improvement occurred across all WOMAC domains and in the WOMAC total score, from 31.4 (±14.9) preoperatively to 15.2 (±15.5) postoperatively. Lysholm Knee Survey scores significantly (P < .05) improved from 51.2 (±17.2) to 75.0 (±18.0). Patients' overall satisfaction was rated 7.6 (± 2.7) of 10.

CONCLUSIONS

At an average follow-up of 43.2 months, anatomic PTFJ reconstruction for isolated PTFJ instability provided improvement in clinical outcomes, a return to activities, and a low risk of complications or need for additional procedures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

PTFJ reconstruction with hamstring tendon graft is a promising surgical treatment that improves patient satisfaction when conservative treatment of PTFJ instability fails.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Online Resources for Rotator Cuff Repair: What are Patients Reading?

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to use a novel scoring system to evaluate the content and grade the quality of websites that patients may use to learn about rotator cuff repair.

Methods

Two search terms (“rotator cuff repair” and “rotator cuff surgery”) were entered into 3 Internet search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing). We scored the quality of information using a novel scoring system. Website quality was further assessed by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria and Health on the Net Foundation (HON) code certification. The readability of the websites was evaluated with the Flesch-Kincaid score.

Results

We evaluated 47 websites. The average quality for all websites was 6.47 ± 5.21 (maximum 20 points). There was a large difference in scores between the top 5 websites and the remaining websites (16.30 vs 5.51, P < .001). There was no difference in scores when comparing the 3 different search engines (P = .85). The mean reading level was 10.17 ± 2.24. Reading level was not significantly correlated with quality (r_s = 0.14, P = .36). The average JAMA benchmark criteria score for all websites was 2.34 ± 1.11 (maximum 4 points). JAMA criteria score was not significantly correlated with quality (r_s = 0.02, P = .91). Sites without HONcode certification had higher quality scores (8.33 ± 4.80) than sites with HONcode certification (6.18 ± 4.66), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .15).

Conclusion

The quality of patient-level information on rotator cuff repair on the Internet is both incomplete and written at a reading level higher than current recommendations. Information quality is not significantly correlated with reading level or JAMA criteria, and does not depend on the search term used or HONcode certification.

Clinical Relevance

Patients having rotator cuff repair may seek information on the Internet; the information may require surgeon clarification.

Clinical and Imaging Outcomes After Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction With Human Dermal Allograft for Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To report the clinical and structural outcomes for non-pseudoparalytic irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears treated with superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) using dermal allograft (DA).

METHODS

Patients who underwent SCR using DA with a mean thickness of 3 mm for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears and underwent surgery at least 2 years earlier were included. Outcomes were assessed prospectively by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores; patient satisfaction; and visual analog scale for pain. Structurally, acromiohumeral distances (AHDs) were assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively (standard radiographs). Graft integrity was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical failures were reported.

RESULTS

We included 22 patients with a mean age of 56 years (range, 41-65 years) and a mean follow-up period of 2.1 years (range, 2-3 years). The ASES score improved from 54.0 to 83.9 (P < .001); the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score improved from 44.9 to 71.4 (P < .001); and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (QuickDASH) improved from 37.6 to 16.2 (P = .001). Of the patients, 85% achieved an improvement in the ASES score that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (11.1 points). The median patient satisfaction rating was 8.5 (range, 1-10). The median preoperative visual analog scale score decreased from 4 to 0 (range, 0-3) postoperatively (P < .001). Complete radiographs of 19 of 22 patients (86%) were obtained at a mean of 5.2 months (range, 1.4-10 months) postoperatively and showed a significant increase in the mean AHD from 7.0 mm preoperatively to 8.3 mm postoperatively (P = .029). Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained in 95% of the patients (21 of 22) at a mean of 2.5 months (range, 0.3-10.2 months) postoperatively and showed graft integrity rates of 100% (21 of 21) on the tuberosity side, 76% (16 of 21) at the midsubstance, and 81% (17 of 21) on the glenoid side. No significant differences in clinical outcome scores (P > 0.930) were found in patients with intact grafts versus those with torn grafts. The number of previous shoulder surgical procedures was a negative predictor of clinical outcome. There was 1 clinical failure.

CONCLUSIONS

SCR using DA for irreparable tears improves outcomes with high satisfaction and high graft integrity at short-term follow-up. Graft integrity, although correlated with an increased AHD, had no correlation with clinical outcomes at final follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Clinical Presentation and Outcomes Associated With Fabellectomy in the Setting of Fabella Syndrome

Background:

Clinical outcomes pertaining to isolated lateral fabellectomy in the setting of fabella syndrome are limited to small case reports at this time.

Purpose:

To assess the most common presenting symptoms, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction after fabella excision in the setting of fabella syndrome.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with a minimum of 21-month follow-up after isolated fabellectomy for fabella syndrome were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical outcome scores of the following domains were collected: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and Lysholm knee survey, along with a simple numeric patient satisfaction score (range, 1-10; 10 = “very satisfied”). Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests for all clinical outcome data.

Results:

A total of 11 isolated fabella excisions were included in 10 patients with isolated lateral-sided knee pain in the setting of fabella syndrome (8 males, 2 females), with a mean age of 36.9 years (range, 23-58 years) and a mean follow-up of 2.4 years (range, 21-47 months). A total of 8 patients (80%) were able to return to full desired activities, including sports. Only 5 of 11 (45%) excisions had concomitant lateral femoral condyle cartilage pathology. There were significant improvements across multiple WOMAC domains, and the WOMAC total score improved from 28.5 ± 17.6 preoperatively to 11.6 ± 10.2 postoperatively (P < .05). Lysholm scores significantly improved from 66.6 ± 23.1 preoperatively to 80.2 ± 13.9 postoperatively (P = .044). Overall patient-reported satisfaction was 8.8 ± 1.6.

Conclusion:

Fabella excision in the setting of fabella syndrome demonstrated improvements in clinical outcome scores, high rate of returning to preinjury level of activities, and low risk of complications or need for additional surgical procedures.

The national burden of periprosthetic hip fractures in the US: costs and risk factors for hospital readmission

INTRODUCTION

Periprosthetic hip fractures (PPFX) are serious complications that result in increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Decreasing hospital readmissions has been a recent healthcare focus, but little is known about the overall costs associated with PPFX or the risk factors associated with readmissions. We investigated patient demographics, treatment types, 30- and 90-day readmission rates, direct costs, and patient risk factors associated with PPFX readmission.

METHODS

We used the 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database to select patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA), revision THA, and PPFX treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or revision THA. Survival analysis was used to evaluate the 90-day all-cause hospital readmission rate, and risk factors were identified using a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics.

RESULTS

We identified 1269 patients with PPFX treated with ORIF and 3254 treated with revision THA. 90-day readmissions were 20.9% and 27.3%, respectively. Patients with PPFX were older, female, and had multiple medical comorbidities. Patient factors associated with increased risk of readmission include: age; comorbidities; and discharge to skilled nursing facility; Medicare or Medicaid insurance. Hospital factors associated with increased risk of readmission include: large hospitals; nonprofits; metropolitan and teaching hospitals. The cost of readmission for PPFX treated with ORIF was $17,206 and revision THA was $16,504.

DISCUSSION

Periprosthetic hip fractures have high rates of hospital readmission, implying a significant burden to the healthcare system. Identifying risk factors is an important step towards identifying treatment pathways that can improve outcomes.

Comparison of pharmacologic prophylaxis in prevention of venous thromboembolism following total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Anticoagulants are used following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE). These drugs reduce VTE risk but may lead to bleeding-related complications. Recently, surgeons have advocated using antiplatelet agents including aspirin (ASA). However, there is no consensus regarding which medication has the optimal risk/benefit profile. The purpose of this study was to compare rates of VTE using different anticoagulants in anticoagulation-naïve patients being discharged home after TKA.

METHODS

A national private insurance database was used to identify patients undergoing unilateral TKA. Patients with a prior history of VTE were excluded. Anticoagulants included ASA, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), warfarin, factor Xa inhibitors (XaI), and fondaparinux. Postoperative complications, including VTE, blood transfusion, myocardial infarction, and hematoma, were identified using ICD-9 diagnosis codes. Risk of each complication was compared between groups using multivariate logistic regression controlling for demographics, length of stay, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Of 30,813 patients, 1.82% were diagnosed with VTE. Using ASA as a baseline, there was significantly decreased risk of VTE with LMWH (OR 0.47), XaI (OR 0.50), and fondaparinux (OR 0.32). There was significantly higher risk of transfusion with LMWH (OR 1.56) and fondaparinux (OR 1.84), but no difference in hematoma between medications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that there is a decreased risk of VTE with LMWH, XaI, and fondaparinux compared to ASA. However, these medications also had higher rates of bleeding-associated complications. The choice of pharmacologic prophylaxis should be made based on a balance of the risk/benefit profile of each medication.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Comparison of Infection Risk with Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injection Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that intra-articular injections ≤3 months before total knee arthroplasty increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection. We are aware of no previous study that has differentiated the risk of periprosthetic joint infection on the basis of the type of medication injected. In addition, we are aware of no prior study that has evaluated whether hyaluronic acid injections increase the risk of infection after total knee arthroplasty. In this study, we utilized pharmaceutical data to compare patients who received preoperative corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections and to determine whether a specific injection type increased the risk of periprosthetic joint infection.

