Interspecialty Variation in Perioperative Health Care Resource Usage for Carpal Tunnel Release

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether any interspecialty variation exists, regarding perioperative health care resource usage, in carpal tunnel releases (CTRs).

METHODS

The 2010 to 2021 PearlDiver Mariner Database, an all-payer claims database, was queried to identify patients undergoing primary CTRs. Physician specialty IDs were used to identify the specialty of the surgeon-orthopedic versus plastic versus general surgery versus neurosurgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify whether there was any interspecialty variation between the use of health care resources.

RESULTS

A total of 908 671 patients undergoing CTRs were included, of which 556 339 (61.2%) were by orthopedic surgeons, 297 047 (32.7%) by plastic surgeons, 44 118 (4.9%) by neurosurgeons, and 11 257 (1.2%) by general surgeons. In comparison with orthopedic surgeons, patients treated by plastic surgeons were less likely to have received opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral steroids, and preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis but were more likely to have received steroid injections and electrodiagnostic studies (EDSs) preoperatively. Patients treated by neurosurgeons were more likely to have received preoperative opioids, gabapentin, oral steroids, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, EDSs, and formal preoperative physical/occupational therapy and less likely to have received steroid injections. Patients treated by general surgeons were less likely to receive oral steroids, steroid injections, EDSs, preoperative formal physical therapy, and preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, but were more likely to be prescribed gabapentin.

CONCLUSIONS

There exists significant variation in perioperative health care resource usage for CTRs between specialties. Understanding reasons behind such variation would be paramount in minimizing differences in how care is practiced for elective hand procedures.

Is Outpatient Anterior Lumbar Fusion (ALIF) Safe? An Analysis of 30-day Outcomes

STUDY DESIGN

Review of publicly available database.

OBJECTIVE

To compare 30-day outcomes of single-level ALIF procedures performed in outpatient and inpatient settings.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Despite a growing interest in performing standalone anterior lumbar interbody fusions (ALIFs) as an outpatient procedure, no study has evaluated the safety or efficacy of this procedure outside an inpatient setting.

METHODS

The 2012-2017 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) was queried using CPT code 22558 to identify patients undergoing a single-level ALIF. Patients receiving concurrent posterior lumbar surgery/fusion/instrumentation, pelvic fixation, or surgery due to tumor, trauma and/or deformity were excluded to capture an isolated cohort of patients receiving single-level standalone ALIFs. A total of 3728 single-level standalone ALIFs were included in the study. Multivariate regression analyses were used to compare 30-day adverse events and readmissions while controlling for baseline clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 3728 ALIFs, 149 (4.0%) were performed as outpatient procedure. Following adjustment, outpatient ALIFs versus inpatient ALIFs had lower odds of experiencing any 30-day adverse event (2.0% vs. 9.2%, OR 0.24 [95% CI 0.08-0.76]; P =0.015). No significant differences were noted with regard to severe adverse events 9p=0.261), minor adverse events 9p=0.995), and readmission rates ( P =0.95).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of the results of the study, it appears that ALIFs may be carried out safely in an outpatient setting in an appropriately selected patient population.

Posterior Cervical Fusion for Fracture Is Not the Same as Fusion for Degenerative Cervical Spine Disease: Implications for a Bundled Payment Model

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Retrospective.

OBJECTIVE

To understand differences in 30-day outcomes between patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion (PCF) for fracture versus degenerative cervical spine disease.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Current bundled payment models for cervical fusions, such as the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement revolve around the use of diagnosis-related groups to categorize patients for reimbursement purposes. Though a PCF performed for a fracture may have a different postoperative course of care as compared with a fusion being done for degenerative cervical spine pathology, the current DRG system does not differentiate payments based on the indication/cause of surgery.

METHODS

The 2012-2017 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried using Current Procedural Terminology code 22600 to identify patients receiving elective PCFs. Multivariate analyses were used to compare rates of 30-day severe adverse events, minor adverse events, readmissions, length of stay, and nonhome discharges between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

A total 2546 (91.4%) PCFs were performed for degenerative cervical spine pathology and 240 (8.6%) for fracture. After adjustment for differences in baseline clinical characteristics, patients undergoing a PCF for a fracture versus degenerative pathology had higher odds of severe adverse events [18.8% vs. 10.6%, odds ratio (OR): 1.65 (95% CI, 1.10-2.46); P =0.015], prolonged length of stay >3 days [54.2% vs. 40.5%, OR: 1.93 (95% CI, 1.44-2.59); P <0.001], and nonhome discharges [34.2% vs. 27.6%, OR: 1.54 (95% CI, 1.10-2.17); P =0.012].

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing PCFs for fracture have significant higher rates of postoperative adverse events and greater resource utilization as compared with individuals undergoing elective PCF for degenerative spine pathology. The study calls into question the need of risk adjustment of bundled prices based on indication/cause of the surgery to prevent the creation of a financial disincentive when taking care/performing surgery in spinal trauma patients.

Declining Trend in Anti-osteoporotic Treatment, Despite a Rise in DEXA Screening Following "Sentinel" Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE

To understand national trends and costs associated with the utilization of anti-osteoporotic medication and DEXA screening within the year following a sentinel/primary distal radius fracture.

METHODS

The 2008-2015Q1 Humana Administrative Claims database was queried to identify patients aged ≥50 years, with a "sentinel" occurrence of a primary closed distal radius fracture. Linear regression models were used to report and assess for significant trends in utilization of anti-osteoporotic medication and DEXA screenings within the year following the fracture. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess for factors associated with receiving or not receiving anti-osteoporotic medication.

RESULTS

A total of 14 526 sentinel distal radius fractures were included in the study. Only 7.2% (n = 1046) of patients received anti-osteoporosis medication in the year following the distal radius fracture. Treatment with medication for osteoporosis declined from 8.2% in 2008 to 5.9% in 2015, whereas the rate of DEXA screening increased from 14.8% in 2008 to 23.6% in 2015. The most common prescribed treatment was alendronate sodium (n = 835; 79.8%-$49/patient). Factors associated with increased odds of receiving anti-osteoporotic medication were age 70 to 79 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; P = .014), age 80 to 89 years (OR, 1.66; P = .001), Asian (OR, 2.95; P = .002) or Hispanic (OR, 1.77; P = .006) ethnicity, belonging to South (OR, 1.19; P = .029) or West (OR, 1.37; P = .010), and having an Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score of 3 (OR, 2.14; P = .024) or > 3 (OR, 2.05; P = .022).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a rising utilization of DEXA screening following "sentinel" distal radius fractures, the proportion of individuals who receive anti-osteoporotic treatment is decreasing over time.

Total elbow arthroplasty cases involving orthopaedic residents do not affect short-term postoperative complications

Background

Impact of resident participation on short-term postoperative outcomes after total elbow arthroplasty has not been studied. The aim was to investigate whether resident participation affects postoperative complication rates, operative time, and length of stay.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry was queried from 2006 to 2012 for patients undergoing total elbow arthroplasty. A 1:1 propensity score match was performed to match resident cases to attending-only cases. Comorbidities, surgical time, and short-term (30-day) postoperative complications were compared between groups. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to compare the rates of postoperative adverse events between groups.

Results

After propensity score match, 124 cases (50% with resident participation) were included. Adverse event rate after surgery was 18.5%. On multivariate analysis, there were no significant differences between attending-only cases and resident involved cases, with regards to short-term major complications, minor complications, or any complications (all p > 0.071). Total operative time was similar between cohorts (149.16 vs. 165.66 min; p = 0.157). No difference was observed in the length of hospital stay (2.95 vs. 2.6 days), p = 0.399.

Discussion

Resident participation during total elbow arthroplasty is not associated with increased risk for short-term medical or surgical postoperative complications or operative efficiency.

Firework Injuries to the Hand in the United States: An Epidemiological and Cost Analysis

Although prior literature has evaluated firework injuries broadly, there are no focused investigations examining trends, etiology, and costs associated with firework injuries to the hand. The 2006 to 2014 National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) was used. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes identified patients presenting to the emergency department with a firework-related injury of the hand that resulted in a burn, open wound, fracture, blood vessel injury, or traumatic amputation. A linear regression model was used to identify significant changes over time, with a significance threshold of P<.05. A total of 19,473 patients with a firework-related injury to the hand were included, with no significant change in the incidence from 2006 to 2014 (7.5 per 1,000,000 population). The greatest number of injuries occurred in July (57.1%), January (7.4%), and December (3.7%). Age groups affected were young adults (18-35 years; 43.6%), older adults (36-55 years; 19.2%), adolescents (12-17 years; 18.6%), and children (0-11 years; 16.1%). Nearly 74% of the injuries resulted in burns, 24.5% resulted in open wounds, 8.0% resulted in fracture, 7.6% resulted in traumatic amputation, and 1.4% resulted in blood vessel injury. Of 14,320 burn injuries, 15.2% had first-degree burns, 69.9% had second-degree burns, and 5.1% had third-degree burns involving the skin. The median emergency department charge was $914 and the median hospitalization charge (for inpatient admittance) was $30,743. Incidence of firework-related injuries to the hand has not changed over time. There is a need for better dissemination of safety information to mitigate the occurrences of these avoidable accidents. [Orthopedics. 20XX;XX(X):xx-xx.].

Are Foot & Ankle Surgeons Being Adequately Compensated for Ankle Fractures? - An Analysis of Relative Value Units

The current relative value units (RVU)-based system is built to reflect the varying presentation of ankle fractures (uni-malleolar vs bi-malleolar vs tri-malleolar) by assigning individual RVUs to different fracture complexities. However, no study has evaluated whether the current RVUs reflect an appropriate compensation per unit time following open reduction internal fixation for uni-malleolar versus bi-malleolar versus tri-malleolar ankle fractures. The 2012 to 2017 American College of Surgeons - National Surgical Quality Improvement Program files were queried using current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation for uni-malleolar (CPT-27766,CPT-27769,CPT-27792), bi-malleolar (CPT-27814), and tri-malleolar (CPT-27822,CPT-27823) ankle fractures. A total of 7830 (37.2%) uni-malleolar, 7826 (37.2%) bi-malleolar and 5391 (25.6%) tri-malleolar ankle fractures were retrieved. Total RVUs, Mean RVU/minute and Reimbursement rate ($/min) and Mean Reimbursement/case for each fracture type were calculated and compared using Kruskal-Wallis tests. The mean total RVU for each fracture type was as follows: (1) Uni-malleolar: 9.99, (2) Bi-malleolar = 11.71 and 3) Tri-malleolar = 12.87 (p < .001). A statistically significant difference was noted in mean operative time (uni-malleolar = 63.2 vs bi-malleolar = 78.6 vs tri-malleolar = 95.5; p < .001) between the 3 groups. Reimbursement rates ($/min) decreased significantly as fracture complexity increased (uni-malleolar = $7.21/min vs bi-malleolar = $6.75/min vs tri-malleolar = $6.10; p < .001). The average reimbursement/case was $358, $420, and $462 for uni-malleolar, bi-malleolar and tri-malleolar fractures respectively. Foot & ankle surgeons are reimbursed at a higher rate ($/min) for treating a simple uni-malleolar fracture as compared to bi-malleolar and tri-malleolar fractures, despite the higher complexity and longer operative times seen in the latter. The study highlights the need of a change in the RVUs for bi-malleolar and tri-malleolar ankle fractures to ensure that surgeons are adequately reimbursed per unit time for treating a more complex fracture case.

Anemia Severity and the Risks of Postoperative Complications Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Although studies have demonstrated the effect of anemia severity on postoperative complications after arthroplasties of the shoulder, hip, and knee, no studies have investigated the effect on total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). The objective was to determine the influence of preoperative anemia severity on complications following TAA.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) was queried from 2006 to 2019 for patients undergoing TAA. Utilizing the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of anemia, patients were stratified into 3 cohorts: nonanemia (hematocrit >36% for women, >39% for men), mild anemia (hematocrit 33%-36% for women, 33%-39% for men), and moderate to severe anemia (hematocrit <33% for both women and men). Demographics, comorbidities, length of stay, and short-term (30-day) postoperative complications were compared between groups. Bivariate analyses, including χ2 and analysis of variance, and multivariable logistical regression were performed.

