Aims

The escalating demand for medical resources to address spinal diseases as society ages is an issue that requires careful evaluation. However, few studies have examined trends in spinal surgery, especially unscheduled hospitalizations or surgeries performed after hours, through large databases. Our study aimed to determine national trends in the number of spine surgeries in Japan. We also aimed to identify trends in after-hours surgeries and unscheduled hospitalizations and their impact on complications and costs.

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for adverse events following the surgical correction of cervical spinal deformities in adults.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate calprotectin in synovial fluid for diagnosing chronic prosthetic joint infection (PJI) .

Aims

Enhanced perioperative protocols have significantly improved patient recovery following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Little has been investigated the effectiveness of these protocols for revision TKA (RTKA). We report on a matched group of aseptic revision and primary TKA patients treated with an identical pain and rehabilitation programmes.

Background. As the number of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) being performed continues to increase, the number of potential failures requiring revision surgery would also be expected to increase. This study analyzed the trends in revision TKA (rTKA) from 2009 to 2016. Methods. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify all rTKA by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. The diagnoses leading to revision, revision costs, patient and hospital characteristics, and major inpatient complications were compared between 2009 and 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for complications. Results. A total of 453,770 rTKA were performed between 2009 and 2016 (Table 1). The incidence of rTKA between 2009 and 2016 decreased by 4.3% among all age groups and decreased 5.9% in those over 65 years of age. The mean age at revision remained unchanged at 65 years, the mean Length of Stay (LOS) decreased 19.5% from 4.1 to 3.3 days (p<0.001), and the mean hospital costs increased 18.7% from $23,103 to $27,427 (p<0.001). Male to Female ratio remained unchanged with Females making up 58% of rTKA. The rTKA patients in 2016 versus 2009 had significantly lower odds of requiring a blood transfusion (OR 0.26, p<0.001). The rate of myocardial infarction remained unchanged in 2016 versus 2009 (4.1% vs. 4.0%, p=0.52), as did mortality (0.1% vs. 0.2%, p=0.089). Patients in 2016 were significantly less likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) (26.5% in 2016 vs. 31.6% in 2009, p<0.001). A significantly larger share of rTKA were performed in urban teaching hospitals in 2016 (66.6% in 2016 vs. 41.5% in 2009, p<0.001). Mechanical loosening remained the most common reason for rTKA and increased from 19.7% in 2009 to 28.4% in 2016. Infection remained the second most common reason for rTKA (14.7% in 2009 vs. 12.2% in 2016). Instability was the third most common reason for revision in 2016 (10.7%) but direct comparison with 2009 could not be made since ICD-9 did not include this diagnosis. When comparing 2009 to 2014, an increase in revision rates was noted. Upon inclusion of 2015 and 2016 data, a decrease is noted. The primary limitation of this study is the challenge faced when comparing results from before and after the October 2015 transition of ICD-9 to ICD-10 codes. Conclusions. The incidence of rTKA had decreased slightly between 2009 and 2016 even while the volume of primary TKA continued to rise. Implant loosening became increasingly prevalent as a reason for revision and infection continued to plague patients after TKA. Positive trends were noted, such as decreased rates of blood transfusion, LOS and rates of discharge to SNF. Still, the revision burden remains large, costing approximately $1.4 billion annually and we must continue to attempt to improve outcomes in this patient population. For figures, tables, or references, please contact authors directly

Aims

Revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of all TKAs. Although the complexity of these procedures is well recognized, few investigators have evaluated the cost and value-added with the implementation of a dedicated revision arthroplasty service. The aim of the present study is to compare and contrast surgeon productivity in several differing models of activity.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in 30-day outcomes between patients undergoing revision for an infected total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with an aseptic revision THA.

Down syndrome (DS), is a genetic disorder caused by a third copy of the 21st chromosome (Trisomy 21), featuring typical facial characteristics, growth delays and varying degrees of intellectual disability. Some degree of immune deficiency is variably present. Multiple orthopaedic conditions are associated, including stunted growth (90%), ligamentous laxity (90%), low muscle tone (80%), hand and foot deformities (60%), hip instability (30%), and spinal abnormalities including atlanto-axial instability (20%) and scoliosis. Hip disease severity varies and follows a variable time course. Rarely a child presents with DDH, but during the first 2 years the hips are characteristically stable but hypermobile with well-formed acetabulae. Spontaneous subluxation or dislocation after 2 presents with painless clicking, limping or giving way. Acute dislocation is associated with moderate pain, increased limp and reduced activity following minor trauma. Hips are reducible under anesthesia, but recurrence is common. Eventually concentric reduction becomes rarer and radiographic dysplasia develops. Pathology includes: a thin, weak fibrous capsule, moderate to severe femoral neck anteversion and a posterior superior acetabular rim deficiency. A number of femoral and acetabular osteotomies have been reported to treat the dysplasia, with acetabular redirection appearing to be most successful. However, surgery can be associated with a relatively high infection rate (20%). Additionally, symptomatic femoral head avascular necrosis can occur as a result of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Untreated dysplasia patients can walk with a limp and little pain into the early twenties even with fixed dislocation. Pain and decreasing hip function is commonly seen as the patient enters adult life. Occasionally the hip instability begins after skeletal maturity. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the standard treatment when sufficient symptoms have developed. The clinical outcomes of 42 THAs in patients with Down syndrome were all successfully treated with standard components. The use of constrained liners to treat intra-operative instability occurred in eight hips and survival rates were noted between 81% and 100% at a mean follow-up of 105 months (6 – 292 months). A more recent study of 241 patients with Down syndrome and a matched 723-patient cohort from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample compared the incidence of peri-operative medical and surgical complications in those who underwent THA. Compared to matched controls, Down syndrome patients had an increased risk of complications: peri-operative (OR, 4.33; P<.001), medical (UTI & Pneumonia OR, 4.59; P<.001) and surgical (bleeding OR, 3.51; P<.001), Mean LOS was 26% longer (P<.001). While these patients can be challenging to treat, excellent surgical technique and selective use of acetabular constraint can reliably provide patients with excellent pain-relief and improved function. Pre-operative education of all clinical decision makers should also reinforce the increased risk of medical and surgical complications (wound hemorrhage), and lengths of stay compared to the general population