METHODS

Patients undergoing unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty were selected from a nationwide private insurer database. Ipsilateral preoperative injections were identified and were grouped by medication codes for corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid. Patients who had received both types of injections ≤1 year before total knee arthroplasty were excluded. The outcome of interest was periprosthetic joint infection that occurred ≤6 months following the total knee arthroplasty. The risk of periprosthetic joint infection was compared between groups (no injection, corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid) and between patients who received single or multiple injections. Statistical comparisons were performed using logistic regression controlling for age, sex, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

A total of 58,337 patients underwent total knee arthroplasty during the study period; 3,249 patients (5.6%) received hyaluronic acid and 16,656 patients (28.6%) received corticosteroid ≤1 year before total knee arthroplasty. The overall infection rate was 2.74% in the no-injection group. Multivariable logistic regression showed independent periprosthetic joint infection risk for both corticosteroid (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; p = 0.014) and hyaluronic acid (OR, 1.55; p = 0.029) given ≤3 months before total knee arthroplasty. There was no increased risk with injections >3 months prior to total knee arthroplasty. Direct comparison of corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between medications or between single and multiple injections.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injection ≤3 months before total knee arthroplasty increased the risk of periprosthetic joint infection. There was no difference in infection risk between medications or between multiple and single injections. On the basis of these data, we recommend avoiding both injection types in the 3 months prior to total knee arthroplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

The Quality of Online Resources Available to Patients Interested in Knee Biologic Therapies Is Poor

BACKGROUND

As the use of biologic therapies for the management of knee pathology continues to expand, it is more likely that patients will turn to the Internet to gather information on this topic. Given the lack of scientific consensus on the use of biologics, care providers must understand what information is available online.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of websites that patients may use to educate themselves on knee biologics.

METHODS

Websites were identified using search terms relevant to multiple biologic therapies available for knee pathology. Websites were scored based on an author-derived grading rubric, with a total of 25 possible points relating to the role of knee biologics in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of knee pathology. Websites were categorized based on the source (e.g., physician-operated website vs. industry-related website). Reading level was assessed with the Flesch-Kincaid readability test.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 375 results, with 96 websites meeting final inclusion criteria. Mean website score was poor, at 6.01 of the 25 possible points (24.0%). Physician websites were the most common, with 60% of the articles identified. Industry-related websites scored the lowest (mean, 3.2 ± 0.97) while hospital-related websites scored the highest (mean, 8.3 ± 2.93). Overall, websites published from hospitals or orthopedic professional societies had significantly higher scores than other websites. The search term "knee PRP" yielded higher-quality results than "knee platelet rich plasma." Similarly, "knee BMAC" led to better results than "knee bone marrow aspirate concentrate." The average reading level was 11.4.

CONCLUSION

Many online resources are available for patients seeking information about knee biologic therapies, but the quality of websites identified was very poor. Patients should be counseled that the information available online for knee biologic therapy is unreliable. Surgeons should play an increased role in providing resources to patients and educating them on biologic options.

Race and Insurance Status Are Associated With Surgical Management of Isolated Meniscus Tears

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to perform a population-level analysis to evaluate the effect of socioeconomic markers on the use of meniscus surgery in patients with meniscus tears.

METHODS

We queried all hospital-based clinic visits from 2011 to 2014 in the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database, which also contains all New York inpatient/outpatient visits. Patients with known prior knee surgery, meniscus tear before 2011, or other ligament injuries were excluded. The primary outcome was a meniscus procedure (meniscectomy or meniscus repair). Survival analysis was used to calculate the rate of meniscus surgery within 6 months. A multivariate model identified patient factors (age, sex, race, and payer) associated with surgical intervention.

RESULTS

There were 32,012 patients identified who met the inclusion criteria. The rate of meniscus procedure within 6 months of diagnosis was 49.6%. Meniscectomy was performed in 98.8% of cases compared with 1.2% for meniscus repair. Rates of meniscus procedures were higher in patients who were older, male, and white, as well as those first diagnosed by a surgeon. The highest rates of meniscus procedures were in those with private, worker's compensation, or other insurance types. Multivariable analysis showed that female sex, non-white race, and public or self-pay insurance were independently associated with lower rates of meniscus surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest both insurance-based and race-based disparities regarding surgical treatment. Additionally, the strongest variable for surgical management was a meniscus tear being first diagnosed by a surgeon.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level of Evidence IV, retrospective case-control study.

Time Required to Achieve Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Substantial Clinical Benefit After Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement

BACKGROUND

Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) defines the minimum degree of quantifiable outcome improvement that a patient perceives as the result of an intervention or in the process of healing. Substantial clinical benefit (SCB) defines the amount of quantifiable outcome improvement that is needed for a patient to feel substantially better. Little is known about when clinically significant outcome improvement is achieved.

PURPOSE

To investigate the time-dependent nature of MCID and SCB after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

An institutional hip preservation registry was queried. The modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score, and 33-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) were administered to patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI. Follow-up times for outcome measures were classified into 3 periods: 5 to 11 months (6 months), 12 to 23 months (1 year), and 24 to 35 months (2 years). Cumulative probabilities for achieving MCID and SCB were calculated with Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and interval censoring. A Weibull parametric regression analysis evaluated the odds of achieving earlier MCID.

RESULTS

A total of 719 patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy were included. The mean ± SD age was 32.5 ± 10.5 years, and the majority were female (n = 380, 52.9%). Across all 4 outcome instruments, patients had the highest probability for achieving MCID and SCB by the 6-month postoperative period. The iHOT-33 demonstrated the highest probability for capturing MCID and SCB improvement at each of the 3 periods, with 76.0%, 84.8%, and 93.6% achieving MCID by 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Similarly, the probabilities of achieving SCB on the iHOT-33 were as follows: 57.1%, 68.0%, and 71.7%. A similar trend was demonstrated across other outcome tools. Older male patients and those with Outerbridge classification 1 to 4 (vs grade 0) had a significantly increased risk for taking a longer time to achieve MCID and SCB. Additionally, patients with higher preoperative outcome scores took a longer time to achieve MCID and SCB.

CONCLUSION

At least half of patients treated with hip arthroscopy for FAI achieve MCID and SCB within the first 6 months after the procedure. However, clinically significant outcome improvement continues to be attained until 2 years postoperatively. Female patients, younger individuals, and those without chondral defects achieve faster clinical outcome improvement. These findings can be helpful for establishing shared decision-making aids and follow-up guidelines for arthroscopic treatment of FAI.

Type of Anticoagulant Used After Total Knee Arthroplasty Affects the Rate of Knee Manipulation for Postoperative Stiffness

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to perform a population-level analysis on the effect of different types of anticoagulation on postoperative stiffness after total knee replacement, requiring manipulation under anesthesia. We hypothesized that patients receiving warfarin would have a higher rate of manipulation under anesthesia compared with patients receiving low-molecular-weight heparin. We also hypothesized that aspirin, direct factor Xa inhibitors, and fondaparinux would have no effect on the rate of manipulation under anesthesia.

METHODS

Using the PearlDiver patient database, we analyzed 32,320 patients who underwent a primary unilateral total knee replacement from 2007 to 2015. Patients were included if they filled a prescription for anticoagulation medication within 2 days of their discharge and were excluded if they were taking a prescription anticoagulation medication (except for aspirin) in the 3 months before total knee replacement. The primary outcome was manipulation under anesthesia performed within 6 months after a primary total knee replacement.

RESULTS

The most commonly prescribed postoperative anticoagulation was warfarin (38.0%), followed by low-molecular-weight heparin (33.8%). There were 1,178 patients (3.64%) who underwent manipulation under anesthesia within 6 months of total knee replacement. In multivariable analysis using low-molecular-weight heparin as a comparison group and accounting for age, sex, comorbidities, and length of stay, there was a significant increase in the risk of manipulation under anesthesia for patients who received warfarin (hazard ratio [HR], 1.17 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01 to 1.36]; p = 0.032), direct factor Xa inhibitors (HR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.20 to 1.66]; p < 0.001), or fondaparinux (HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.72]; p = 0.038). Although patients who received aspirin had the same risk estimate as patients who received warfarin, there was not a significantly increased risk of manipulation under anesthesia in patients who received aspirin compared with low-molecular-weight heparin (HR, 1.17 [95% CI, 0.72 to 1.80]; p = 0.493).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an increased rate of manipulation under anesthesia after total knee replacement in patients who received oral anticoagulants including warfarin, direct factor Xa inhibitors, and fondaparinux, in comparison with patients who received aspirin or low-molecular-weight heparin. We recommend that patients receiving oral anticoagulants after total knee replacement should be counseled about associated stiffness. Furthermore, surgeons should take these data into account when selecting thromboprophylaxis for patients after total knee replacement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Alternative Payment Models Should Risk-Adjust for Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score-Matched Study

BACKGROUND

For Medicare beneficiaries, hospital reimbursement for nonrevision hip arthroplasty is anchored to either diagnosis-related group code 469 or 470. Under alternative payment models, reimbursement for care episodes is not further risk-adjusted. This study's purpose was to compare outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) vs conversion THA to explore the rationale for risk adjustment for conversion procedures.