RESULTS

After exclusion, 1490 patients (1313 nonanemia [88.1%], 154 mild anemia [10.3%], and 23 moderate/severe anemia [1.6%]) were included. Increasing severity of anemia was associated with an increased average hospital length of stay (1.84 vs 2.19 vs 2.78 days, P < .001) and rate of reoperation (0.38% vs 3.90% vs 4.35%, P < .001). There was a statistically significant increase in wound disruptions (0.15% vs 1.95% vs 4.35%, P = .001), minor complications (1.52% vs 4.55% vs 8.70%, P = .008), major complications (1.98% vs 5.84% vs 4.35%, P < .033), and any complications (3.50% vs 10.39% vs 13.04%, P = .001) between groups. Multivariate analysis identified mild and moderate/severe anemia as a predictor of reoperation and extended length of stay (P ≤ .033).

DISCUSSION

Preoperative anemia is a modifiable risk factor for medical and surgical complications within 30 days of TAA. Medical optimization prior to surgical intervention is necessary in patients undergoing TAA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Retrospective comparative study.

Discharge to inpatient care facilities following hip fracture surgery: incidence, risk factors, and 30-day post-discharge outcomes

BACKGROUND

Discharge to an inpatient care facility (skilled-care or rehabilitation) has been shown to be associated with adverse outcomes following elective total joint arthroplasties. Current evidence with regard to hip fracture surgeries remains limited.

METHODS

The 2015-2016 ACS-NSQIP database was used to query for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty and open reduction internal fixation for hip fractures. A total of 15,655 patients undergoing hip fracture surgery were retrieved from the database. Inpatient facility discharge included discharges to skilled-care facilities and inpatient rehabilitation units. Multi-variate regression analysis was used to assess for differences in 30-day post-discharge outcomes between home-discharge versus inpatient care facility discharge, while adjusting for baseline differences between the 2 study populations.

RESULTS

A total of 12,568 (80.3%) patients were discharged to an inpatient care facility. Discharge to an inpatient care facility was associated with higher odds of any complication (OR 2.03 [95% CI, 1.61-2.55]; p < 0.001), wound complications (OR 1.79 [95% CI, 1.10-2.91]; p = 0.019), cardiac complications (OR 4.49 [95% CI, 1.40-14.40]; p = 0.012), respiratory complication (OR 2.29 [95% CI, 1.39-3.77]; p = 0.001), stroke (OR 7.67 [95% CI, 1.05-56.29]; p = 0.045, urinary tract infections (OR 2.30 [95% CI, 1.52-3.48]; p < 0.001), unplanned re-operations (OR 1.37 [95% CI, 1.03-1.82]; p = 0.029) and readmissions (OR 1.38 [95% CI, 1.16-1.63]; p < 0.001) following discharge.

CONCLUSION

Discharge to inpatient care facilities versus home following hip fracture surgery is associated with higher odds of post-discharge complications, re-operations and readmissions. These results stress the importance of careful patient selection prior to discharge to inpatient care facilities to minimise the risk of complications.

Trends of hand injuries presenting to US emergency departments: A 10-year national analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose was to observe current incidence and trends of hand and wrist injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments (EDs) over a decade.

METHODS

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for hand and wrist injuries from January 2009-December 2018. Descriptive analyses were used to report injury types to the hand and wrist. Incidence, age, gender, race, injury location, and type of injury were recorded. Linear regression analyses were used to assess changes in trends over time. A p value <0.05 was statistically significant.

RESULTS

In total, 649,131 cases of hand and wrist injuries were identified in the NEISS from 2009 to 2018, correlating to 25,666,596 patients nationally. Incidence rates for finger, hand, and wrist were 450, 264, and 182 per 100,000 people. The estimated number of patients per year declined by 8.6% from 2009 to 2018. Male adults (aged 18-39) were the most frequent demographic. Total national estimates of hand (-8.2%; p = 0.001), wrist (-6.1%; p = 0.007), and finger (-9.9%; p < 0.001) injuries declined over the study period. The most common injuries were lacerations (36.5%), fractures (19.9%), strains/sprains (12.3%), and contusions/abrasions (12.1%) which significantly declined over the study period. The overall admission rate was 1.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated annual number of hand/wrist injuries presenting to US EDs was 2.6 million with gradual decline over the decade. Hand injury registries could assist in quality improvement measures targeted toward increased efficiency and resource allocation and education.

Discharge to a Non-Home Destination Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA): An Analysis of the ACS-NSQIP Database

Despite an increasing trend in the number of total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) being done globally, current evidence remains limited with regards to factors influencing a non-home discharge to a facility following the procedure. The 2012-2016 American College of Surgeons - National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology code 27702 for patients undergoing TAA. Discharge to a destination was categorized into home and non-home. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression models were used to evaluate independent risk factors associated with non-home discharge disposition. As a secondary objective, we also evaluated risk factors associated with a prolonged length of stay (LOS) >2 days. A total of 722 TAAs were retrieved for final analysis. A total of 68 (9.4%) patients experienced a non-home discharge following the surgery. Independent factors for a non-home discharge were a LOS >2 days (odds ratio [OR] 10.51), age ≥65 years (OR 4.52), female (OR 2.90), hypertension (OR 2.63), and American Society of Anesthesiologists >II (OR 2.01). A total of 174 (24.1%) patients stayed in the hospital for more than 2 days. Significant risk factors for LOS >2 days were age ≥65 years (OR 1.62), female (OR 1.53), operative time >150 minutes (OR 1.91), and an inpatient admission status (OR 4.74). With limited literature revolving around outcomes following TAA, the current study identifies significant predictors associated with a non-home discharge. Providers should consider preoperatively risk-stratifying and expediting discharge in these patients to reduce the costs associated with a prolonged hospital length of stay.

What Is the Value of Undergoing Surgery for Spinal Metastases at Dedicated Cancer Centers?

BACKGROUND

The Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers is an organization of 11 leading cancer institutions and affiliated hospitals that are exempt from the Medicare prospective system hospital reimbursement policies. Because of their focus on cancer care and participation in innovative cancer treatment methods and protocols, these hospitals are reimbursed based on their actual billings. The perceived lack of incentive to meet a predetermined target price and reduce costs has spurred criticism of the value of cancer care at these institutions. The rationale of our study was to better understand whether dedicated cancer centers (DCCs) deliver high-value care for patients undergoing surgical treatment of spinal metastases.

QUESTION/PURPOSE

Is there a difference in 90-day complications and reimbursements between patients undergoing surgical treatment (decompression or fusion) for spinal metastases at DCCs and those treated at nonDCC hospitals?

METHODS

The 2005 to 2014 100% Medicare Standard Analytical Files database was queried using ICD-9 procedure and diagnosis codes to identify patients undergoing decompression (03.0, 03.09, and 03.4) and/or fusion (81.0X) for spinal metastases (198.5). The database does not allow us to exclude the possibility that some patients were treated with fusion for stabilization of the spine without decompression, although this is likely an uncommon event. Patients undergoing vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for metastatic disease were excluded. The Medicare hospital provider identification numbers were used to identify the 11 DCCs. The study cohort was categorized into two groups: DCCs and nonDCCs. Although spinal metastases are known to occur among nonMedicare and younger patients, the payment policies of these DCCs are only applicable to Medicare beneficiaries. Therefore, to keep the study objective relevant to current policy and value-based discussions, we performed the analysis using the Medicare dataset. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 17,776 patients in the study, 6% (1138 of 17,776) of whom underwent surgery at one of the 11 DCCs. Compared with the nonDCC group, DCC group hospitals operated on a younger patient population and on more patients with primary renal cancers. In addition, DCCs were more likely to be high-volume facilities with National Cancer Institute designations and have a voluntary or government ownership model. Patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases at DCCs were more likely to have spinal decompression with fusion than those at nonDCCs (40% versus 22%; p < 0.001) and had a greater length and extent of fusion (at least four levels of fusion; 34% versus 29%; p = 0.001). Patients at DCCs were also more likely than those at nonDCCs to receive postoperative adjunct treatments such as radiation (16% versus 13.5%; p = 0.008) and chemotherapy (17% versus 9%; p < 0.001), although this difference is small and we do not know if this meets a minimum clinically important difference. To account for differences in patients presenting at both types of facilities, multivariate logistic regression mixed-model analyses were used to compare rates of 90-day complications and 90-day mortality between DCC and nonDCC hospitals. Controls were implemented for baseline clinical characteristics, procedural factors, and hospital-level factors (such as random effects). Generalized linear regression mixed-modeling was used to evaluate differences in total 90-day reimbursements between DCCs and nonDCCs.

RESULTS

After adjusting for differences in baseline demographics, procedural factors, and hospital-level factors, patients undergoing surgery at DCCs had lower odds of experiencing sepsis (6.5% versus 10%; odds ratio 0.54 [95% confidence interval 0.40 to 0.74]; p < 0.001), urinary tract infections (19% versus 28%; OR 0.61 [95% CI 0.50 to 0.74]; p < 0.001), renal complications (9% versus 13%; OR 0.55 [95% CI 0.42 to 0.72]; p < 0.001), emergency department visits (27% versus 31%; OR 0.78 [95% CI 0.64 to 0.93]; p = 0.01), and mortality (39% versus 49%; OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.62 to 0.89]; p = 0.001) within 90 days of the procedure compared with patients treated at nonDCCs. Undergoing surgery at a DCC (90-day reimbursement of USD 54,588 ± USD 42,914) compared with nonDCCs (90-day reimbursement of USD 49,454 ± USD 38,174) was also associated with reduced 90-day risk-adjusted reimbursements (USD -14,802 [standard error 1362] ; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, it appears that DCCs offer high-value care, as evidenced by lower complication rates and reduced reimbursements after surgery for spinal metastases. A better understanding of the processes of care adopted at these institutions is needed so that additional cancer centers may also be able to deliver similar care for patients with metastatic spine disease.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Increasing Frailty in Geriatric Emergency General Surgery: A Cause for Concern

BACKGROUND

Emergency general surgery (EGS) presents a challenge for frail, geriatric individuals who often have extensive comorbidities affecting postoperative recovery. Previous studies have shown an association between increasing frailty and adverse outcomes following elective and EGS; no study has explored the same for the geriatric patient population using the modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5) score.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2012-2017 American College of Surgeons - National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify geriatric patients (≥65 years) undergoing EGS procedures within 48 h of admission. The previously validated mFI-5 score was used to assess preoperative frailty. The study cohort was divided into four groups: mFI-5 = 0, mFI-5 = 1, mFI-5 = 2, and mFI-5 ≥ 3; the impact of increasing mFI-5 score on failure-to-rescue (FTR), 30-day complications, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 47,216 patients were included: 27.4% with mFI-5 = 0, 45% with mFI-5 = 1, 22.1% with mFI-5 = 2, and 5.5% with mFI-5 ≥ 3. Following multivariate analyses, increasing mFI-5 score was associated with higher odds of FTR (mFI-5 = 1: odds ratio (OR) 1.48, p=0.003; mFI-5 = 2: OR 2.66, p <0.001; mFI-5 ≥ 3: OR 3.97, p <0.001), 30-day complications (mFI-5 = 1: OR 1.46, p <0.001; mFI-5 = 2: OR 2.48, p <0.001; mFI-5≥3: OR 5.01, p <0.001), reoperation (mFI-5 = 1: OR 1.42, p = 0.020; mFI-5 = 2: OR 1.70, p = 0.021; mFI-5 ≥ 3: OR 2.18, p = 0.009) and all-cause mortality (mFI-5 = 1: OR 1.49, p=0.001; mFI-5 = 2: OR 2.67, p <0.001; mFI-5 ≥ 3: 3.96, p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing frailty in geriatric EGS patients is associated with significantly higher rates of FTR, 30-day complications, reoperations, and all-cause mortality. The mFI-5 score can be used to assess frailty and better anticipate the postoperative course of vulnerable geriatric patients.

Robotic-Assisted Versus Conventional Posterior Lumbar Fusion-An Analysis of 90-Day Complications and Readmissions

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate medical and surgical complication rates between robotic-assisted versus conventional elective posterior lumbar fusions.