Aims. The aims of this study were to compare the efficacy of two agents, aspirin and warfarin, for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (SBTKA), and to elucidate the risk of VTE conferred by this procedure compared with unilateral TKA (UTKA). Patients and Methods. A retrospective, multi-institutional study was conducted on 18 951 patients, 3685 who underwent SBTKA and 15 266 who underwent UTKA, using aspirin or warfarin as VTE prophylaxis. Each patient was assigned an individualised baseline VTE risk score based on a system using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Symptomatic VTE, including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), were identified in the first 90 days post-operatively. Statistical analyses were performed with logistic regression accounting for baseline VTE risk. Results. The adjusted incidence of PE following SBTKA was 1.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86 to 1.2) with aspirin and 2.2% (95% CI 2.0 to 2.4) with warfarin. Similarly, the adjusted incidence of VTE following SBTKA was 1.6% (95% CI 1.1 to 2.3) with aspirin and 2.5% (95% CI 1.9 to 3.3) with warfarin. The risk of PE and VTE were reduced by 66% (odds ratio (OR) 0.44, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.78) and 38% (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.0), respectively, using aspirin. In addition, the risk of PE was 204% higher for patients undergoing SBTKA relative to those undergoing UTKA. For each ten-point increase in baseline VTE risk, the risk of PE increased by 25.5% for patients undergoing SBTKA compared with 10.5% for those undergoing UTKA. Patients with a history of myocardial infarction or peripheral vascular disease had the greatest increase in risk from undergoing SBTKA instead of UTKA. Conclusion. Aspirin is more effective than warfarin for the prevention of VTE following SBTKA, and serves as the more appropriate agent for VTE prophylaxis for patients in all risk categories. Furthermore, patients undergoing SBTKA are at a substantially increased risk of VTE, even more so for those with significant underlying risk factors. Patients should be informed about the risks associated with undergoing SBTKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B(1 Supple A):68–75

The bearing surface is the critical element in determining the longevity of a total hip arthroplasty. Over the past decade problems associated with bearing surfaces and modular femoral tapers have had an impact on surgeon selection of both acetabular liners and modular femoral heads. The purpose of this study was to analyse THA bearing surface trends from 2007 through 2014 using a large national database. A retrospective review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was conducted from 2007 to 2014. All patients who underwent a primary THA were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD-9) procedure codes. Bearing surface data was extracted by identifying patients with ICD-9 procedure modifier codes. Patient and hospital characteristics were recorded for each patient. Descriptive statistics were employed to characterise bearing surface trends for the following bearing surfaces: metal on polyethylene (MoP); ceramic on polyethylene (CoP); ceramic on ceramic (CoC) and metal on metal (MoM). Univariate analysis was performed to identify differences between the bearing surface groups. During the study period, 2,460,640 primary THA discharges were identified, of which 1,059,825 (43.1%) had bearing surface data available for further analysis. The breakdown of the bearing surfaces used for these THAs were as follows: MoP − 49.1% (496,713); CoP − 29.1% (307,907); CoC − 4.2% (44,823); and MoM − 19.9% (210,381). MoM utilization peaked in 2008 with 51,033 cases representing 40.1% of THAs implanted that year. The usage steadily declined and by 2014 there were only 6,600 MoM cases representing only 4.0% of the THAs. From 2007 to 2014, the use of CoP bearing surfaces increased from 11,482 discharges (11.1% of cases) in 2007, to 83,300 discharges (50.8% of cases) in 2014. CoP utilization surpassed MoP in 2014. MoP accounted for 54.7% of discharges in 2011 and just 42.1% in 2014. During the study period, MoM bearing surface usage declined precipitously, while CoP surpassed MoP as the most prevalent bearing surface used in total hip arthroplasty patients. These changes in bearing surface usage over time were clearly influenced by concerns regarding high failure rates associated with MoM articulations and reports of taper corrosion associated with modular metal femoral heads