METHODS

All primary and conversion THAs from 2007 to 2014, excluding acute hip fractures and cancer patients, were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Conversion and primary THA patients were matched 1:1 using propensity scores, based on preoperative covariates. Multivariable logistic regressions evaluated associations between conversion THA and 30-day outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 2018 conversions were matched to 2018 primaries. There were no differences in preoperative covariates. Conversions had longer operative times (148 vs 95 minutes, P < .001), more transfusions (37% vs 17%, P < .001), and longer length of stay (4.4 vs 3.1 days, P < .001). Conversion THA had increased odds of complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-2.24), deep infection (OR 4.21; 95% CI 1.72-10.28), discharge to inpatient care (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.34-1.72), and death (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.04-5.47). Readmission odds were similar.

CONCLUSION

Compared with primary THA, conversion THA is associated with more complications, longer length of stay, and increased discharge to continued inpatient care, implying greater resource utilization for conversion patients. As reimbursement models shift toward bundled payment paradigms, conversion THA appears to be a procedure for which risk adjustment is appropriate.

Involvement of Residents Does Not Increase Postoperative Complications After Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures: An Analysis of 3251 Cases

Ankle fractures are common injuries frequently treated by foot and ankle surgeons. Therefore, it has become a core competency for orthopedic residency training. Surgical educators must balance the task of training residents with optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to determine the effect of resident involvement on the 30-day postoperative complication rates after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. A second objective of the present study was to determine the independent risk factors for complications after this procedure. We identified patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who had undergone open reduction internal fixation for ankle fractures from 2005 to 2012. Propensity score matching was used to help account for a potential selection bias. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the independent risk factors associated with short-term postoperative complications. A total of 3251 open reduction internal fixation procedures for ankle fractures were identified, of which 959 (29.4%) had resident involvement. Univariate (2.82% versus 4.54%; p = .024) and multivariate (odds ratio 0.71; p = .75) analyses demonstrated that resident involvement did not increase short-term complication rates. The independent risk factors for complications after open reduction internal fixation of ankle fractures included insulin-dependent diabetes, increasing age, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and longer operative times.

Rates and Risk Factors of Conversion Hip Arthroplasty After Closed Reduction Percutaneous Hip Pinning for Femoral Neck Fractures-A Population Analysis

BACKGROUND

Closed reduction with percutaneous pinning (CRPP) for nondisplaced or valgus impacted femoral neck fractures is a relatively low-risk operation that can produce excellent union rates in some patients; however, failure can occur in selected patients requiring conversion to arthroplasty. The primary aim of this study was to perform a population-level analysis to determine the rate and timeframe of conversion from CRPP to total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty.

METHODS

The PearlDiver database was queried from 2007-2015 for all patients who underwent CRPP for a femoral neck fracture. Survival analysis was used to evaluate the rate of conversion of CRPP to hemiarthroplasty or THA. Risk factors for conversion arthroplasty were identified using a multivariable cox proportional hazards model that included patient demographics and comorbidities.

RESULTS

There were 5122 patients in the Humana database and 4840 patients in the Medicare database that were included in analysis. At 5 years after CRPP, the conversion rate was 10.0% in the Medicare patients and 10.8% in the Humana patients. Risk factors for undergoing conversion from CRPP to arthroplasty in the Medicare cohort included preexisting diagnoses of pulmonary and/or circulatory comorbidities, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and metastatic cancer. In the Humana cohort, the only risk factors were male gender and acute blood loss anemia.

CONCLUSION

Although CRPP remains a successful operation in elderly patients and patients with certain comorbidities, failure of CRPP for the treatment of a femoral neck fracture is high at approximately 10%-11%, which is much higher than reported failure rates for THA in the same population. Patients with femoral neck fractures being considered for CRPP should be counseled about the possibility of further surgery.

Costs and Risk Factors for Hospital Readmission After Periprosthetic Knee Fractures in the United States

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic fractures (PPFX) around total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are devastating complications with significant morbidity. With growing healthcare costs, hospital readmissions have become a marker for quality healthcare delivery. However, little is known about the risk factors or costs associated with readmission after treatment of PPFX. We sought to identify the patient demographics, prevalence of treatment types (open reduction internal fixation [ORIF] vs revision TKA), 30 and 90-day readmission rates, costs of initial treatment and readmission, and risk factors for readmission.

METHODS

We used the 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database to select patients who underwent TKA, revision TKA, and treatment of PPFX with either ORIF or revision TKA. The 90-day readmission rate was determined through a survival analysis, and risk factors were identified using a cox proportional hazards model that adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics.

RESULTS

We identified 1526 patients with PPFX treated with ORIF and 1458 treated with revision TKA. Ninety-day readmissions were 20.5% and 21.8%, respectively. Patients with ORIF were more often female and had multiple medical comorbidities. Patient factors associated with readmission included advanced age, male gender, comorbidities, discharge to a skilled nursing facility or home with health aide, and Medicare or Medicaid insurance. Treatment at a teaching hospital was the only hospital-associated risk factor identified. ORIF cost USD 25,539 and revision THA cost USD 37,680, with associated readmissions costing 15,269 and 16,806, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PPFX results in greater costs compared to primary and revision TKA. This study highlights risk factors for readmission after PPFX treatment.

Increased Shoulder Arthroscopy Time Is Associated With Overnight Hospital Stay and Surgical Site Infection

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to characterize the rates of short-term postoperative complications, readmissions, and overnight hospital stays as a function of shoulder arthroscopy procedure time. A secondary aim of this current study was to identify baseline patient risk factors for adverse outcomes.

METHODS

This study used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry from 2012 to 2015. Shoulder arthroscopy cases were categorized based on operative time, either <45 minutes, between 45 and 90 minutes, or >90 minutes. The rates of 30-day postoperative complications, readmissions, and overnight hospital stays were compared with bivariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 33,095 shoulder arthroscopy procedures were identified. Of these, 7,027 (21.2%) were <45 minutes, 16,610 (50.2%) were between 45 and 90 minutes, and 9,458 (28.6%) were >90 minutes. Multivariate analysis identified increased the risk of superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) for procedures lasting between 45 and 90 minutes (odds ratio [OR] = 3.63; P = .036) and for procedures >90 minutes (OR = 4.40; P = .019), compared with procedures <45 minutes. Furthermore, there was an increased risk of overnight hospital stay for patients who had a shoulder arthroscopy lasting between 45 and 90 minutes (OR = 1.33) and >90 minutes (OR = 2.14), compared with procedures <45 minutes. A body mass index >30 kg/m² was an independent predictor of both overnight hospital stay and superficial SSI (P = .020). Age >60, female gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3, and a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were additional predictors of overnight hospital stay (P < .001 for all comparisons, unless otherwise noted).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased shoulder arthroscopy procedure time is associated with adverse short-term outcomes, particularly superficial SSI and overnight hospital stay. This information may be useful for patient counseling and postoperative risk stratification, as operative time is an easily measured surrogate for surgical complexity or difficulty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective cohort study, Level III.

Revision Total Shoulder Arthroplasty is Associated with Increased Thirty-Day Postoperative Complications and Wound Infections Relative to Primary Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

With an increasing volume of primary total shoulder arthroplasties (TSA), the number of revision TSA cases is expected to increase as well. However, the postoperative medical morbidity of revision TSA has not been clearly described.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of postoperative complications following revision TSA, relative to primary TSA. In addition, we sought to identify independent predictors of complications, as well as to compare operative time and postoperative length of stay between primary and revision TSA.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary/revision TSA between 2005 and 2015 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Differences in complications, readmission rates, operative time, length of stay, and predictors of complications were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 10,371 primary TSA (95.4%) and 496 revision TSA cases (4.6%) were identified. The overall complication rate was 6.5% in primary and 10.7% in revision TSA patients (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified an increased risk of any complication (odds ratio 1.73, p < 0.001), major complication (2.08, p = 0.001), and wound infection (3.45, p = 0.001) in revision TSA patients, relative to primary cases. Operative time was increased in revision cases (mean ± standard deviation, 125 ± 62.5), relative to primary (115 ± 47.7, p < 0.001). Age > 75, female sex, history of diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification ≥ 3 were associated with increased risk of any complication. Smoking history was the only significant predictor of wound infection.

CONCLUSION

Revision TSA, in comparison to primary, poses an increased risk of postoperative complications, particularly wound infections. A history of smoking was an independent predictor of wound infections.