METHODS

The Symphony Integrated DataVerse was queried using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification procedure codes to identify patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar fusions for degenerative spine pathologies between 2015 and 2018. International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification procedure codes (8E0W4CZ, 8E0W0CZ, 8E0W3CZ) were used to identify patients undergoing a robotic-assisted spinal fusion. Outcome measures were 90-day medical and surgical complications, 1-year pseudarthrosis, and 1-year revision surgery rates. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess whether undergoing a robotic-assisted fusion (vs. conventional fusion) was associated with differences in wound complications, medical complications, pseudarthrosis, revision surgery, and readmissions within 90 days of surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 39,387 patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar fusions were included in the cohort-of whom 245 (0.62%) patients underwent a robotic-assisted fusion. Multivariate analysis showed that robotic-assisted fusion (vs. conventional fusion) was not associated with significant differences in 90-day rates of wound complications (P = 0.299), urinary tract infections (P = 0.648), acute myocardial infarctions (P = 0.209), acute renal failure (P = 0.461), pneumonia (P = 0.214), stroke (P = 0.917), deep venous thrombosis (P = 0.562), pulmonary embolism (P = 0.401), and readmissions (P = 0.985). In addition, there were no significant differences in the 1-year rates of revision fusions (P = 0.316) and pseudarthrosis (P = 0.695).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent a robotic-assisted fusion had similar rates of surgical and medical complications compared with those who underwent a conventional fusion. Further studies are warranted to better understand the future role of robots in spine surgery.

Outpatient Versus Inpatient Surgical Fixation of Isolated Ankle Fractures: An Analysis of 90-Day Complications, Readmissions, and Costs

Despite increasing interest toward managing isolated ankle fractures in an outpatient setting, evidence of its safety remains largely limited. The 2007 to 2014 Humana Administrative Claims database was queried to identify patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation for unimalleolar, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar isolated closed ankle fractures. Two cohorts (outpatient versus inpatient) were then matched on the basis of age, sex, race, region, fracture type (uni-/bi-/trimalleolar) and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index to control for selection bias. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to report independent impact of outpatient-treated ankle fracture surgery on 90-day complications, readmission, and emergency department visit rates. Independent-samples t test was used to compare global 90-day costs between cohorts. A total of 5317 inpatient-treated and 6941 outpatient-treated closed ankle fractures were included in the final cohort. After matching and multivariate analyses, patients with outpatient ankle fractures, compared with patients with inpatient ankle fractures, had statistically lower rates of pneumonia (2.3% versus 4.0%; p < .001), myocardial infarction (0.9% versus 1.8%; p = .005), acute renal failure (2.2% versus 5.3%; p < .001), urinary tract infections (7.4% versus 12.3%; p < .001), and pressure ulcers (0.9% versus 2.0%; p = .001). Outpatient ankle fractures also had lower rates of 90-day readmissions (9.7% versus 14.1%; p < .001) and emergency department visits (13.8% versus 16.2%; p = .028). Last, overall 90-day costs for outpatient ankle fractures were nearly $9000 lower than costs for inpatient ankle fractures ($12,923 versus $21,866; p < .001). Based on our findings, it appears that outpatient treatment of ankle fractures can be deemed safe and feasible in a select cohort of patients.

Cost Analysis of Medical Students Applying to Orthopaedic Surgery Residency: Implications for the 2020 to 2021 Application Cycle During COVID-19

Although studies have evaluated the economic burden to medical students desiring an orthopaedic residency broadly, no study has evaluated in detail the application costs, away rotation costs, interview costs, and total costs. Given that the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Orthopaedic Association's Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors have recommended orthopaedic surgery residency programs for the 2021 residency application cycle cancel away rotations and in-person interviews, our objective was to evaluate the cost savings to medical students applying during this time and the potential implications.

The Association of "U.S. News & World Report" Hospital Rankings and Outcomes Following Anterior Cervical Fusions: Do Rankings Even Matter?

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there are any differences in outcomes and costs for elective one- to three-level anterior cervical fusions (ACFs) performed at US News and World Report (USNWR) ranked and unranked hospitals.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Although the USNWR rankings are advertised by media and are routinely used by patients as a guide in seeking care, evidence regarding whether these rankings are reflective of actual clinical outcome remains limited.

METHODS

The 2010-2014 USNWR hospital rankings were used to identify ranked hospitals in "Neurosurgery" and "Orthopedics." The 2010-2014 100% Medicare Standard Analytical Files (SAF100) were used to identify patients undergoing elective ACFs at ranked and unranked hospitals. Multivariable logistic regression and generalized linear regression analyses were used to assess for differences in 90-day outcomes and costs between ranked and unranked hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 110,520 patients undergoing elective one- to three-level ACFs were included in the study, of which 10,289 (9.3%) underwent surgery in one of the 100 ranked hospitals. Following multivariate analysis, there were no significant differences between ranked versus unranked hospitals with regards to wound complications (1.2% vs. 1.1%; P = 0.907), cardiac complications (12.9% vs. 11.9%; P = 0.055), pulmonary complications (3.7% vs. 6.7%; P = 0.654), urinary tract infections (7.3% vs. 5.8%; P = 0.120), sepsis (9.3% vs. 7.9%; P = 0.847), deep venous thrombosis (1.9% vs. 1.3%; P = 0.077), revision surgery (0.3% vs. 0.3%; P = 0.617), and all-cause readmissions (4.7% vs. 4.4%; P = 0.266). Ranked hospitals, as compared to unranked hospitals, had a slightly lower odds of experiencing renal complications (7.0% vs. 4.9%; P = 0.047), but had significantly higher risk-adjusted 90-day charges (+$17,053; P < 0.001) and costs (+ $1695; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Despite the higher charges and costs of care at ranked hospitals, these facilities appear to have similar outcomes as compared to unranked hospitals following elective ACFs.Level of Evidence: 3.

Understanding the Trends and Variability in Procedures Performed During Orthopedic Spine Surgery Fellowship Training: An Analysis of ACGME Case Log Data

OBJECTIVE

To understand trends and variability of procedures performed by orthopedic spine surgery fellows during training.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case logs.

PARTICIPANTS

Fellows enrolled in ACGME-accredited "Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine" fellowships from 2010 to 2015.

RESULTS

The 2010 to 2015 ACGME fellowship case logs for "Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine" were retrieved. Spine cases in case logs are grouped into the following categories: (1) Excision, (2) Osteotomy, (3) Fracture and/or Dislocation, (4) Decompression, (5) Anterior fusion/arthrodesis, (6) Posterior fusion, (7) Deformity surgery, (8) Exploration, (9) Instrumentation, and (10) other/uncategorized. The total number of spine cases logged by each fellow increased from 821 in 2010 to 1134 in 2015 (38.2% increase). The greatest increases were noted from fracture/dislocation cases (77.9%), followed by posterior fusions (62.2%), anterior fusions (43.6%), decompressions (36.3%), and instrumentation (29.5%). The average number of deformity cases decreased from 23 in 2010 to 19 in 2016 (18.6% decrease). The average number of adult-only cases increased from 770 in 2010 to 1100 in 2015 (42.8% increase), whereas the average number of pediatric-only cases declined from 51 in 2010 to 35 in 2015 (32.1% decrease). Based on case logs from 2015, the greatest variation in case volume between the 10th centile and 90th centile of fellows was noted for deformity cases, followed by decompressions and posterior fusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though there has been a 38% increase in the overall number of spine cases performed by fellows during training, a large amount of variation in type of case exposure exists between fellowships. The findings of our study call for the establishment of minimal case volumes and/or uniformity of training spectrums across the nation to ensure appropriate surgical care is made accessible to all patients.

Has the Affordable Care Act Been Associated with Increased Insurance Coverage and Early-stage Diagnoses of Bone and Soft-tissue Sarcomas in Adults?

BACKGROUND

Treatment of bone and soft-tissue sarcomas can be costly, and therefore, it is not surprising that insurance status of patients is a prognostic factor in determining overall survival. Furthermore, uninsured individuals with suspected bone and/or soft-tissue masses routinely encounter difficulty in obtaining access to basic healthcare (such as office visits, radiology scans), and therefore are more likely to be diagnosed with later stages at presentation. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandate of 2010 aimed to increase access to care for uninsured individuals by launching initiatives, such as expanding Medicaid eligibility, subsidizing private insurance, and developing statewide mandates requiring individuals to have a prescribed minimum level of health insurance. Although prior reports have demonstrated that the ACA increased both coverage and the proportion of early-stage diagnoses among patients with common cancers (including breast, colon, prostate, and lung), it is unknown whether similar improvements have occurred for patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. Understanding changes in insurance coverages and stage at diagnosis of patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcomas would be paramount in establishing policies that will ensure orthopaedic cancer care is made equitable and accessible to all.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Has the introduction of the ACA been associated with changes in insurance coverage for adult patients with newly diagnosed bone and soft-tissue sarcomas? (2) Did the introduction of health reforms under the ACA lead to an increased proportion of sarcoma diagnoses occurring at earlier disease stages?

METHODS

The 2007 to 2015 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database was queried using International Classification of Diseases for Oncology codes for primary malignant bone tumors of the upper and lower extremity (C40.0 to C40.3), unspecified or other overlapping bone, articular cartilage, and joint and/or ribs, sternum, or clavicle (C40.8 to C40.9, C41.3, and C41.8 to C41.9), vertebral column (C41.2), pelvis (C41.4, C41.8, and C41.9), and soft-tissue sarcomas of the upper or lower extremity and/or pelvis (C49.1, C49.2, and C49.5). A total of 15,287 patients with newly diagnosed cancers were included, of which 3647 (24%) were malignant bone tumors and 11,640 (76%) were soft-tissue sarcomas. The study sample was divided into three cohorts according to specified time periods: pre-ACA from 2007 to 2010 (6537 patients), pre-Medicaid expansion from 2011 to 2013 (5076 patients), and post-Medicaid expansion from 2014 to 2015 (3674 patients). The Pearson chi square tests were used to assess for changes in the proportion of Medicaid and uninsured patients across the specified time periods: pre-ACA, pre-expansion and post-expansion. A differences-in-differences analysis was also performed to assess changes in insurance coverage for Medicaid and uninsured patients among states that chose to expand Medicaid coverage in 2014 under the ACA's provision versus those who opted out of Medicaid expansion. Since the database switched to using the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) 7th edition staging system in 2010, linear regression using data only from 2010 to 2015 was performed that assessed changes in cancer stage at diagnosis from 2010 to 2015 alone. After stratifying by cancer type (bone or soft-tissue sarcoma), Pearson chi square tests were used to assess for changes in the proportion of patients who were diagnosed with early, late, and unknown stage at presentation before Medicaid expansion (2011-2013) and after Medicaid expansion (2014-2015) among states that chose to expand versus those who did not.

RESULTS

After stratifying by time cohorts: pre-ACA (2007 to 2010), pre-expansion (2011 to 2013) and post-expansion (2014 to 2015), we observed that the most dramatic changes occurred after Medicaid eligibility was expanded (2014 onwards), with Medicaid proportions increasing from 12% (pre-expansion, 2011 to 2013) to 14% (post-expansion, 2014 to 2015) (p < 0.001) and uninsured proportions decreasing from 5% (pre-expansion, 2011 to 2013) to 3% (post-expansion, 2014 to 2015) (p < 0.001). A differences-in-differences analysis that assessed the effect of Medicaid expansion showed that expanded states had an increase in the proportion of Medicaid patients compared with non-expanded states, (3.6% [95% confidence interval 0.4 to 6.8]; p = 0.03) from 2014 onwards. For the entire study sample, the proportion of early-stage diagnoses (I/II) increased from 56% (939 of 1667) in 2010 to 62% (1137 of 1840) in 2015 (p = 0.003). Similarly, the proportion of unknown stage diagnoses decreased from 11% (188 of 1667) in 2010 to 7% (128 of 1840) in 2015 (p = 0.002). There was no change in proportion of late-stage diagnoses (III/IV) from 32% (540 of 1667) in 2010 to 31% (575 of 1840) in 2015 (p = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

Access to cancer care for patients with primary bone or soft-tissue sarcomas improved after the ACA was introduced, as evidenced by a decrease in the proportion of uninsured patients and corresponding increase in Medicaid coverage. Improvements in coverage were most significant among states that adopted the Medicaid expansion of 2014. Furthermore, we observed an increasing proportion of early-stage diagnoses after the ACA was implemented. The findings support the preservation of the ACA to ensure cancer care is equitable and accessible to all vulnerable patient populations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Risk Factors for Discharge to a Non-Home Destination and Reoperation Following Outpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) in Medicare-Eligible Patients

Introduction:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services removed total hip arthroplasty (THA) from the inpatient-only (IO) list in January 2020. Given this recommendation, we analyzed Medicare-eligible patients undergoing outpatient THA to understand risk factors for nonroutine discharge, reoperations, and readmissions.