What is the Quality of Online Resources About Pain Control After Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

With the growing opioid crisis in the United States, there has been a push to reduce the utilization of opioids in favor of multimodal analgesia options. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of online resources that patients may use to learn about pain control after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

We identified websites using a combination of search terms about TKA and pain control. A novel grading rubric was created with 25 maximum points, consisting of items that were deemed important for patients to know about the subject. Three authors then independently graded websites and the results averaged. Flesch-Kinkaid reading level was also evaluated.

RESULTS

After identifying 166 unique websites, 32 met final inclusion criteria. The overall scores were low-4.7 of 25 total points (18.8%), written at an average 10th grade level. Subgroup scores were 50% for route of administration, 40% for types of analgesia, 23% for opioid-specific items, and 30% for general guidance. Only about half discussed the risks of opioid dependency. The top 3 website total scores ranged from 10.7-12.5 of 25 points.

CONCLUSION

There is a paucity of online information for TKA patients to read about pain control. Most websites provide limited educational content, particularly about opioids. Higher quality information is needed to help patients make decisions with their physicians and to help combat the opioid epidemic. Given the lack of quality information available, there is an opportunity for subspecialty organizations to take a leadership role in such efforts.

Economic Decision Model for First-Time Traumatic Patellar Dislocations in Adolescents

BACKGROUND

The surgical management of traumatic patellar dislocations in adolescents is associated with a lower rate of recurrent dislocations compared with nonoperative care. However, the attendant cost of surgery and the quality-of-life benefit of a surgical treatment strategy are unclear.

PURPOSE

To compare the cost-utility of 3 management strategies for acute first-time patellar dislocations in adolescents: (1) nonoperative treatment only, (2) initial nonoperative treatment with surgery only for recurrent dislocations, and (3) immediate surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

A 10-year state-transition Markov model was constructed to compare the cost-utility of the 3 index treatment protocols. Utilities used to define health states were derived from a telephone interview of 60 adolescents with a history of acute patellar dislocations. The probability of transition between each health state was informed by the available literature. Direct costs were estimated using a statewide ambulatory surgery database, and indirect costs were estimated based on parental lost productivity. Effectiveness was expressed in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The principal outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

RESULTS

In the base case for our model, nonoperative treatment only was the least costly ($7300) but also the least effective (5.30 QALYs); initial nonoperative treatment with delayed surgery cost $10,500 for a 5.93 QALY benefit, while immediate surgical treatment cost $17,100 and provided 6.32 QALY benefits. Compared with nonoperative treatment only, initial nonoperative treatment with delayed surgery was associated with an ICER of $5100 per QALY. When immediate surgery was compared with a strategy of delayed surgery, immediate surgery provided incremental benefits at an ICER of $17,000 per QALY. The model was sensitive to the probability of surgical versus nonoperative treatment to achieve a full return to preinjury activity versus an intermediate lower state. When the probability of achieving a full return to preinjury activity with initial nonoperative treatment exceeds 47.5% (compared with 34.2% in the base case), then initial nonoperative treatment with delayed surgery is preferred to immediate surgery. Similarly, when the probability of achieving a full return to full preinjury activity with surgery falls below 51% (compared with 64% in the base case), then delayed surgery after initial nonoperative treatment is preferred.

CONCLUSION

Immediate surgery and delayed surgical treatment are both cost-effective treatment options; however, immediate surgical treatment provides the highest QALY gains within a 10-year time horizon. Our model sensitivity analysis highlights the role of optimizing functional and quality-of-life benefits in the treatment of acute traumatic patellar dislocations. These findings have implications for clinical guidelines and policy decisions relating to adolescent patellar dislocations.

Operative Fixation for Clavicle Fractures-Socioeconomic Differences Persist Despite Overall Population Increases in Utilization

BACKGROUND

Clavicle fractures were traditionally treated conservatively, but recent evidence has shown improved outcomes with surgical management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the recent trends in operative treatment of clavicle fractures, and to analyze for patient related factors that may affect treatment strategy.

METHODS

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) California and Florida inpatient, outpatient, and the Emergency Department databases were used to identify all patients with clavicle fractures between 2005 and 2010. We evaluated the overall number of procedures over the study period and calculated the rates of operative and nonoperative treatment by tracking a large cohort of emergency department patients with clavicle fractures. Poisson and multivariable regression were used to identify trends and patient factors associated with treatment.

RESULTS

There was a 290% increase in the annual number clavicle fracture procedures over the study period. The rate of fixation increased from 3.7% to 11.1% (P < 0.001). Significant increases were seen in all patient age groups less than 65 years. Comparatively, higher rates of fixation were found in patients who were white, privately insured, and of high-income status. Lower income status was also associated with delayed surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The rates of clavicle fracture fixation have increased. However, there are differences associated with socioeconomic factors including race, insurance type, and income level. In part, this likely representing both underutilization and overutilization but may also show differential access to care. This differential utilization suggests both that further work is needed to more clearly define indications for operative versus nonoperative management and to further evaluate referral systems and access to care to ensure equal and quality treatment is available for all patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Authorship Trends in 30 Years of the Journal of Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

While various studies have investigated trends in characteristics of authors in other medical literature, no study has examined these characteristics in the field of arthroplasty.

METHODS

A database was created of all articles published in The Journal of Arthroplasty in 1986, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. Degree(s) of authors, number of authors, number of references, and region of institution were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 1343 original articles were assessed over the study period. There was a significant increase in the number of authors per publication from 3.45 in 1986 to 4.98 in 2015 (P < .001) and number of references per article from 17.36 to 29.76 (P < .001). There was a significant increase in proportion of first authors with a bachelor's degree (P = .001), MD/PhD (P < .001), and MD/MBA (P = .016), with a significant decrease in first authors with an MD degree only (P < .001). There was a significant increase in number of last authors with an MD/PhD (P = .001) and MD/MBA (P = .003). There has been a significant growth in papers from outside North America (P = .007), with a decrease in articles from the UK/Ireland (P = .003) and an increase in contributions from the Far East (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Trends of authorship characteristics in the arthroplasty literature largely mirror those seen in other medical literature including increased number of authors per article over time, changes in author qualifications, and increased contributions from international author groups.

Arthroplasty treatment of proximal humerus fractures: 14-year trends in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Proximal humerus fractures are a common injury in the elderly population that can usually be managed non-operatively. However, arthroplasty has become increasingly utilized for complex fractures and poor bone quality. We evaluated national trends in treatment, specifically looking at the adoption of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS

The incidence of proximal humerus fractures was calculated from the Nationwide Emergency Department Database (NEDD) from 2006 to 2012. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to select patients from 2000 to 2013 with proximal humerus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), and hemiarthroplasty (HSA). RSA and TSA shared the same ICD-9 code until 2010.

RESULTS

The incidence of proximal humerus fracture was stable from 2006 to 2012. Hemiarthroplasty was the majority treatment choice for arthroplasty in the early 2000's. However, in 2008, there was a large decrease in utilization, to 51.3% in 2013. During this period, utilization of TSA greatly increased, coinciding with a large increase of RSA. By 2013, RSA made up 45.1% of arthroplasty procedures.

CONCLUSION

The rate of proximal humerus fracture appears stable, while we observed both an overall increase in operative intervention. RSA appears to be increasingly chosen over HSA for arthroplasty treatment of proximal humerus fractures, an observation more pronounced in older patients. While clinical results appear promising, it is important to remember that most proximal humerus fractures may be treated successfully with conservative management, and rapid adoption of new technology should be watched carefully to ensure appropriate use.

How are we measuring clinically important outcome for operative treatments in sports medicine?

OBJECTIVES

Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and other measures of minimum clinical importance are increasingly recognized as important clinical considerations for evaluating the efficacy of an intervention. As our interpretation of clinical outcome evolves beyond statistical significance, psychometric properties such as MCID will be increasingly important to various stakeholders in the orthopaedic community. The purpose of this study was to: 1) describe the state of clinically important outcome reporting and 2) describe the methods used to derive these psychometric values for sports medicine patients undergoing operative treatments.

METHODS

A review of the MEDLINE database was performed. Studies primarily deriving and reporting clinically important outcome measures for operative interventions in sports medicine were included. Demographic, methodological and psychometric properties of included studies were extracted. Level of Evidence and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used to assess study quality. Statistical analysis was primarily descriptive.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria; 10 of the 15 studies were Level II evidence and mean NOS score was 5.3/9. Minimal detectable change (MDC) was the most commonly derived measure of clinical importance, calculated in 53.3% of studies, followed by MCID, calculated in 40.0% of studies. A combination of distribution and anchor-based methods was the most commonly used method to determine clinical importance (N = 7, 46.7%) followed by distribution only (N = 5, 33.3%). Predictors of clinically important change were reported in four studies and were most commonly related to pre-operative functional score.

CONCLUSIONS

MDC and the MCID are the most commonly reported measures of clinically important outcome after operative treatment in sports medicine. A combination of both distribution and anchor-based methods is commonly used to derive these values. More attention should be paid to reporting outcomes that are clinically important and developing guidelines for reporting clinical meaningful outcome.

Patient Satisfaction Reporting After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

This review evaluated the quality of patient satisfaction reporting after total hip arthroplasty. The initial search of the MEDLINE database yielded 755 studies. Twenty-four met the inclusion criteria. Most studies provided level III or IV evidence (n=15, 62.5%). The most common method used to assess satisfaction was the 10-point visual analog scale (7 studies, 29.2%), followed by an ordinal satisfaction scale (6 studies, 25.0%). The quality of evidence was poor, and the methods used to assess satisfaction were not standardized. Further research is needed to define the factors that affect patient satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty and how satisfaction is best measured. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):e400-e404.].

Most Readmissions Following Ankle Fracture Surgery Are Unrelated to Surgical Site Issues

Background:

Ankle fracture surgeries are generally safe and effective procedures; however, as quality-based reimbursement models are increasingly affected by postoperative readmission, we aimed to determine the causes and risk factors for readmission following ankle fracture surgery.

Methods:

Ankle fracture cases were identified from the prospectively collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2013 to 2014. Demographics, comorbidities, and fracture characteristics were collected. Rates of 30-day adverse events and readmissions were determined as well as the causes for readmission. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with having any adverse events and being readmitted within 30 days of surgery.

Results:

There were 5056 patients included; 167 (3.3%) were open fractures. The rate of any postoperative adverse event was 5.2%. There were 116 unplanned readmissions, with a readmission rate of 2.3%. Of the 116 unplanned readmissions, 49 (42.2%) were for reasons related to the surgery or surgical site, with the most common causes being deep surgical site/hardware infections (12.9%), superficial site infections (11.2%), and wound disruption (6.9%). Most readmissions were for reasons unrelated to the surgical site (51.7%), including cardiac disorders (8.6%), pulmonary disorders (7.8%), and neurological/psychiatric disorders (6.9%). The cause of readmission was unknown for 6% of readmissions. With multivariable logistic regression, the strongest risk factors for readmission were a history of pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.29), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class ≥3 (OR, 2.28), and open fractures (OR, 2.04) (all P < .05).

Conclusion:

In this cohort of 5056 ankle fracture cases, 2.3% of patients were readmitted within 30 days, with at least 51.7% of all unplanned readmissions due to causes unrelated to the surgery or surgical site. Predictors of readmission included a history of pulmonary disease, higher ASA class, and open fractures. Based on these findings, we advocate close medical follow-up with nonorthopaedic providers after discharge for high-risk patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.

The Frank Stinchfield Award : Total Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture Is Not a Typical DRG 470: A Propensity-matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are a major public health concern. For displaced femoral neck fractures, the needs for medical services during hospitalization and extending beyond hospital discharge after total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be different than the needs after THA performed for osteoarthritis (OA), yet these differences are largely uncharacterized, and the Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Groups system does not distinguish between THA performed for fracture and OA.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What are the differences in in-hospital and 30-day postoperative clinical outcomes for THA performed for femoral neck fracture versus OA? (2) Is a patient's fracture status, that is whether or not a patient has a femoral neck fracture, associated with differences in in-hospital and 30-day postoperative clinical outcomes after THA?

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, which contains outcomes for surgical patients up to 30 days after discharge, was used to identify patients undergoing THA for OA and femoral neck fracture. OA and fracture cohorts were matched one-to-one using propensity scores based on age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, and medical comorbidities. Propensity scores represented the conditional probabilities for each patient having a femoral neck fracture based on their individual characteristics, excluding their actual fracture status. Outcomes of interest included operative time, length of stay (LOS), complications, transfusion, discharge destination, and readmission. There were 42,692 patients identified (41,739 OA; 953 femoral neck fractures) with 953 patients in each group for the matched analysis.

RESULTS

For patients with fracture, operative times were slightly longer (98 versus 92 minutes, p = 0.015), they experienced longer LOS (6 versus 4 days, p < 0.001), and the overall frequency of complications was greater compared with patients with OA (16% versus 6%, p < 0.001). Although the frequency of preoperative transfusions was higher in the fracture group (2.0% versus 0.2%, p = 0.002), the frequency of postoperative transfusion was not different between groups (27% versus 24%, p = 0.157). Having a femoral neck fracture versus OA was strongly associated with any postoperative complication (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-3.8]; p < 0.001), unplanned readmission (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0-3.2; p = 0.049), and discharge to an inpatient facility (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.0; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with THA for OA, THA for femoral neck fracture is associated with greater rates of complications, longer LOS, more likely discharge to continued inpatient care, and higher rates of unplanned readmission. This implies higher resource utilization for patients with a fracture. These differences exist despite matching of other preoperative risk factors. As healthcare reimbursement moves toward bundled payment models, it would seem important to differentiate patients and procedures based on the resource utilization they represent to healthcare systems. These results show different expected resource utilization in these two fundamentally different groups of patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, suggesting a need to modify healthcare policy to maintain access to THA for all patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

How Are We Measuring Patient Satisfaction After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common orthopaedic operations in the United States. The long-term impact of ACL reconstruction is controversial, however, as longer term data have failed to demonstrate that ACL reconstruction helps alter the natural history of early onset osteoarthritis that occurs after ACL injury. There is significant interest in evaluating the value of ACL reconstruction surgeries.

PURPOSE

To examine the quality of patient satisfaction reporting after ACL reconstruction surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review of the MEDLINE database was performed using the PubMed interface. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines as well as the PRISMA checklist were employed. The initial search yielded 267 studies. The inclusion criteria were: English language, US patient population, clinical outcome study of ACL reconstruction surgery, and reporting of patient satisfaction included in the study. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies comprised a total of 1984 patients with a mean age of 31.9 years at the time of surgery and a mean follow-up period of 59.3 months. The majority of studies were evidence level 4 (n = 18; 81.8%), had a mean Newcastle-Ottawa scale score of 5.5, and were published before 2006 (n = 17; 77.3%); 5 studies (22.7%) failed to clearly describe their method for determining patient satisfaction. The most commonly used method for assessing satisfaction was a 0 to 10 satisfaction scale (n = 11; 50.0%). Among studies using a 0 to 10 scale, mean satisfaction ranged from 7.4 to 10.0. Patient-reported outcome and objective functional measures for ACL stability and knee function were positively correlated with patient satisfaction. Degenerative knee change was negatively correlated with satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The level of evidence for studies reporting patient satisfaction is low, and the methodologies for reporting patient satisfaction are variable. Additionally, within the past decade there has been a significant decline in the inclusion of this outcome measure within published ACL studies. As sports surgeons are increasingly called on to demonstrate the value of operative procedures, attention should be paid to understanding and reporting patient satisfaction.

Malnutrition Increases With Obesity and Is a Stronger Independent Risk Factor for Postoperative Complications: A Propensity-Adjusted Analysis of Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients

BACKGROUND

Obesity is frequently associated with complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and is often concomitant with malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the independent morbidity risk of malnutrition relative to obesity.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013 was queried for elective primary THA cases. Malnutrition was defined as albumin <3.5 g/dL. Propensity scores for having preoperative albumin data were determined from demographics, body mass index, and overall comorbidity burden. Patients were classified as nonobese (body mass index 18.5-29.9), obese I (30-34.9), obese II (35-39.9), or obese III (≥40). Complications were compared across nutritional and obesity classes. Multivariable propensity-adjusted logistic regressions were used to examine associations between obesity and malnutrition with 30-day outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 40,653 THA cases were identified, of which 20,210 (49.7%) had preoperative albumin measurements. Propensity score adjustment successfully reduced potential selection bias, with P > .05 for differences between those with and without albumin data. Malnutrition incidence increased from 2.8% in obese I to 5.7% in obese III patients. With multivariable propensity-adjusted logistic regression, malnutrition was a more robust predictor than any obesity class for any postoperative complication(s) (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-2.08), major complications (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.21-2.19), respiratory complications (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.27-4.37), blood transfusions (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.44-2.03), and extended length of stay (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.59).

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition incidence increased significantly from obese I to obese III patients and was a stronger and more consistent predictor than obesity of complications after THA.

The Early Impact of an Administrative Processing Fee on Manuscript Submissions at The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery

BACKGROUND

There was a dramatic increase in the volume of manuscripts submitted to The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (JBJS) between 2009 and 2012. This resulted in increased journal administrative costs. To offset this financial burden, in May 2013, JBJS started charging authors an administrative processing fee at the time of submission. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the administrative fee on the volume and characteristics of manuscripts submitted to JBJS.

METHODS

Our analysis included 866 manuscripts submitted to JBJS between November 2012 and November 2013. We compared manuscripts submitted 6 months prior to fee implementation and prior to the announcement (denoted as the baseline group), in the several months prior to fee implementation but after the fee implementation announcement (denoted as the fee announcement group), and in the 6 months after fee implementation (denoted as the fee implementation group). Manuscripts were reviewed for institutional and author demographic characteristics, as well as for general study characteristics.