Materials and Methods:

The 2015-2018 American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology code 27130 for Medicare eligible patients (≥ 65 years of age) undergoing outpatient THA. Postoperative discharge destination was categorized into home and non-home. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors associated with non-home discharge disposition. Secondarily, we evaluated rates and risk factors associated with 30-day reoperations and readmissions.

Results:

A total of 1095 THAs were retrieved for final analysis. A total of 108 patients (9.9%) experienced a non-home discharge postoperatively. Patients were discharged to rehab (n = 47; 4.3%), a skilled care facility (n = 47; 4.3%), a facility that was “home” (n = 8; 0.7%), a separate acute care facility (n = 5; 0.5%), or an unskilled facility (n = 1; 0.1%). Independent factors for a non-home discharge were American Society of Anesthesiologists Class >II (odds ratio [OR] 2.74), operative time >80 minutes (OR 2.42), age >70 years (OR 2.20), and female gender (OR 1.67). Eighteen patients (1.6%) required an unplanned reoperation within 30 days. A total of 40 patients (3.7%) required 30-day readmissions, with 35 readmissions related to the original THA procedure. Independent risk factors for 30-day reoperation were COPD (OR 5.85) and HTN (OR 5.24). Independent risk factors for 30-day readmission were HTN (OR 4.35) and Age >70 (OR 2.48).

Discussion:

The current study identifies significant predictors associated with a non-home discharge, reoperation, and readmission in Medicare-aged patients undergoing outpatient THA.

Conclusion:

Providers should consider preoperatively risk-stratifying patients to reduce the costs associated with unplanned discharge destination, complication or reoperation.

Orthopaedic Surgery Sports Medicine Fellows See Substantial Increase in Hip Arthroscopy Procedural Volume With High Variability From 2011 to 2016

PURPOSE

To analyze the trends in operative experience, specifically procedures of the shoulder, hip and knee, of fellows graduating from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships between 2011 and 2016.

METHODS

The 2011-2016 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education orthopaedic surgery sports medicine fellow case logs were retrieved for analysis. Trends in the mean case volume for procedures of the shoulder, hip, and knee were analyzed. Linear regression was used to identify significant changes in trends over time for each surgical case/procedure. Variation in case volume between fellows in the lowest (10th) and highest (90th) centile was assessed for first and last year of the study.

RESULTS

The average number of total procedures per fellow minimally decreased by 3.5% from 2011 to 2016 (726 to 701 cases) (P < .001). The mean total number of hip procedures significantly increased by 155% from 24.9 to 63.5 (P = .049). There were no significant differences in the mean total number of shoulder (P = .88) and knee procedures (P = .54). Arthroscopic hip procedures had the largest increase from 2011 to 2016 (14.1 to 57.8 [+310%], P = .049). There was greater than 2-fold difference in total procedural volume between fellows in the 10th and 90th percentile for 2011 and 2016, with the greatest variation (64-fold) for arthroscopic hip procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study there was a 2.6-fold increase in hip procedures, largely driven by a 310% rise in arthroscopic hip cases. The average procedural volume per fellow minimally decreased, with no change in the mean number of shoulder and knee procedures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Understanding variability in case exposure among orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships is important for programs to ensure that fellows are appropriately exposed to all facets of sports medicine procedures.

Has the Volume and Variability of Procedures Reported by Fellows in ACGME-accredited Musculoskeletal Oncology Fellowship Programs Changed Over Time?

BACKGROUND

There has been a considerable rise in the number of musculoskeletal/orthopaedic oncology fellowships and subsequently, orthopaedic oncologists, in the nation. National societies have been concerned that the increasing number of orthopaedic oncologists, coupled with a limited number of patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcomas in the country, may have led to an unintended impact on the training spectrum and/or exposure of orthopaedic oncology fellows-in-training over time. Fellows who are unable to gain exposure by operating on varied cancer presentations during training may be less confident in dealing with a wide array of patients in their practice. Despite these concerns, the volume and variability of procedures performed by fellows-in-training remains unknown. Understanding these parameters will be helpful in establishing policies for standardizing training of prospective fellows to ensure they are well-equipped to care for patients with bone and/or soft-tissue sarcomas in the beginning of their career.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Has the median surgical procedure volume per fellow changed over time? (2) How much variability in procedural volume exists between fellows, based on the most recent (2017) Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) procedure log data? (3) What proportion of fellows are meeting the minimum procedure volume thresholds, as recommended by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS)?

METHODS

The 2010 to 2017 ACGME fellowship procedure logs for musculoskeletal oncology fellowships were retrieved from the council's official website. All fellows enrolled in ACGME-accredited fellowships are mandated to complete case logs before graduation. This study did not include operative procedures performed by fellows in nonACGME-approved fellowship programs. The 2010 to 2016 anatomic site-based procedure log data were used to evaluate fellows' overall and location-specific median operative or patient volume, using descriptive statistics. Linear regression analyses were used to assess changes in the median procedure volume over time. The 2017 categorized procedure log data were used to assess variability in procedure volume between the lowest (10th percentile) and highest (90th percentile) of all fellows. Using 2017 procedure logs, we compared the minimum procedure volume standards, as defined by the MSTS, against the number of procedures performed by fellows across the 10th, 30th, 50th (median), 70th, and 90th percentiles.

RESULTS

There was no change in the median (range) procedural volume per fellow from 2010 (292 procedures [131 to 634]) to 2017 (312 procedures [174 to 479]; p = 0.58). Based on 2017 categorized procedure log data, there was considerable variability in procedural volume between the lowest (10th) percentile and highest (90th) percentile of fellows across programs: pediatric oncologic procedures (10-fold difference), surgical management of complications from limb-salvage surgery (sevenfold difference), soft-tissue resections or reconstructions (fourfold difference), bone sarcoma resections or limb-salvage surgery (fourfold difference), and spine, sacrum, and pelvis procedures (threefold difference). A fair proportion of fellows did not meet the minimum procedure volume standards, as recommended by the MSTS across certain categories. For the spine and pelvis (minimum = 10 procedures), fellows in the lowest 10th percentile performed only six procedures. For patients with bone sarcomas or limb salvage (minimum = 20 procedures), fellows in the lowest 10th percentile performed only 14 procedures. For pediatric patients with oncologic conditions (minimum = 15 procedures), fellows in the 50th percentile (13 procedures) and below failed to meet the thresholds. For surgical management of complications from limb-salvage procedures (minimum = five procedures), fellows in the lowest 10th percentile performed only three procedures.

CONCLUSION

Although we were encouraged to observe that the median number of procedures performed by musculoskeletal oncology fellows over this time has not changed, we observed wide variability in the procedure volume among fellows for pediatric sarcomas, soft-tissue resection and reconstruction, limb salvage procedures, and spine procedures. We do not know how this compares with fellows trained in nonaccredited fellowship programs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Although we recognize that the education of fellows entails much more than performing operations, national societies have recognized a need to bring about more uniformity or standardization of training in musculoskeletal oncology. Limiting the number of orthopaedic oncology fellowships to high-volume institutions, expanding the training time period, and/or introducing subspecialty certification may be possible avenues through which standardization of training can be defined.

What Is the Quality of Surgical Care for Patients with Hip Fractures at Critical Access Hospitals?

BACKGROUND

Critical access hospitals (CAHs) play an important role in providing access to care for many patients in rural communities. Prior studies have shown that these facilities are able to provide timely and quality care for patients who undergo various elective and emergency general surgical procedures. However, little is known about the quality and reimbursement of surgical care for patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures at CAHs compared with non-CAH facilities.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Are there any differences in 90-day complications, readmissions, mortality, and Medicare payments between patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures at CAHs and those undergoing surgery at non-CAHs?

METHODS

The 2005 to 2014 Medicare 100% Standard Analytical Files were queried using ICD-9 procedure codes to identify Medicare-eligible beneficiaries undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (79.15, 79.35, and 78.55), hemiarthroplasty (81.52), and THA (81.51) for isolated closed hip fractures. This database was selected because the claims capture inpatient diagnoses, procedures, charged amounts and paid claims, as well as hospital-level information of the care, of Medicare patients across the nation. Patients with concurrent fixation of an upper extremity, lower extremity, and/or polytrauma were excluded from the study to ensure an isolated cohort of hip fractures was captured. The study cohort was divided into two groups based on where the surgery took place: CAHs and non-CAHs. A 1:1 propensity score match, adjusting for baseline demographics (age, gender, Census Bureau-designated region, and Elixhauser comorbidity index), clinical characteristics (fixation type and time to surgery), and hospital characteristics (whether the hospital was located in a rural ZIP code, the average annual procedure volume of the operating facility, hospital bed size, hospital ownership and teaching status), was used to control for the presence of baseline differences in patients presenting at CAHs and those presenting at non-CAHs. A total of 1,467,482 patients with hip fractures were included, 29,058 of whom underwent surgery in a CAH. After propensity score matching, each cohort (CAH and non-CAH) contained 29,058 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess for differences in 90-day complications, readmissions, and mortality between the two matched cohorts. As funding policies of CAHs are regulated by Medicare, an evaluation of costs-of-care (by using Medicare payments as a proxy) was conducted. Generalized linear regression modeling was used to assess the 90-day Medicare payments among patients undergoing surgery in a CAH, while controlling for differences in baseline demographics and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures were less likely to experience many serious complications at a critical access hospital (CAH) than at a non-CAH. In particular, after controlling for patient demographics, hospital-level factors and procedural characteristics, patients treated at a CAH were less likely to experience: myocardial infarction (3% (916 of 29,058) versus 4% (1126 of 29,058); OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.74 to 0.88]; p < 0.001), sepsis (3% (765 of 29,058) versus 4% (1084 of 29,058); OR 0.69 [95% CI 0.63 to 0.78]; p < 0.001), acute renal failure (6% (1605 of 29,058) versus 8% (2353 of 29,058); OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.61 to 0.69]; p < 0.001), and Clostridium difficile infections (1% (367 of 29,058) versus 2% (473 of 29,058); OR 0.77 [95% CI 0.67 to 0.88]; p < 0.001) than undergoing surgery in a non-CAH. CAHs also had lower rates of all-cause 90-day readmissions (18% (5133 of 29,058) versus 20% (5931 of 29,058); OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.79 to 0.86]; p < 0.001) and 90-day mortality (4% (1273 of 29,058) versus 5% (1437 of 29,058); OR 0.88 [95% CI 0.82 to 0.95]; p = 0.001) than non-CAHs. Further, CAHs also had risk-adjusted lower 90-day Medicare payments than non-CAHs (USD 800, standard error 89; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients who received hip fracture surgical care at CAHs had a lower risk of major medical and surgical complications than those who had surgery at non-CAHs, even though Medicare reimbursements were lower as well. Although there may be some degree of patient selection at CAHs, these facilities appear to provide high-value care to rural communities. These findings provide evidence for policymakers evaluating the impact of the CAH program and allocating funding resources, as well as for community members seeking emergent care at local CAH facilities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Declining Trend in Medicare Physician Reimbursements for Hand Surgery From 2002 to 2018

PURPOSE

To evaluate trends in Medicare physician reimbursements for 20 common hand procedures/surgeries from 2002 to 2018.

METHODS

The Physician Fee Schedule Look-up Tool was used to retrieve average reimbursement rates for 20 common hand surgeries/procedures from 2002 to 2018. All reimbursement data were adjusted for inflation to 2018 dollars.

RESULTS

After adjusting all data for inflation, the average reimbursement for all included procedures decreased by 20.9% from 2002 to 2018, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.25%. Reimbursement percentage decreases were the greatest prior to 2010 (18.4% decrease), followed by a relative stabilization (0.94% increase) from 2010 to 2014, after which physicians experienced a decrease of 3.9% in reimbursements between 2014 and 2018, following implementation of the Medicare Access and Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act in 2015. The most significant decreases in reimbursements over time were noted for primary tendon/muscle repair (-49.6%), wrist arthroscopy for triangular fibrocartilage repair/debridement (-44.0%), trigger finger release in facility (-40.1%), excision of extensor tendon sheath (-38.2%), ganglion cyst excision (-36.7%), wrist arthroscopy for diagnostic/synovial biopsy (-35.7%), wrist arthroscopy for drainage/infection/lavage (-35.1%), wrist arthrodesis (-30.6%), endoscopic carpal tunnel release (-27.2%), total wrist arthroplasty (-26.6%), carpometacarpal/basal joint arthroplasty (-25.1%), and open carpal tunnel release (-22.3%). The only procedures with a significant increase in reimbursement over time were trigger finger release in office (+4.2%), open reduction internal fixation distal radius fracture (+2.5%), and cubital tunnel release (+1.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for inflation, Medicare physician reimbursements for a major proportion of hand surgical procedures have decreased over time.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Health-policy makers need to understand the impact of decreasing reimbursements to develop policies of reimbursements that will not only ensure provider satisfaction but also maintain access to care for patients.

Hospital network participation and outcomes following elective posterior lumbar fusions - are mergers effective?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Due to financial pressures associated with healthcare reforms, an increasing number of hospitals are now merging (or consolidating) into networks (or systems). However, it remains unclear how these mergers or network participations affect quality of care and/or costs.

PURPOSE

The current study aims to evaluate the impact of hospital network participation on 90-day complications, charges, and costs following elective posterior lumbar fusions (PLFs).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of a 100% national sample of Medicare claims from 2010 to 2014 (SAF100).

STUDY SAMPLE

All Medicare-eligible patients undergoing elective 1-to-3 level PLFs for degenerative lumbar pathology from 2010 to 2014.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Ninety-day complications, charges, and costs.

METHODS

The 2010 to 2014 100% Medicare Standard Analytical Files (SAF100) was used to identify patients undergoing elective 1- to 3-level PLFs for degenerative lumbar pathology. The Dartmouth Atlas for Healthcare hospital-level data, which uses a combination of American Hospital Association and additional source data, was used to identify hospitals that were part of a network (or system) between 2010 and 2014. The study sample was divided into 2 cohorts (network hospitals and non-network hospitals) for analyses. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to compare differences in 90-day complications between network and non-network hospitals, while controlling for baseline demographics (age, gender, region, year of surgery, median household income, co-morbidity burden) and hospital-level characteristics (case volume, teaching status, urban/rural location, and hospital ownership). Generalized linear regression modeling was used to assess for differences in 90-day charges and costs.

RESULTS

A total of 145,141 patients undergoing surgery in 2,186 hospitals were included in the study, out of which 107,919 (74.4%) underwent surgery in a network hospital (N=1,526). Network hospitals were more prevalent in the South or West regions of the United States. Patients in network hospitals had a median household income less than the 5th quintile. Network hospitals were also more likely to have a higher annual case volume of elective 1- to 3-level PLFs, greater number of beds, be located in an urban location, and have a voluntary/nonprofit or proprietary/profit ownership model. Multivariate analyses showed that even though patients undergoing surgery at network hospitals (vs non-network hospitals) had a slightly increased odds of 90-day cardiac complications (7.9% vs 7.4%, odds ratio [OR] 1.07 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.02-1.12]; p=.010), thromboembolic complications (2.4% vs 2.2%, OR 1.12 [95% CI 1.01-1.20]; p=.025) and emergency department visits (16.4% vs 16.0%, OR 1.06 [95% CI 1.02-1.09]; p=.002), the differences would not be considered clinically significant. Despite a slight decrease in risk-adjusted 90-day reimbursements (-$272), the risk-adjusted 90-day charges were actually significantly higher (+$9,959; p<.001) at network hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though hospitals that are part of a network do not appear to have significantly different complication rates following elective PLFs, they do have significantly higher risk-adjusted charges as compared to non-network hospitals. Further research is required to understand market-level changes induced by hospital mergers into networks.

Certificate-of-Need State Laws and Elective Posterior Lumbar Fusions: Is It Time to Repeal the Mandate?

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to assess whether elective posterior lumbar fusions (PLFs) performed in states with Certificate-of-Need (CON) laws versus states without CON laws had lower utilization rates, lower costs, and better quality of care.

METHODS

The 2005-2014 100% Medicare Standard Analytical File was queried to identify patients undergoing elective 1- to 3-level PLF. Differences in per-capita utilization, 90-day reimbursements, and proportion of high-volume between CON and No-CON states were reported. Multivariate analyses were used to analyze 90-day complications and readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 188,687 patients underwent an elective 1- to 3-level PLF in a CON state and 167,642 patients in a No-CON state during 2005-2014. The average per capita utilization of PLFs was lower in CON states as compared with No-CON states (14.5 vs. 15.4 per 10,000 population; P < 0.001). Average 90-day reimbursements between CON and No-CON states differed by a small amount ($22,115 vs. $21,802). CON states had a higher proportion of high-volume facilities (CON vs. No CON-40.9% vs. 29.9%; P < 0.05) and lower proportion of low-volume facilities (CON vs. No-CON-37.2% vs. 45.0%; P < 0.05). PLFs performed in CON states had slightly lower odds of 90-day complications (odds ratio 0.97 [95% confidence interval 0.96-0.99]; P < 0.001) and readmissions (odds ratio 0.95 [95% confidence interval 0.93-0.97]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of CON laws was associated with lower utilization of elective 1- to 3-level PLFs and a greater number of high-volume facilities. However, their effect on quality of care, via reduction of 90-day readmissions and 90-day complications, is minimally significant.

Health Care Utilization and Costs in the Year Prior to Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Background:

A majority of cost-control strategies in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) have been concentrated on the perioperative and post–acute care periods, with the preoperative health care period being largely overlooked.

Purpose:

To report the distribution of costs associated with health care utilization within the year prior to arthroscopic RCR.

Study Design:

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The 2007 through 2015 (third quarter) Humana Administrative Claims database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology code 29827 to identify patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR for only degenerative rotator cuff tears. The study cohort was divided into 2 distinct groups based on insurance plan: commercial or Medicare Advantage (MA). Total 1-year costs, per-patient average reimbursements (PPARs), and trends in utilization for the following preoperative health care resource categories were studied: office visits, radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, steroid injections, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, physical therapy, and pain medications (opioids + nonopioids).

Results:

A total of 18,457 MA and 6530 commercial beneficiaries undergoing arthroscopic RCR over the study period were included. Total 1-year preoperative costs (in US$) amounted to $16,923,595 ($916/patient) and $8,397,291 ($1285/patient) for MA and commercial beneficiaries, respectively. The largest proportion of total 1-year costs for both MA and commercial beneficiaries was accounted for by MRI scans (36% and 56%, respectively). PPARs for each health care resource category were as follows: office visits (MA, $240; commercial, $249), radiographs (MA, $60; commercial, $93), MRI scans (MA, $385; commercial, $813), CT scans (MA, $223; commercial, $562), steroid injections (MA, $97; commercial, $137), HA injections (MA, $422; commercial, $602), physical therapy (MA, $473; commercial, $551), and pain medications (MA, $208; commercial, $136). High health care utilization within the past 3 months before surgery was noted for radiographs, physical therapy, opioids, steroid injections, and office visits, with up to 40% to 90% of 1-year PPARs being accounted for within this time period alone.

Conclusion:

Approximately $900 to $1300 per patient was spent in rotator cuff–related health care resource use in the year prior to undergoing arthroscopic RCR. As we begin to implement value in shoulder surgery, judicious use of nonoperative treatment modalities among patients who would not benefit from nonoperative care will be an effective way of reducing costs.

Current diagnosis-related group-based bundling for upper-extremity arthroplasty: a case of insufficient risk adjustment and misaligned incentives

BACKGROUND

The current Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services diagnosis-related group (DRG) bundled-payment model for upper-extremity arthroplasty does not differentiate between the type of arthroplasty (anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty [ATSA] vs. reverse total shoulder arthroplasty vs. total elbow arthroplasty [TEA] vs. total wrist arthroplasty) or the diagnosis and indication for surgery (fracture vs. degenerative osteoarthritis vs. inflammatory arthritis).

METHODS

The 2011-2014 Medicare 5% Standard Analytical Files (SAF5) database was queried to identify patients undergoing upper-extremity arthroplasty under DRG-483 and -484. Multivariate linear regression modeling was used to assess the marginal cost impact of patient-, procedure-, diagnosis-, and state-level factors on 90-day reimbursements.

RESULTS

Of 6101 patients undergoing upper-extremity arthroplasty, 3851 (63.1%) fell under DRG-484 and 2250 (36.9%) were classified under DRG-483. The 90-day risk-adjusted cost of an ATSA for degenerative osteoarthritis was $14,704 ± $655. Patient-level factors associated with higher 90-day reimbursements were male sex (+$777), age 75-79 years (+$740), age 80-84 years (+$1140), and age 85 years or older (+$984). Undergoing a TEA (+$2175) was associated with higher reimbursements, whereas undergoing a shoulder hemiarthroplasty (-$1000) was associated with lower reimbursements. Surgery for a fracture (+$2354) had higher 90-day reimbursements. Malnutrition (+$10,673), alcohol use or dependence (+$6273), Parkinson disease (+$4892), cerebrovascular accident or stroke (+$4637), and hyper-coagulopathy (+$4463) had the highest reimbursements. In general, states in the South and Midwest had lower 90-day reimbursements associated with upper-extremity arthroplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Under the DRG-based model piloted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, providers and hospitals would be reimbursed the same amount regardless of the type of surgery (ATSA vs. hemiarthroplasty vs. TEA), patient comorbidity burden, and diagnosis and indication for surgery (fracture vs. degenerative pathology), despite each of these factors having different resource utilization and associated reimbursements. Lack of risk adjustment for fracture indications leads to strong financial disincentives within this model.

Refining Risk-Adjustment of 90-Day Costs Following Surgical Fixation of Ankle Fractures: An Analysis of Medicare Beneficiaries

As the current healthcare model transitions from fee-for-service to value-based payments, identifying cost-drivers of 90-day payments following surgical procedures will be a key factor in risk-adjusting prospective bundled payments and ensuring success of these alternative payment models. The 5% Medicare Standard Analytical Files data set for 2005-2014 was used to identify patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for isolated unimalleolar, bimalleolar, and trimalleolar ankle fractures. All acute care and post-acute care payments starting from day 0 of surgery to day 90 postoperatively were used to calculate 90-day costs. Patients with missing data were excluded. Multivariate linear regression modeling was used to derive marginal cost impact of patient-level (age, sex, and comorbidities), procedure-level (fracture type, morphology, location of surgery, concurrent ankle arthroscopy, and syndesmotic fixation), and state-level factors on 90-day costs after surgery. A total of 6499 patients were included in the study. The risk-adjusted 90-day cost for a female patient, aged 65 to 69 years, undergoing outpatient ORIF for a closed unimalleolar ankle fracture in Michigan was $6949 ± $1060. Individuals aged <65 or ≥70 years had significantly higher costs. Procedure-level factors associated with significant marginal cost increases were inpatient surgery (+$5577), trimalleolar fracture (+$1082), and syndesmotic fixation (+$2822). The top 5 comorbidities with the largest marginal cost increases were chronic kidney disease (+$8897), malnutrition (+$7908), obesity (+$5362), cerebrovascular disease/stroke (+$4159), and anemia (+$3087). Higher costs were seen in Nevada (+$6371), Massachusetts (+$4497), Oklahoma (+$4002), New Jersey (+$3802), and Maryland (+$3043) compared with Michigan. With the use of a national administrative claims database, the study identifies numerous patient-level, procedure-level, and state-level factors that significantly contribute to the cost variation seen in 90-day payments after ORIF for ankle fracture. Risk adjustment of 90-day costs will become a necessity as bundled-payment models begin to take over the current fee-for-service model in patients with fractures.

Primary single-level lumbar microdisectomy/decompression at a free-standing ambulatory surgical center vs a hospital-owned outpatient department-an analysis of 90-day outcomes and costs

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

While free-standing ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) have been extolled as lower cost settings than hospital outpatient facilities/departments (HOPDs) for performing routine elective spine surgeries, differences in 90-day costs and complications have yet to be compared between the two types of treatment facilities.

PURPOSE

We carried a comprehensive analysis to report the differences on payments to providers and facilities as a reflection of true costs to patients, employers and health plans for patients undergoing primary, single-level lumbar microdiscectomy/decompression at ASC versus HOPD.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of Medicare advantage and commercially insured enrollees from the Humana dataset from 2007 to 2017Q1.