RESULTS

In the first full calendar year (2014) after the implementation of the fee, the annual volume of submissions to JBJS declined by 33.5% compared with the annual submission volume in 2010 to 2012. In a comparative analysis, the geographical region of origin (p = 0.003), level of evidence (p < 0.0001), funding, and specialty differed between the 3 submission periods. However, subgroup analyses demonstrated that differences were attributable to the fee announcement group and that there were few important differences between the baseline and fee implementation groups. Reporting of funding information improved significantly between the baseline and fee implementation groups; in the post-fee implementation period, studies were more likely to have declared no external funding source (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The administrative processing fee at JBJS has been associated with a decrease in submission volume, but, overall, there has not been a change in the characteristics of studies submitted. However, decreased overall volume implies a decrease in the absolute number of high-level studies submitted to the journal. Administrative processing fees at high-volume journals may be a financially viable way to offset high administrative costs without substantially changing the characteristics of submitted articles.

Preoperative Hip Injections Increase the Rate of Periprosthetic Infection After Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Intraarticular injections are both diagnostic and therapeutic for patients with osteoarthritis. A potential risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) may occur from direct inoculation and/or immune suppression by corticosteroids. Large population-level databases were used to evaluate hip injection on the 1-year rate of PJI in patients undergoing primary THA.

METHODS

State-level ambulatory surgery and inpatient databases for Florida and California (2005-2012) were used to identify primary THA patients with 1-year preoperative and postoperative windows to evaluate possible injections or PJI, respectively. Patients were grouped as no injection or as THA performed 6-12 months, 3-6 months, or 0-3 months after injection. Risk adjustment was performed with multivariable regression.

RESULTS

A total of 173,958 patients were included; 5421 (3.1%) underwent THA after an injection: 1395 (1.1%) of patients after 6-12 months, 1863 patients after 3-6 months, and 2163 (1.2%) after 0-3 months. In the 0-3 month group, PJI was significantly increased at 3 months (1.58%, P = .015), 6 months (1.76%, P = .022), and 1 year (2.04%, P = .031) compared with the noninjection control group (1.04%, 1.21%, and 1.47%, respectively). There were no differences in the 3- to 6-month and 6- to 12-month injection groups.

CONCLUSION

There is an increased risk of PJI when THA is performed within 3 months of hip injection. We recommend that patients and their surgeons consider delaying elective THA until 3 months after an injection to avoid this elevated risk of infection.

Most Readmissions Following Ankle Open Reduction Internal Fixation are Unrelated to Surgical Site Issues

Category:

Trauma

Introduction/Purpose:

Ankle fractures are commonly-sustained injuries, and frequently require open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). It is generally a safe and effective surgical procedure, however, as quality-based reimbursement models become increasingly affected by readmissions within thirty days, it is important to determine causes and risk factors for patients to be readmitted after discharge.

Methods:

Patients that underwent ORIF for ankle fractures were identified from the prospectively-collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2013 to 2014. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and fracture characteristics (open vs. closed, location of fracture such as lateral malleolus, medial malleolus, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar) were determined. Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used as a measure of overall comorbidity burden. Rates of thirty-day adverse events and readmissions were determined, as well as the causes for readmission. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors significantly associated with having any adverse events and being readmitted within thirty days of surgery.

Results:

5,056 ankle ORIF patients were included. 167 (3.3%) were open fractures. The rate of any postoperative adverse event was 5.2%. There were 127 readmissions, with 116 (91.3%) being unplanned readmissions. Of the 116 unplanned readmissions, 49 (42.2%) were for reasons related to the surgery or surgical site, with the most common causes being deep surgical site/hardware infection (12.9%), superficial site infection (11.2%), and wound disruption (6.9%). Most readmissions were for reasons unrelated to the surgical site (51.7%), including cardiac disorders (8.6%), pulmonary disorders (7.8%), and neurologic/psychiatric disorders (6.9%). With multivariable logistic regression, the strongest risk factors for readmission were history of pulmonary disease (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.29), ASA ≥ 3 (OR 2.28), and open fracture (OR 2.04, all p < 0.05). (Figure 1)

Conclusion:

Postoperative readmissions following ankle fracture ORIF are important to consider in this era of quality-based hospital reimbursement models. In this cohort of 5,056 ankle ORIF cases, 2.5% of patients were readmitted within thirty days, with 51.7% of all unplanned readmissions due to causes unrelated to the surgery or surgical site. This suggests that close medical follow-up with non-orthopaedic providers may be necessary after discharge. To assist clinicians in preoperative risk stratification, predictors of readmission were history of pulmonary disease, increased ASA class, and open fracture. Higher bundled reimbursements may be justified for cases with these risk factors.

Patient Satisfaction Reporting for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how patient satisfaction after surgical femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) treatment is measured and reported in the current evidence base.

METHODS

A review of the MEDLINE database was performed. Clinical outcome studies of FAI that reported a measure of patient satisfaction were included. Patient demographics, clinical outcome scores, and patient satisfaction measures were extracted. The NewCastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to grade quality. Statistical analysis was primarily descriptive.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies met inclusion criteria; the mean NOS score among included studies was 5.7. Most studies were level 3 or 4 (n = 25, 96.1%). A 0 to 10 numeric scale, described by some studies as a visual analog scale, was the most commonly used method to assess satisfaction (n = 21; 80.8%), and mean reported scores ranged from 6.8 to 9.2 out of 10. Four studies (15.4%) used an ordinal scale, and 1 study (3.8%) used willingness to undergo surgery again as the measure of satisfaction. None of the included studies assessed preoperative satisfaction or patient expectation. Pooled cohort analysis was limited by significant overlapping study populations. Predictors of patients' satisfaction identified in included studies were presence of arthritis and postoperative outcome scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient satisfaction was not uniformly assessed in the literature. Most studies used a 0- to 10-point satisfaction scale, but none distinguished between the process of care and the outcome of care. Although satisfaction scores were generally high, the quality of the methodologies in the studies that reported satisfaction was low, and the studies likely included overlapping patient populations. More work needs to be done to develop standardized ways for assessing patient satisfaction after arthroscopic hip surgery and other procedures in orthopaedic sports medicine.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, systematic review of Level III studies.

Arthroplasty for the surgical management of complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly: a cost-utility analysis

BACKGROUND

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) has been the standard treatment for complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly requiring surgery but not amenable to fixation. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has also emerged as a costly albeit highly effective alternative. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of nonoperative fracture care, HA, and RTSA for complex proximal humerus fractures from the perspective of both U.S. payors and hospitals.

METHODS

A Markov model was constructed for the treatment alternatives. Costs were expressed in 2013 U.S. dollars and effectiveness in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The principal outcome measure was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate model assumptions.

RESULTS

In the base case, from the payor perspective, RTSA was associated with an ICER of $8100/QALY; HA was eliminated from payor analysis as a cost-ineffective strategy. From the hospital perspective, however, HA was not cost-ineffective and the ICER for HA was $36,700/QALY, with RTSA providing incremental effectiveness at $57,400/QALY. RTSA was the optimal strategy in 61% and 54% of payor and hospital probabilistic sensitivity analyses, respectively. The preferred strategy was dependent on associated QALY gains, primary RTSA cost, and failure rates for RTSA.

CONCLUSIONS

RTSA can be a cost-effective intervention in the surgical treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures. HA can also be a cost-effective intervention, depending on the cost perspective (cost-ineffective for payor but cost-effective for the hospital). This analysis highlights the opportunities for increased cost-sharing strategies to alleviate the cost burden on hospitals.

Arthroscopically Assisted Open Reduction-Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures: Significance of the Arthroscopic Ankle Drive-through Sign

Standalone open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures is the current standard of care. Intraoperative stress radiographs are useful for assessing the extent of ligamentous disruption, but arthroscopic visualization has been shown to be more accurate. Concomitant arthroscopy at the time of ankle fracture ORIF is useful for accurately diagnosing and managing syndesmotic and deltoid ligament injuries. The arthroscopic ankle drive-through sign is characterized by the ability to pass a 2.9-mm shaver (Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA) easily through the medial ankle gutter during arthroscopy, which is not usually possible with both an intact deltoid ligament and syndesmosis. This arthroscopic maneuver indicates instability after ankle reduction and fixation and is predictive of the need for further stabilization. Furthermore, when this sign remains positive after fracture fixation, it may guide the surgeon to further evaluate the adequacy of fixation for the possible need for further fixation of the syndesmosis or deltoid. We present the case of an ankle fracture managed with arthroscopy-assisted ORIF and describe the clinical utility of the arthroscopic ankle drive-through sign.

Surgical versus conservative management of acute patellar dislocation in children and adolescents: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to perform a comparative review to determine whether there is a significant difference in the rate of repeat dislocation and clinical outcome between surgical and conservative management of acute patellar dislocation in children and adolescents.