OUTCOME MEASURES

To understand the differences in 90-day complications, readmissions, emergency department visits and costs for patients undergoing primary, single-level lumbar microdiscectomy/decompressions at an ASC versus HOPD.

METHODS

The Humana 2007 to 2017Q1 was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify patients undergoing primary, single-level lumbar microdiscectomy/decompressions. Patients undergoing two-level surgery, open laminectomies, fusions, revision discectomies, and/or deformities were excluded. Service Location codes for HOPD (Location Code 22) and free-standing ASC (Location Code 24) were used to determine surgery treatment facilities. Using propensity scoring, we matched two groups who had surgery performed in ASCs or HOPDs based on age, gender, race, region and Elixhauser comorbidity index. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on matched cohorts to assess for differences in 90-day outcomes between facilities, while controlling for age, gender, race, region, plan, and Elixhauser comorbidity index.

RESULTS

A total of 1,077 and 10,475 primary single-level decompressions were performed in ASCs and HOPDs, respectively. Following a matching algorithm with propensity scoring, the two cohorts were comprised of 990 patients each. Observed differences in 90-day complication rates were not statistically or clinically significant (ASC=9.1% vs. HOPD=10.3%; p=.362) nor were readmissions (ASC=4.5% vs. HOPD=5.3%; p=.466). On average, performing surgery in an ASC versus HOPD resulted in significant cost savings of over $2,000/case in Medicare Advantage ($5,814 vs. $7,829) and over $3,500/case ($10,116 vs. $13,623) in commercial beneficiaries.

CONCLUSION

Performing single-level decompression surgeries in an ASC compared with HOPDs was associated with approximately $2,000 to $3,500 cost-savings per case with no statistically significant impact on complication or readmission rates.

Are Joint Surgeons Being Adequately Compensated for Single-Component versus Double-Component Revision TKA? An Analysis of Relative Value Units

Relative value units (RVUs) are used for ensuring that physicians are appropriately reimbursed based on case complexity. While past research has elucidated that surgeons are reimbursed at a higher rate for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) versus revision TKA, no study has explored differences in reimbursements between single-component and double-component revisions, considering a double-component revision is likely to require more effort/skill as compared with single-component revision. The 2015 to 2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program files were queried using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for single-component revision TKA (CPT-27486) and double-component revision TKA (CPT-27487). A total of 1,962 single-component and 4,184 double component revisions were performed during this period. Total RVUs, RVU/min, and dollar amount/min were calculated for each case. The mean RVU was 21.12 and 27.11 for single-component and double-component revision TKAs, respectively. A statistically significant difference was noted in mean operative time (single component = 100.44 vs. double component = 144.29; p < 0.001) between the two groups. Single-component revision had a significantly higher mean RVU/min (0.267) versus double-component revision (0.223). The reimbursement amounts calculated for single-component versus double-component revisions were per minute ($9.58/min vs. $8.00/min), per case ($962.22 vs. $1,154.32), and per day ($5,773.32 vs. $4,617.28) with a projected annualized cost difference of $184,966. Orthopaedic surgeons are reimbursed at a higher rate for single-component revision TKAs as compared with double-component revision TKAs, despite the higher complexity and longer operative times required in the latter. The study highlights the need for a change in the RVUs for either double-component or single-component revision to ensure reimbursement per unit time is adequate for performing a complex case such as double-component revision TKA.

Declining trend in osteoporosis management and screening following vertebral compression fractures - a national analysis of commercial insurance and medicare advantage beneficiaries

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Despite the increasing national incidence, osteoporosis and its associated comanagement, often remain an overlooked issue in the orthopedic world. Screening and associated management of osteoporosis is often only considered by providers when patients present with multiple fragility fractures. Current evidence with regard to the trends in screening and medical comanagement/antiosteoporotic therapy of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) remains limited.

PURPOSE

To understand trends, costs, and clinical impact associated the utilization of antiosteoporotic medication and screening with the 1 year following occurrences of sentinel/primary osteoporotic VCFs.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Retrospective review of 2008-2015Q3 Humana Administrative Claims (HAC) database.

PATIENT SAMPLE

The 2008-2015Q3 HAC database was queried using International Classification of Diseases 9th Edition (ICD-9) diagnosis codes 805.2 and 805.4 to identify patients with primary closed osteoporotic thoracolumbar VCFs. Patients with a concurrent diagnosis of trauma and/or malignancy were excluded. Patients experiencing a fragility fracture of the hip, distal radius or proximal humerus, and/or those already on osteoporotic medications within the year before the VCF were excluded to prevent an overlap in the screening and/or antiresorptive medication rates. Finally, only those patients who had complete 2-year follow-up data were analyzed.

OUTCOME MEASURES

To understand trends over time in the utilization of medication for osteoporosis and screening within 1 year following sentinel VCFs. The study also aimed to report per-prescription and per-patient average costs associated with different antiosteoporotic medications. As secondary objectives, we also assessed (1) risk factors associated with not receiving antiosteoporotic medication within the year following sentinel VCFs and (2) differences in rates of experiencing a secondary fragility fracture of vertebrae, hip, distal radius, and proximal humerus between patients who received medication following the sentinel VCF versus those who did not receive any medication.

RESULTS

A total of 6,464 primary osteoporotic VCFs were retrieved from the database. A majority of the VCFs were seen in females (N=5,199; 80.4%). Only 28.8% (N=1,860) patients received some form of medication for osteoporosis medication in the year following the VCF. Over a 6-year interval, treatment with medication for osteoporosis declined from 38% in 2008 to 24% in 2014. The average cost of antiosteoporotic treatment per patient was $1,511. The most commonly prescribed treatment and associated average cost/patient was alendronate sodium (N=1,239; 66.6% to $120/patient). The most costly prescribed treatment was Forteo (N=177; 2.7%) with an average cost/patient of $12,074 and cost/injection being $2,373. Only 36.7% (N=2,371) received a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry/bone density scan in the year following the VCF with an average cost/patient of $76. Risk factors associated with no prescription of medication for osteoporosis within 1 year of VCF were male gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.17 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.01-1.35]; p=.027), history of cerebrovascular accident/stroke (OR 1.56 [95% CI 1.08-2.32]; p=.022), history of diabetes mellitus (OR 1.28 [95% CI 1.04-1.58]; p=.023). Of note, patients in the West versus Midwest (OR 1.26 [95% CI 1.04-1.51]; p=.016) and commercial insurance beneficiaries (OR 1.95 [95% CI 1.08-3.52]; p=.027) were more likely to receive antiosteoporotic medication. Patients who were placed on antiosteoporotic medication were significantly less likely to suffer a second fragility fracture compared with patients that did not receive medication (OR 0.27 [95% CI 0.24-0.31]; p=.033).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of patients starting antiosteoporotic medication within a year after a VCF remains low (28.8%). Furthermore, a declining trend of antiosteoporotic medication prescription was noted over time. Providers who care for patients with sentinel VCFs need to be more diligent in their efforts to diagnose and treat the underlying osteoporosis to reduce the burden of future fragility fractures.

Intensive Care Unit Admission Following Surgery for Pediatric Spinal Deformity: An Analysis of the ACS-NSQIP Pediatric Spinal Fusion Procedure Targeted Dataset

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To understand which patient and surgical factors are predictive of an increased odds of undergoing an admission and a prolonged stay >2 days in an intensive care unit (ICU) following corrective surgery for pediatric deformity.

METHODS

The 2016 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) Pediatric Spinal Fusion Procedure Targeted database records, merged with original 2016 ACS-NSQIP Pediatric file variables, were used for this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify independent risk factors associated with admission, as well as a prolonged length of stay in the ICU following surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 1398 (39.5%) patients required an ICU admission following the procedure-out of whom 416 (29.8%) stayed for more than 2 days. Following adjusted analysis, patient and surgical factors independently associated with an ICU admission were black/African American versus white race, anterior fusion, combined fusion, nonidiopathic scoliosis, preoperative ventilator dependence, asthma, having structural pulmonary abnormality, developmental delay, having a neuromuscular disorder, requiring nutritional support and a total operative time >270 minutes. The only significant factors associated with a prolonged length of ICU stay >2 days were preoperative ventilator dependence, nutritional support requirement, and undergoing anterior or combined fusion.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first of its kind to identify significant patient- and procedure-level factors associated with an ICU admission, and also explores predictors for a prolonged stay in the ICU. Surgeons can use this data to preoperatively counsel families and ensure postoperative course of care is appropriately planned ahead of time.

The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on 30-Day Outcomes Following ORIF for Ankle Fractures

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with significant postoperative morbidity. Despite an increasing prevalence of MetS in the US population, its impact on postoperative outcomes following ankle fractures remains limited. Materials and Methods: The 2012-2016 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) for ankle fractures using Current Procedural Terminology codes: 27766, 27769, 27792, 27814, 27822, and 27823. The study cohort was divided into 2 groups: MetS versus No MetS. MetS was identified using a predefined criteria as the coexistence of (1) diabetes mellitus, (2) hypertension, and (3) body mass index ≥30 kg/m². Results: A total of 1013 (6.7%) MetS underwent ORIF for ankle fractures. Following adjustment for baseline differences, MetS was an independent predictor of experiencing any 30-day complication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.35; P = .020), wound complications (OR = 1.67; P = .024), renal complications (OR = 3.54; P = .022), 30-day readmissions (OR = 1.66; P = .001), 30-day unplanned reoperations (OR = 1.69; P = .009) and decreased odds of home discharge (OR = 0.66; P < .001). Conclusion: Patients with MetS undergoing ORIF for ankle fractures are at an increased risk of experiencing adverse 30-day complications, readmissions, and reoperations. Providers should understand the need of appropriate postoperative surveillance in this high-risk group to minimize the risk of poor outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level III.

The "Hip Fracture" Bundle-Experiences, Challenges, and Opportunities

Introduction:

With growing popularity and success of alternative-payment models (APMs) in elective total joint arthroplasties, there has been recent discussion on the probability of implementing APMs for geriatric hip fractures as well.

Significance:

Despite the growing interest, little is known about the drawbacks and challenges that will be faced in a stipulated “hip fracture” bundle.

Results:

Given the varying intricacies and complexities of hip fractures, a “one-size-fits-all” bundled payment may not be an amenable way of ensuring equitable reimbursement for participating physicians and hospitals.

Conclusions:

Health-policy makers need to advocate for better risk-adjustment methods to prevent the creation of financial disincentives for hospitals taking care of complex, sicker patients. Hospitals participating in bundled care also need to voice concerns regarding the grouping of hip fractures undergoing total hip arthroplasty to ensure that trauma centers are not unfairly penalized due to higher readmission rates associated with hip fractures skewing quality metrics. Physicians also need to consider the launch of better risk-stratification protocols and promote geriatric comanagement of these patients to prevent occurrences of costly adverse events.

Orthopaedic vs. Neurosurgery - Does a surgeon's specialty have an influence on 90-day complications following surgical intervention of spinal metastases?

OBJECTIVES

Spinal metastases are routinely managed and/or operated on by both orthopaedic surgeons and neurological surgeons. However, controversy still exists as to whether the operating surgeon's specialty has an impact on post-operative complication rates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 2007-2017 Humana Administrative Claims database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify patients undergoing fusions, laminectomies or osteotomy/corpectomy for spinal metastases. Physician taxonomy codes were used to identify the operating surgeon's specialty (orthopaedic vs. neurosurgery). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess difference in 90-day complications, readmissions and mortality between the two specialties while controlling for age, gender, race, co-morbidity burden, procedural characteristics (fusion, laminectomy and/or osteotomy/corpectomy) and type of primary cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 887 patients undergoing surgical intervention for spinal metastases were included - out of which 204 (23.0 %) patients were operated on by orthopaedic surgeons and 683 (77.0 %) by neurosurgeons. Following adjustment for difference in patient demographics and baseline clinical characteristics, no statistically significant differences were noted between the two specialties with regards to wound complications (p = 0.992), pulmonary complications (p = 0.461), cardiac complications (p = 0.631), thrombotic complications (p = 0.177), sepsis (p = 0.463), pneumonia (p = 0.767), urinary tract infection (p = 0.916), acute renal failure (p = 0.934), hardware complications (p = 0.892), emergency department visits (p = 0.934), 90-day readmissions (p = 0.277) and 90-day mortality (p = 0.786).

CONCLUSIONS

Based off our findings, it appears that a surgeon's specialty has no influence on intermediate-term complications following surgical intervention for spinal metastases. The findings of the study should support the need for maintaining access of patients to both specialties for appropriate surgical consultation.

What are the costs of glenohumeral osteoarthritis in the year prior to a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA)?

Objectives: To identify patterns of health-care utilization and costs associated with management of glenohumeral osteoarthritis in the year prior to undergoing an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA).Methods: The PearlDiver Humana database, an administrative database of Medicare Advantage (MA) and Commercial insurance beneficiaries was queried for active records of patients undergoing a primary ATSA from the fourth quarter of 2010-2015. Pre-operative health-care utilization was categorized as 1) Procedures & Anesthesia, 2) Office visits, 3) Radiology, 4) Injections - a) Steroid injections and b) Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections, 5) Physical Therapy, 6) Non-opioid pain medications and 7) Opioids. Overall costs/reimbursement and Per-patient average reimbursements (PPARs) were calculated for each category.Results: A total of 3,920 patients (MA = 3,691; Commercial = 229) undergoing primary ATSA were retrieved. Based on defined categories, the total costs prior to ATSA were $368,137 and $2,812,617 for Commercial and MA beneficiaries, respectively. Overall 1-year PPAR for each category was as follows: Procedures & Anesthesia (MA = $1765; Commercial = $5333), Office visits (MA = $441; Commercial = $396); Radiology (MA = $253; Commercial = $558), Injections (MA = $117, Commercial = $173), Physical therapy (MA = $473; Commercial = $372), Non-opioid pain meds (MA = $49; Commercial = $147) and Opioids (MA = $26; Commercial = $49). The highest utilization was seen in the three months prior to ATSA with 42-81% of overall PPAR being accounted for various categories.Conclusion: A high utilization of all health-care resource categories was noted within three months prior to surgery. Providers should consider judicious use of such interventions, particularly in patients which ultimately require surgery in a short frame of time, to reduce the costs associated with the overall episode of care.

Clostridium difficile colitis in patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures: an analysis of 17,474 patients

BACKGROUND

We compiled evidence from a large national surgical database to identify the incidence, risk factors and postoperative impact of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in patients undergoing hip fracture repair.

METHODS

We identified 17,474 patients who underwent hip fracture repairs in 2015 using the ACS-NSQIP database. Interventions studied were open reduction/Internal fixation, total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty being performed for traumatic hip fractures. Outcomes studied were incidence, preoperative and postoperative risk factors for occurrence of CDI were studied using descriptive and statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 92 patients (0.53%) developed CDI within 30 days of the operation. Following adjustment using multi-variate logistic regression, preoperative and hospital-associated factors associated with development of CDI were smoking (OR 1.75 [95% CI 1.03-2.99]), hypertension (OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.01-2.85]), hyponatraemia (OR 1.65 [95% CI 1.04-2.63]), prior systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (OR 2.18 [95% CI 1.32-3.59]) and a length of stay >7 days (OR 1.98 [95% CI 1.11-3.53]. Postoperative factors associated with occurrence of CDI were occurrence of a deep surgical site infection (SSI) (OR 5.89 [95% CI 1.31-26.6]), a stay in the hospital >30 days (OR 6.56 [95% CI 2.56-16.9]) and unplanned reoperations (OR 2.78 [95% CI 1.29-5.99]).

CONCLUSION

As we move toward an era of bundled-payment models, identification of risk factors associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications, such as CDI, will help curb excess healthcare utilisation and costs associated with the management of this complication.

Are current DRG-based bundled payment models for lumbar fusions risk-adjusting adequately? An analysis of Medicare beneficiaries

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Current bundled payment programs in spine surgery, such as the bundled payment for care improvement rely on the use of diagnosis-related groups (DRG) to define payments. However, these DRGs may not be adequate enough to appropriately capture the large amount of variation seen in spine procedures. For example, DRG 459 (spinal fusion except cervical with major comorbidity or complication) and DRG 460 (spinal fusion except cervical without major comorbidity or complication) do not differentiate between the type of fusion (anterior or posterior), the levels/extent of fusion, the use of interbody/graft/BMP, indication of surgery (primary vs. revision) or even if the surgery was being performed for a vertebral fracture.

PURPOSE

We carried out a comprehensive analysis to report the factors responsible for cost-variation in a bundled payment model for spinal fusions.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of a 5% national sample of Medicare claims from 2008 to 2014 (SAF5).

OUTCOME MEASURES

To understand the independent marginal cost impact of various patient-level, geographic-level, and procedure-level characteristics on 90-day costs for patients undergoing spinal fusions under DRG 459 and 460.

METHODS

The 2008 to 2014 Medicare 5% standard analytical files (SAF) were used to retrieve patients undergoing spinal fusions under DRG 459 and DRG 460 only. Patients with missing gender, age, and/or state-level data were excluded. Only those patients who had complete data, with regard to payments/costs/reimbursements, starting from day 0 of surgery up to 90 days postoperatively were included to prevent erroneous collection. Multivariate linear regression models were built to assess the independent marginal cost impact (decrease/increase) of each patient-level, state-level, and procedure-level characteristics on the average 90-day cost while controlling for other covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 21,367 patients (DRG-460=20,154; DRG-459=1,213) were included in the study. The average 90-day cost for all lumbar fusions was $31,716±$18,124, with the individual 90-day payments being $54,607±$30,643 (DRG-459) and $30,338±$16,074 (DRG-460). Increasing age was associated with significant marginal increases in 90-day payments (70-74 years: +$2,387, 75-79 years: +$3,389, 80-84 years: +$2,872, ≥85: +$1,627). With regards to procedure-level factors-undergoing an anterior fusion (+$3,118), >3 level fusion (+$5,648) vs. 1 to 3 level fusion, use of interbody device (+$581), intraoperative neuromonitoring (+$1,413), concurrent decompression (+$768) and undergoing surgery for thoracolumbar fracture (+$6,169) were associated with higher 90-day costs. Most individual comorbidities were associated with higher 90-day costs, with malnutrition (+$12,264), CVA/stroke (+$5,886), Alzheimer's (+$4,968), Parkinson's disease (+$4,415), and coagulopathy (+$3,810) having the highest marginal 90-day cost-increases. The top five states with the highest marginal cost-increase, in comparison to Michigan (reference), were Maryland (+$12,657), Alaska (+$11,292), California (+$10,040), Massachusetts (+$8,800), and the District of Columbia (+$8,315).

CONCLUSIONS

Under the proposed DRG-based bundled payment model, providers would be reimbursed the same amount for lumbar fusions regardless of the surgical approach (posterior vs. anterior), the extent of fusion (1-3 level vs. >3 level), use of adjunct procedures (decompressions) and cause/indication of surgery (fracture vs. degenerative pathology), despite each of these factors having different resource utilization and associated costs. When defining and developing future bundled payments for spinal fusions, health-policy makers should strive to account for the individual patient-level, state-level, and procedure-level variation seen within DRGs to prevent the creation of a financial dis-incentive in taking care of sicker patients and/or performing more extensive complex spinal fusions.

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

BACKGROUND

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42019123776.

Transfer status in geriatric hip fracture surgery - An independent risk factor associated with 30-day mortality, re-operations and complications

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of patients undergoing hip fracture surgery are transferred from other locations. With no current orthopedic literature present, we sought to study the impact of transfer location on 30-day outcomes following geriatric hip fracture surgery.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The 2015-2016 ACS-NSQIP database was queried using CPT codes to retrieve records of geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery (total hip arthroplasty/THA, hemiarthroplasty/HA and open reduction internal fixation/ORIF). Transfer status was defined into four groups - 1) No transfer (admitted from home), 2) From acute care hospital, 3) From nursing home/chronic care facility and 4) From outside emergency department (ED). Patients with missing data were excluded. A total of 31,218 patients were included in the final cohort.

RESULTS

Out of 31,218 patients - 23,659 (75.8%) were admitted from home, 1574 (5.0%) from acute care hospitals, 3299 (10.6%) from nursing home/chronic care facilities and 2686 (8.6%) from outside EDs. Following adjusted analysis, transfer from nursing home vs. home was associated with higher odds of 30-day mortality (OR 1.57 [95% 1.36-1.80]; p < 0.001), 30-day re-operations (OR 1.36 [95% CI 1.10-1.68]; p = 0.005), septic shock (OR 1.58 [95% CI 1.07-2.32]; p = 0.021), sepsis (OR 1.45 [95% CI 1.05-1.99]; p = 0.023) and urinary tract infection (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.02-1.42]; p = 0.025). Additionally, transfer from outside ED vs. home was also associated with higher odds of 30-day mortality (OR 1.26 [95% CI 1.06-1.50]; p = 0.010).Transfer from any location (acute care hospital, nursing home and outside ED) was significantly associated with higher odds of non-home discharge (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Transfer status is an important risk factor associated with 30-day mortality and morbidity in geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. The findings stress the need for recognition of these patients as being a high-risk group to allow enhanced medical optimization in an attempt to minimize the risk of poor outcomes.

Refining risk adjustment for bundled payment models in cervical fusions-an analysis of Medicare beneficiaries

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The current Bundled Payment for Care Improvement model relies on the use of "Diagnosis Related Groups" (DRGs) to risk-adjust reimbursements associated with a 90-day episode of care. Three distinct DRG groups exist for defining payments associated with cervical fusions: (1) DRG-471 (cervical fusions with major comorbidity/complications), (2) DRG-472 (with comorbidity/complications), and (3) DRG-473 (without major comorbidity/complications). However, this DRG system may not be entirely suitable in controlling the large amounts of cost variation seen among cervical fusions. For instance, these DRGs do not account for area/location of surgery (upper cervical vs. lower cervical), type of surgery (primary vs. revision), surgical approach (anterior vs. posterior), extent of fusion (1-3 level vs. >3 level), and cause/indication of surgery (fracture vs. degenerative pathology).

PURPOSE

To understand factors responsible for cost variation in a 90-day episode of care following cervical fusions.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of a 5% national sample of Medicare claims from 2008 to 2014 5% Standard Analytical Files (SAF5).

OUTCOME MEASURES

To calculate the independent marginal cost impact of various patient-level, geographic-level, and procedure-level characteristics on 90-day reimbursements for patients undergoing cervical fusions under DRG-471, DRG-472, and DRG-473.

METHODS

The 2008 to 2014 Medicare SAF5 was queried using DRG codes 471, 472, and 473 to identify patients receiving a cervical fusion. Patients undergoing noncervical fusions (thoracolumbar), surgery for deformity/malignancy, and/or combined anterior-posterior fusions were excluded. Patients with missing data and/or those who died within 90 days of the postoperative follow-up period were excluded. Multivariate linear regression modeling was performed to assess the independent marginal cost impact of DRG, gender, age, state, procedure-level factors (including cause/indication of surgery), and comorbidities on total 90-day reimbursement.

RESULTS

Following application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 12,419 cervical fusions were included. The average 90-day reimbursement for each DRG group was as follows: (1) DRG-471=$54,314±$32,643, (2) DRG-472=$28,535±$17,271, and (3) DRG-473=$18,492±$10,706. The risk-adjusted 90-day reimbursement of a nongeriatric (age <65) female, with no major comorbidities, undergoing a primary 1- to 3-level anterior cervical fusion for degenerative cervical spine disease was $14,924±$753. Male gender (+$922) and age 70 to 84 (+$1,007 to +$2,431) was associated with significant marginal increases in 90-day reimbursements. Undergoing upper cervical surgery (-$1,678) had a negative marginal cost impact. Among other procedure-level factors, posterior approach (+$3,164), >3 level fusion (+$2,561), interbody (+$667), use of intra-operative neuromonitoring (+$1,018), concurrent decompression/laminectomy (+$1,657), and undergoing fusion for cervical fracture (+$3,530) were associated higher 90-day reimbursements. Severe individual comorbidities were associated with higher 90-day reimbursements, with malnutrition (+$15,536), CVA/stroke (+$6,982), drug abuse/dependence (+$5,059), hypercoagulopathy (+$5,436), and chronic kidney disease (+$4,925) having the highest marginal cost impacts. Significant state-level variation was noted, with Maryland (+$8,790), Alaska (+$6,410), Massachusetts (+$6,389), California (+$5,603), and New Mexico (+$5,530) having the highest reimbursements and Puerto Rico (-$7,492) and Iowa (-$3,393) having the lowest reimbursements, as compared with Michigan.