METHODS

A systematic review of the MEDLINE database was performed. English-language clinical outcome studies with a primary outcome/treatment specific to acute patella dislocation in a paediatric population were included. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria; Chi-square analysis, independent t tests and weighted mean pooled cohort statistics were performed where appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 470 conservatively managed and 157 operatively treated knees were included. Conservatively managed patients were on average 17.0 years and had a mean follow-up of 3.9 years; surgically managed patients were on average 16.1 years and had a mean follow-up of 4.7 years. Conservatively managed knees had a 31% rate of recurrent dislocation rate compared to 22% in surgical knees (p = 0.04). Trochlear dysplasia and skeletal immaturity confer greater risk for recurrent instability. Surgical treatment may provide clinically important quality of life and sporting benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of first time patella dislocation in children and adolescents is associated with a lower risk of recurrent dislocation and higher health-related quality of life and sporting function. There is a paucity of evidence on MPFL reconstruction for first time traumatic patella dislocation in this population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

In-hospital mortality risk for total shoulder arthroplasty: A comprehensive review of the medicare database from 2005 to 2011

Introduction:

The in-hospital mortality rate after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to quantify the in-patient mortality rates and associated demographic risk factors for patients undergoing a TSA from 2005 to 2011 using a comprehensive Medicare registry database.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of the Medicare database within the PearlDiver database. The PearlDiver database is a publicly available Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant national database that captures 100% of the Medicare hospital data for TSA between 2005 and 2011. Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for TSA we identified a dataset of patients undergoing TSA as well as a subset of those for whom there was a death discharge (i.e., in-patient death). Risk for this outcome was further quantified by age, gender and year. Linear regression was performed to identify risk factors for the primary outcome.

Results:

A total of 101,323 patients underwent 125,813 TSAs between 2005 and 2011. There were 113 in-patient mortalities during this period. Thus the incidence of death was 0.09%. Increasing age was a significant risk factor for mortality (P = 0.03). Gender and year of procedure were not significant risk factors for mortality.

Conclusion:

The incidence of in-patient mortality for Medicare patients undergoing TSA between 2005 and 2011 was <1 in 1000 surgeries. Increased age is a significant predictor of mortality.

Level 4:

Retrospective analysis

Does resident involvement have an impact on postoperative complications after total shoulder arthroplasty? An analysis of 1382 cases

BACKGROUND

The impact of resident involvement on total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) complication rate is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess whether resident involvement in TSA is associated with 30-day complication rates.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was searched for all patients who underwent TSA between 2005 and 2012. Data were extracted for patient preoperative demographics, intraoperative variables, resident involvement in surgery, and 30-day postoperative complications. Resident and nonresident cases were grouped by a matched propensity score analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess the effect of resident involvement on postoperative complications.

RESULTS

We analyzed 1382 patients who underwent primary TSA, with matched groups of 691 with and 691 without resident involvement. The overall rate of 30-day complications was 2.60% in TSAs in which a resident was involved compared with 3.91% when no resident was involved (P = .173). Operative time and hospital stay were shorter in cases in which a resident was present (P = .002 and P < .001, respectively). Independent risk factors significantly associated with TSA complications identified by multivariate regression were higher patient age, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, congestive heart failure, insulin-dependent diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease.

CONCLUSION

Resident involvement in TSA procedures is not a risk factor for 30-day complications. Patient factors including increased age, diabetes, and cardiac disease are risk factors for TSA complications. This information can be used in preoperative counseling to reassure patients about safety of resident involvement in TSA and to optimize patient comorbidities before surgery.

The Quality of Cost-Utility Analyses in Orthopedic Trauma

As health care in the United States transitions toward a value-based model, there is increasing interest in applying cost-effectiveness analysis within orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic trauma care has traditionally underemphasized economic analysis. The goals of this review were to identify US-based cost-utility analysis in orthopedic trauma, to assess the quality of the available evidence, and to identify cost-effective strategies within orthopedic trauma. Based on a review of 971 abstracts, 8 US-based cost-utility analyses evaluating operative strategies in orthopedic trauma were identified. Study findings were recorded, and the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument was used to grade the overall quality. Of the 8 studies included in this review, 4 studies evaluated hip and femur fractures, 3 studies analyzed upper extremity fractures, and 1 study assessed open tibial fracture management. Cost-effective interventions identified in this review include total hip arthroplasty (over hemiarthroplasty) for femoral neck fractures in the active elderly, open reduction and internal fixation (over nonoperative management) for distal radius and scaphoid fractures, limb salvage (over amputation) for complex open tibial fractures, and systems-based interventions to prevent delay in hip fracture surgery. The mean QHES score of the studies was 79.25 (range, 67-89). Overall, there is a paucity of cost-utility analyses in orthopedic trauma; however, the available evidence suggests that certain operative interventions can be cost-effective. The quality of these studies, however, is fair, based on QHES grading. More attention should be paid to evaluating the cost-effectiveness of operative intervention in orthopedic trauma.

Trends in Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in the United States: A Retrospective Review of a Large Private-Payer Database From 2007 to 2011

BACKGROUND

Overuse injuries to the elbow in the throwing athlete are common. Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR), commonly known as Tommy John surgery, is performed on both recreational and high-level athletes. There is no current literature regarding the incidence and demographic distribution of this surgical procedure in relation to patient age, location within the Unites States, and sex.

PURPOSE

To determine the current demographic distribution of UCLR within the US population included in the PearlDiver database.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the PearlDiver supercomputer database, a private-payer database, was performed to identify UCLR procedures performed between 2007 and 2011. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 24346 (reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow with the use of a tendinous graft) was used.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 790 patients underwent UCLR. The average (±SD) annual incidence was 3.96 ± 0.38 per 100,000 patients for the overall population but was 22 ± 3.4 for patients aged 15 to 19 years. The overall average annual growth was 4.2%. There were 695 males and 95 females. The 15- to 19-year-old patients accounted for significantly more procedures than any other age group (56.8%; P < .001), followed by 20- to 24-year-olds (22.2%). The incidence of UCLR in the 15- to 19-year-old group increased at an average rate of 9.12% per year (P = .009). Significantly more UCLR procedures were performed in the southern United States than in any other region (P < .001). The number of procedures significantly increased over time (P = .039).

CONCLUSION

According to this database of a privately insured population, UCLR was performed significantly more in patients aged 15 to 19 than any other age group. The average annual incidence of UCLR per 100,000 people for patients aged 15 to 19 was 22 ± 3.4. Further, this database showed that the number of UCLR procedures is increasing over time. Further work should address risk reduction efforts in this at-risk population.

Cost-effectiveness analyses in orthopaedic sports medicine: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

As increasing attention is paid to the cost of health care delivered in the United States (US), cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) are gaining in popularity. Reviews of the CEA literature have been performed in other areas of medicine, including some subspecialties within orthopaedics. Demonstrating the value of medical procedures is of utmost importance, yet very little is known about the overall quality and findings of CEAs in sports medicine.

PURPOSE

To identify and summarize CEA studies in orthopaedic sports medicine and to grade the quality of the available literature.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed to compile findings and grade the methodological quality of US-based CEA studies in sports medicine. The Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument and the checklist by the US Panel on Cost-effectiveness in Health and Medicine were used to assess study quality. One-sided Fisher exact testing was performed to analyze the predictors of high-quality CEAs.

RESULTS

Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Five studies examined anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 3 studies examined rotator cuff repair, 2 examined autologous chondrocyte implantation, 1 study examined hip arthroscopic surgery, and 1 study examined the operative management of shoulder dislocations. Based on study findings, operative intervention in sports medicine is highly cost-effective. The quality of published evidence is good, with a mean quality score of 81.8 (range, 70-94). There is a trend toward higher quality in more recent publications. No significant predictor of high-quality evidence was found.

CONCLUSION

The CEA literature in sports medicine is good; however, there is a paucity of studies, and the available evidence is focused on a few procedures. More work needs to be conducted to quantify the cost-effectiveness of different techniques and procedures within sports medicine. The QHES tool may be useful for the evaluation of future CEAs.

Current status of cost utility analyses in total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA), although considered to be highly beneficial, is associated with substantial costs to the US healthcare system. Cost utility analysis has become an increasingly important means to objectively evaluate the value of a healthcare intervention from the perspective of both extending the quantity and improving the quality of life. Relatively little is known about the overall cost utility analysis evidence base in TJA.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The goals of this review were to (1) determine the cost utility of TJA interventions; (2) critically assess the quality of published US-based cost utility analyses using the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument; and (3) determine what characteristics were common among studies receiving a high quality score.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE database was performed to compile findings and critically appraise US-based cost utility analysis studies for total hip and knee arthroplasty. Based on review of 676 identified articles, 23 studies were included. We used the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument to assess study quality and one-sided Fisher's exact tests were applied to analyze the predictors of high-quality cost utility analysis.