CONCLUSIONS

The current cervical fusion bundled payment model fails to employ a robust risk adjustment of prices resulting in the large amount of cost variation seen within 90-day reimbursements. Under the proposed DRG-based risk adjustment model, providers would be reimbursed the same amount for cervical fusions regardless of the surgical approach (posterior vs. anterior), the extent of fusion, use of adjunct procedures (decompressions), and cause/indication of surgery (fracture vs. degenerative pathology), despite each of these factors having different resource utilization and associated reimbursements. Our findings suggest that defining payments based on DRG codes only is an imperfect way of employing bundled payments for spinal fusions and will only end up creating major financial disincentives and barriers to access of care in the healthcare system.

Octogenarian and Nonagenarians Are at a Higher Risk for Experiencing Adverse 30-Day Outcomes Following ORIF for Ankle Fractures

Category:

Ankle, Trauma

Introduction/Purpose:

Despite an increasing number of elderly individuals undergoing surgical fixation for ankle fractures, few studies have investigated peri-operative outcomes and safety of surgery in an octogenarian and nonagenarian population (age >=80 years). Past literature has shown octogenarians to be a potentially vulnerable population that have drastically different adverse outcomes and higher resource utilization as compared to individuals below the age of 80 years.

Methods:

The 2012-2017 American College of Surgeons – National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes for patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for isolated uni-malleolar (CPT-27766, CPT-27769, CPT-27792), bi-malleolar (CPT-27814) and tri-malleolar (CPT-27822, CPT-27823) ankle fractures. The study cohort was divided into three distinct groups for comparisons (Age <65 years, Age 65-79 years and Age=>80 years/octogenarians + nonagenarians). Multi-variate regression analyses were used to compare the independent effect of varying age groups on 30-day post-operative outcomes while controlling for differences in baseline clinical characteristics (age, gender, sex, race, fracture type/severity, open vs. closed fracture, admission status, BMI, co-morbidities, functional health status, ASA group and operative time). For comparison purposes, Age<65 years was taken as reference group in multi-variate regression models.

Results:

A total of 19,585 patients were included – out of which 1,033 (5.3%) were octogenarians/nonagenarians (=>80 years). Following multivariate analysis, individuals aged =>80 years were at a significantly higher risk of 30-day wound complications (OR 1.84; p=0.019), pulmonary complications (OR 3.88; p<0.001), renal complications (OR 1.96; p=0.015), septic complications (OR 3.72; p=0.002), urinary tract infections (OR 2.24; p<0.001), bleeding requiring transfusion (OR 1.90; p=0.025), mortality (OR 7.44; p<0.001), readmissions (OR 1.65; p=0.004) and non-home discharge (OR 13.91; p<0.001). Individuals between the age of 65-79 years only had a higher risk of pulmonary complications (OR 2.30; p=0.004), urinary tract infections (OR 2.24; p<0.001), readmissions (OR 1.41; p=0.005) and non-home discharges (OR 3.55; p<0.001), with the effect sizes being small as compared to age >=80 years group.

Conclusion:

Based on the findings, it appears that octagenarians and nonagenarians (age =>80) are a fundamentally distinct and vulnerable age group that is at a higher risk of complications, readmissions, mortality and non-home discharges as compared to other geriatric (65-79 years) and non-geriatric (<65 years) patients. Providers should understand the importance of pre-operative counselling and risk-stratification in this vulnerable patient population.

Risk factors for post-discharge complications and readmissions in home-discharges after elective posterior lumbar fusions

OBJECTIVES

Previous literature has studied overall post-operative outcomes following lumbar fusions. We examined the rates and risk factors for adverse outcomes in patients who are being discharged home.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 2012-2016 ACS-NSQIP database was used to query for patients undergoing 1- to 2-level posterior lumbar fusions (PLFs) for degenerative spinal pathology. Patients discharged to a destination other than home were removed from the database.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 19,179 home-discharge patients, 546 (2.8%) experienced any adverse event (AAE), 276 experienced a severe adverse event (SAE) and 321 (1.7%) experienced a minor adverse event (MAE). Overall re-admission and re-operation rate in home-discharged patients was 4.4% and 2.5%. Multivariate analysis identified the following predictors for experiencing an AAE - Bleeding disorder (OR 2.25), BMI ≥ 35.0 vs. BMI < 25 (OR 1.96), chronic steroid use (OR 1.89), a LOS > 3 days (OR 1.53), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (OR 1.44), hypertension (OR 1.28) and female gender (OR 1.24). Patients with a pre-discharge complication (OR 2.12), bleeding disorders (OR 1.84), chronic steroid use (OR 1.55), age>75 (OR 1.49), age>65 (OR 1.26), history of severe COPD (OR 1.43), total operative time >210 min. (OR 1.26), ASA > II (OR 1.26) and undergoing a 2-level fusion (OR 1.21) were likely to be re-admitted from home.

CONCLUSIONS

Providers should utilize the data to risk-stratify and better understand the need of provision of supplemental health-care services, in home-discharged patients, and/or regular clinic follow-up to minimize the rate of adverse events and reduce costs in a bundled-payment environment.

Timing of Complications After Posterior Spinal Fusions in Pediatric Spine Deformity

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the timing of complications after posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic and neuromuscular pediatric spine deformity.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Evidence is limited with regard to when complications occur after posterior spinal fusions in pediatric spine deformities.

METHODS

The 2012-2016 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) Pediatric database files were queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes (22800, 22802, and 22804) for patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic or neuromuscular deformity. Median day-of-diagnosis and interquartile ranges were calculated for database-recorded complications.

RESULTS

A total of 10,579 patients were included in the study. The frequency and median day of diagnosis of each complication are as follows: superficial surgical site infection (SSI) (idiopathic = 0.6%, Day 18.5; neuromuscular = 1.6%, Day 19.5), deep SSI (idiopathic = 0.5%, Day 16.0; neuromuscular = 2.3%, Day 18), organ/space SSI (idiopathic = 0.1%, Day 17; neuromuscular = 0.4%, Day 16), wound disruption (idiopathic = 0.4%, Day 15; neuromuscular = 1.2%, Day 15), pneumonia (idiopathic = 0.6%, Day 5; neuromuscular = 4.0%, Day 3), unplanned intubation (idiopathic = 0.4%, Day 2; neuromuscular = 3.5%, Day 1), urinary tract infection (idiopathic = 0.4%, Day 6; neuromuscular = 2.8%, Day 4.5), nerve injury causing neurologic deficit (idiopathic = 0.4%, Day 1; neuromuscular = 0.3%, Day 5), bleeding requiring transfusions (idiopathic = 64.6%, Day 0; neuromuscular = 74.1%, Day 0), sepsis (idiopathic = 0.3%, Day 11; neuromuscular = 2.4%, Day 12.5), and mortality (idiopathic = ∼0%, Day 5; neuromuscular = 0.4%, Day 9).

CONCLUSION

Understanding the timing of complications is important for patients and providers, as it reflects the need of heightened awareness and low thresholds of testing during periods of highest risks to catch complications, launch appropriate optimization protocols, and minimize the cost burden associated with readmissions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Posterior lumbar fusions at physician-owned hospitals - is it time to reconsider the restrictions of the Affordable Care Act?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Caused by perceptions regarding unnecessary healthcare resource utilization, high costs of care, and financial incentives towards "cherry-picking" cases in physician owned hospitals, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 imposed restrictions on existing physician-owned hospitals from expanding. Despite an increasing number of individuals requiring access to spine surgical care, no study has evaluated the surgical safety and costs of elective posterior lumbar fusions (PLFs) being performed in physician-owned vs. non-physician-owned hospitals.

PURPOSE

We assessed differences in 90-day costs and outcomes between patients undergoing elective 1- to 3-level PLFs at physician-owned hospitals vs. nonphysician-owned hospitals.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of 2007 to 2014 100% Medicare claims database.

PATIENT SAMPLE

The 2007 to 2014 Medicare 100% Standard Analytical Files (SAF100) was queried using International Classification of Diseases 9th Edition (ICD-9) procedure code for patients undergoing elective 1- to 3-level PLFs (81.07, 81.08, and 81.62). The Medicare Hospital Compare database was used to identify provider codes for physician-owned hospitals. These provider codes were cross-referenced to identify records of patients receiving elective PLFs at these hospitals from the SAF100 database.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Ninety day complications, readmissions, emergency department (ED) visits, charges, and costs.

METHODS

Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were used to assess significant differences in 90-day complications, readmissions, charges and costs between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 6,679 (2.9%) patients received an elective PLF at a physician-owned hospital (N=39; 2.2%) whereas 225,090 (97.1%) received surgery at nonphysician-owned hospital (N=1,774; 97.8%). After controlling for age, gender, region, hospital factors (socio-economic status area, urban vs. rural location and volume) and Elixhauser co-morbidity index, undergoing surgery at physician-owned hospital was associated with lower odds of thromboembolic complications (OR 0.66 [95% CI 0.53-0.82]; p<.001), urinary tract infections (OR 0.87 [95% CI 0.79-0.95]; p=.002) and renal complications (OR 0.52 [95% CI 0.43-0.63]; p<.001) within 90-days following the surgery. Patients undergoing PLFs at physician-owned hospitals vs. nonphysician-owned hospitals also had lower risk-adjusted inpatient charges (-$10,218), inpatient costs (-$2,302), 90-day charges (-$9,780) and 90-day costs (-$2,324). No significant differences were noted between physician-owned and nonphysician-owned hospitals with regards to 90-day wound complications (OR 1.08 [95% CI 0.94-1.22]; p=.279), pulmonary complications (OR 1.06 [95% CI 0.97-1.17]; p=.187), cardiac complications (OR 0.92 [95% CI 0.83-1.01]; p=.089), septic complications (OR 0.77 [95% CI 0.56-1.01]; p=.073), all-cause ED visits (OR 0.96 [95% CI 0.89-1.04]; p=.311), revision surgery (OR 1.09 [95% CI 0.72-1.59]; p=.653) and readmissions (OR 0.98 [95% CI 0.89-1.08]; p=.680).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that patients undergoing elective 1- to 3-level PLFs at physician-owned hospitals do not experience a greater number of complications and/or readmissions while having lower risk-adjusted charges and costs over the 90-day episode of care. The findings call on the need for revaluation/reconsideration of the ACAs restriction on the expansion of these physician-owned hospitals.

Predictive modeling in spine surgery

As the cost of healthcare in the United States increases at an unsustainable rate, health-policy leaders are looking towards innovative ways to maximize value in delivery of care. Incorporating technology, such as artificial intelligence/machine-learning, to assist physicians in decision-making and predicting outcomes, on a real-time basis, is a major topic of discussion. While machine learning is gradually pulling traction in the medical community, it still remains a nascent field in the realm of spine surgery. The current review aims to gather current literature discussing the validity and applicability of machine-learning models in spine surgery.

Orthopedic versus Neurosurgery-Understanding 90-Day Complications and Costs in Patients Undergoing Elective 1-Level to 2-Level Posterior Lumbar Fusions by Different Specialties

BACKGROUND

Lumbar fusions are routinely performed by either orthopedic or neurologic spine surgeons. Controversy still exists as to whether a provider's specialty (orthopedic vs. neurosurgery) influences outcomes.

METHODS

The 2007-2015Q2 Humana Commercial Database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes (22612, 22614, 22630, 22632, 22633 and 22634) to identify patients undergoing elective 1-to-2 level posterior lumbar fusions (PLFs) with active enrollment up to 90 days after procedure. Ninety-day complication rates were calculated for the 2 specialties. The surgical and 90-day resource utilization costs for the 2 groups were compared, by studying average reimbursements for acute-care and post-acute-care categories. Ninety-day complications and costs were compared using multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 10,509 patients (5523 orthopedic and 4986 neurosurgery) underwent an elective 1-to-2 level PLF during the period. With the exception of a significantly lower odds of wound complications (odds ratio, 0.81) and a higher odds of dural tears (odds ratio, 1.29) in elective PLFs performed by orthopedic surgeons, no statistically strong differences were seen in 90-day complication rates between the 2 groups. Total 90-day costs were also similar between orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, with the only exception being that surgeon reimbursement was lower for orthopedic surgery versus neurosurgery ($1202 vs. $1372; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that a provider's specialty does not largely influence 90-day surgical outcomes and costs after elective PLFs. The results of the study promote the formation and acceptance of dual training pathways for entry into spine surgery.