RESULTS

Very few studies compare the cost utility of TJA versus nonoperative intervention; however, the available evidence suggests that TJA can be cost-saving and is highly cost-effective compared with conservative management of end-stage arthritis. The majority of identified studies are focused on the cost utility of new implant technologies or comparisons among surgical alternatives. These studies suggest that the upfront costs associated with new technologies are cost-effective when there is a major reduction in a future cost. The quality of identified studies is quite high (Quality of Health Economic Studies Instrument score: mean 86.5; range, 63-100). National funding source (p = 0.095) and lifetime horizon for analysis (p = 0.07) correlate with high-quality evidence but do not reach significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past 15 years, there has been a major increase in the volume of cost utility analyses published in total hip and knee arthroplasty. The quality of cost utility analyses published during that period is good. As increasing attention is paid to value in US health care, more attention should be paid to understanding the cost utility of TJA compared with nonoperative treatment modalities. Future studies may also look to incorporate patient willingness to pay.

Does Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Have Advantages over Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis?

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objective To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) in the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods This study compared 24 patients undergoing TLIF and 32 patients undergoing PLF with instrumentation. The clinical outcomes were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain and leg pain, physical component summary (PCS) of the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Radiographic parameters included slippage of the vertebra, local disk lordosis, the anterior and posterior disk height, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic parameters. Results The improvement of VAS of leg pain was significantly greater in TLIF than in PLF unilaterally (3.4 versus 1.0; p = 0.02). The improvement of VAS of low back pain was significantly greater in TLIF than in PLF (3.8 versus 2.2; p = 0.02). However, there was no significant difference in improvement of ODI or PCS between TLIF and PLF. Reduction of slippage and the postoperative disk height was significantly greater in TLIF than in PLF. There was no significant difference in local disk lordosis, lumbar lordosis, or pelvic parameters. The fusion rate was 96% in TLIF and 84% in PLF (p = 0.3). There was no significant difference in fusion rate, estimated blood loss, adjacent segmental degeneration, or complication rate. Conclusions TLIF was superior to PLF in reduction of slippage and restoring disk height and might provide better improvement of leg pain. However, the health-related outcomes were not significantly different between the two procedures.

Long fusion from sacrum to thoracic spine for adult spinal deformity with sagittal imbalance: upper versus lower thoracic spine as site of upper instrumented vertebra

OBJECT

Despite increasing numbers of patients with adult spinal deformity, it is unclear how to select the optimal upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) in long fusion surgery for these patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the use of vertebrae in the upper thoracic (UT) versus lower thoracic (LT) spine as the upper instrumented vertebra in long fusion surgery for adult spinal deformity.

METHODS

Patients who underwent fusion from the sacrum to the thoracic spine for adult spinal deformity with sagittal imbalance at a single medical center were studied. The patients with a sagittal vertical axis (SVA) ≥ 40 mm who had radiographs and completed the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) preoperatively and at final follow-up (≥ 2 years postoperatively) were included.

RESULTS

Eighty patients (mean age of 61.1 ± 10.9 years; 69 women and 11 men) met the inclusion criteria. There were 31 patients in the UT group and 49 patients in the LT group. The mean follow-up period was 3.6 ± 1.6 years. The physical component summary (PCS) score of the SF-12 significantly improved from the preoperative assessment to final follow-up in each group (UT, 34 to 41; LT, 29 to 37; p = 0.001). This improvement reached the minimum clinically important difference in both groups. There was no significant difference in PCS score improvement between the 2 groups (p = 0.8). The UT group had significantly greater preoperative lumbar lordosis (28° vs 18°, p = 0.03) and greater thoracic kyphosis (36° vs 18°, p = 0.001). After surgery, there was no significant difference in lumbar lordosis or thoracic kyphosis. The UT group had significantly greater postoperative cervicothoracic kyphosis (20° vs 11°, p = 0.009). The UT group tended to maintain a smaller positive SVA (51 vs 73 mm, p = 0.08) and smaller T-1 spinopelvic inclination (-2.6° vs 0.6°, p = 0.06). The LT group tended to have more proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), although the difference did not reach statistical significance. Radiographic PJK was 32% in the UT group and 41% in the LT group (p = 0.4). Surgical PJK was 6.4% in the UT group and 10% in the LT group (p = 0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Both the UT and LT groups demonstrated significant improvement in clinical and radiographic outcomes. A significant difference was not observed in improvement of clinical outcomes between the 2 groups.

Cost-utility analyses in spine care: a qualitative and systematic review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review was performed to identify US-based cost-utility analyses (CUA) studies in spine care and to critically evaluate the quality of the available literature.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

There has been a recent trend in the United States toward increased publication of economic analyses in spine care. The cost-effectiveness of spine interventions and the quality of published literature is not well understood.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify cost analyses in spine care. Articles were excluded on the basis of the following criteria: nonspine care, nonoperative, non-US based, nonclinical, and not CUA. Of the 424 screened articles, 20 met inclusion criteria. Quality of studies was assessed using the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument.

RESULTS

Evidence for the cost-effectiveness of operative spinal intervention is varied. The majority of available studies report favorable cost-effectiveness ratios, however, a few studies suggest that certain operative interventions are not cost-effective. Average Quality of Health Economic Studies score of all included studies was 75.1 (60-93). The quality of evidence is variable and there are a number of weaknesses in the available literature, most significant of which is that few studies adopt a long-term time horizon or have sufficient follow-up (N = 3/20). High Quality of Health Economic Studies scoring studies were more likely to have sensitivity analysis (P = 0.016), societal cost perspective (P = 0.014), and a funding disclosure (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

There is a small but rapidly growing body of US-based CUA in spine care. The quality of CUA evidence is variable but there are significant opportunities to strengthen future CUA studies in spine. This study highlights the need for more attention to CUA research and the quality of these studies in spine care.

National utilization of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the United States

BACKGROUND

The substantial increase in the utilization of shoulder arthroplasty in the United States during the past decade is partly attributable to the growing acceptance of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). This study compared the national utilization of and indications for shoulder hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and RSA.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify shoulder arthroplasty procedures performed in the United States in 2011. Indicating diagnoses, demographics, and hospital characteristics were identified for each shoulder arthroplasty procedure. Multivariable regression identified factors associated with long hospital stays.

RESULTS

An estimated 66,485 shoulder arthroplasty procedures were identified (33% RSA, 44% TSA, and 23% hemiarthroplasty). Common diagnoses for RSA were rotator cuff tear and arthritis (80%) and proximal humerus fracture (10%). TSA was performed for osteoarthritis in 93% of cases. Hemiarthroplasty was performed for osteoarthritis (45%) and proximal humerus fracture (38%). One quarter of proximal humerus fractures treated with arthroplasty received RSA compared with 69.8% that underwent hemiarthroplasty. Mortality occurred in 0.08% of patients with atraumatic diagnoses but in 0.53% of patients with proximal humerus fractures (P < .001). Older patients with comorbidities often had longer hospital stays, as did those with government insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

RSAs accounted for one third of all shoulder arthroplasty procedures in the United States in 2011. Whereas the majority of RSAs are performed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy, one quarter of proximal humerus fractures are treated with RSA, suggesting the strong uptake of this relatively new procedure in the United States.

Resident involvement does not influence complication after total hip arthroplasty: an analysis of 13,109 cases

Our study aimed to determine the impact of resident involvement on the 30-day postoperative complication rates following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, 13,109 primary THAs were identified, of which 3462 (26.4%) had resident involvement. Neither univariate (4.45% vs 4.52%, P = 0.86) nor multivariate (OR 1.04, P = 0.75) analyses demonstrated an increased complication rate with resident involvement following THA. We did find, however, that increased operative time, comorbidities, age, obesity, prior history of stroke and/or cardiac surgery were all independent risk factors for short-term complication. Our findings suggest that resident involvement does not increase 30-day complication rates following primary THA.

Hospital readmissions after primary shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Although shoulder arthroplasty procedures are more frequently performed in the United States, there is insufficient information on outcome measures such as hospital readmission rates or factors for readmission after surgery.

METHODS

The State Inpatient Database from 7 different states was used to identify patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) from 2005 through 2010. The database was used to determine the 90-day readmission rate, causes of readmission, and risk factors for readmission. Multivariate modeling and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to measure factors and risk for readmission.

RESULTS

Included were 26,218 patients receiving shoulder arthroplasty, with an overall 90-day readmission rate of 7.3%. RTSA had the highest rate (11.2%), followed by hemiarthroplasty (8.2%) and TSA (6.0%; P < .001). Medical complications contributed to 82% of readmissions, and surgical complications contributed to 18%. Osteoarthritis was the most common medical diagnosis (11%), followed by deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (4.4%) and pneumonia (3.9%). Infection was the most common surgical cause of readmission (4.8%), followed by dislocation (4.6%). There was a stepwise increase in risk of readmission with increasing age. Patients with Medicaid insurance had more than a 50% greater risk of readmission than patients with Medicare. Procedures performed at medium-volume and high-volume hospitals showed lower risk of readmission than low-volume centers.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing RTSA had higher hospital readmission rates than those undergoing hemiarthroplasty or TSA, but most readmissions after shoulder arthroplasty were due to medical causes.