Use of large databases for orthopaedic research has increased exponentially. Each database represents unique patient populations and vary in methodology of data acquisition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in reported demographics, comorbidities and complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA) amongst four commonly used databases. Patients who underwent primary THA during 2010–2012 were identified within National Surgical Quality Improvement Programs (NSQIP), Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), Medicare Standard Analytic Files (MED) and Humana Claims Database (HAC). NSQIP definitions for comorbidities and surgical complications were queried in NIS, MED, and HAC using coding algorithms. Age, sex, comorbidities, inpatient and 30-day postoperative complications were compared (NIS has inpatient data only). Primary THAs from each database were 22,644 (HAC), 371,715 (MED), 188,779 (NIS) and 27,818 (NSQIP). Age and gender distribution were similar between databases. There was variability in the prevalence of comorbidities and complications depending upon the database and duration of post-operative follow-up. HAC and MED had twice the prevalence of COPD, coagulopathy and diabetes than NSQIP. NSQIP had more than twice the obesity than NIS. HAC had more than twice the rates of 30-day complications at all endpoints compared to NSQIP and more than twice the DVTs, strokes and deep infection as MED at 30-days post-op. Comparison of inpatient and 30-day complications rates demonstrated more than twice the amount of infections and DVTs are captured when analysis is extended from inpatient stay to 30-days post-op. Amongst databases commonly used in orthopaedic research, there is considerable variation in complication rates following THA depending upon the database. It will be important to consider these differences when critically evaluating database research. Additionally, with the advent of bundled payments, these differences must be considered in risk adjustment models

Aims

This study assessed the association of classes of body mass index in kg/m² (classified as normal weight 18.5 kg/m² to 24.9 kg/m², overweight 25.0 kg/m² to 29.9 kg/m², and obese ≥ 30.0 kg/m²) with short-term complications and functional outcomes three to six years post-operatively for closed ankle fractures.

Aims

We aimed to characterise the effect of expeditious hip fracture surgery in elderly patients within 24 hours of admission on short-term post-operative outcomes.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) should be individualised in order to maximise the efficacy of prophylactic measures while avoiding the adverse events associated with the use of anticoagulants. At our institution, we have developed a scoring model using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, which is validated against our institutional data, to stratify patients into low- and high-risk groups for VTE. Low-risk patients are placed on aspirin 81 mg twice daily for four weeks post-operatively, and high-risk patients are placed on either a Vitamin K antagonist (warfarin), low molecular weight heparin, or other oral anticoagulants for four weeks post-operatively. All patients receive sequential pneumatic compression devices post-operatively, and patients are mobilised with physical therapy on the day of surgery. Patients who have a history of peptic ulcer disease or allergy to aspirin are also considered for other types of anticoagulation following surgery. Risk Stratification Criteria. Major comorbid risk factors utilised in our risk stratification model include history of hypercoagulability or previous VTE, active cancer or history of non-cutaneous malignancy, history of stroke, and pulmonary hypertension. We consider patients with any of these risk factors at elevated risk of VTE and therefore candidates for formal anticoagulation. Other minor risk factors include older age, bilateral surgery compared with unilateral, inflammatory bowel disease, varicose veins, obstructive sleep apnea, and history of myocardial infarction, myeloproliferative disorders, and congestive heart failure. Each minor criterion is associated with a score. The cumulative score is compared with a defined threshold and the score that surpasses the threshold indicates that the patient should receive post-operative anticoagulation. To facilitate the use of this scoring system, an iOS mobile application (VTEstimator) has been developed and can be downloaded from the app store

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed in patients aged 60 years and younger requires several decades of implant use under increased activity demands. Implant longevity and stable fixation are necessary for 30 or more years. The search for the optimal bearing combination for use in younger, high demand patients presents a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons as they consider the pros and cons of each material and interaction. A recent U.S. study of implant utilization trends that included 174 hospitals and 105,000 THA between 2001 and 2012 found that in 2012 93% of THA were cementless and 35% of THA bearings were ceramic-on-highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE). Another recent article used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2009 to 2012 to study bearing usage trends in 9265 primary THA in patients 30 years old or younger. The researchers observed ceramic-on-polyethylene as the most commonly bearing surface, used in 36% of patients, and which represented an increase from an earlier study of extremely young patients undergoing primary THA between 2006 to 2009, use of so-called hard-on-hard bearings decreased. Benefits of ceramic-on-HXLPE bearings are that unlike metal-on-polyethylene and metal-on-metal combinations, taperosis and adverse reactions to metal debris are non-existent. Ceramic-on-polyethylene is forgiving, it is an extremely low wear couple, it is the current presenter's bearing of choice in high demand patients, and it is a good option in the scenario of revision of failed metal-on-metal or for taperosis. Advantages to bulk ceramics are: extremely hard and scratch resistant to third body wear, not damaged by instruments and repositioning, excellent wettability, extreme low wear against itself with no known pathogenic reaction to ceramic particles, inherently stable with no oxidation or aging effect, no corrosion, safe in terms of metal ion release, no known risk of hypersensitivity or allergy, and no concerns about biological reaction. Biolox® (Ceramtec AG; Plochingen, Germany) ceramics have been available since 1974, with fourth generation Biolox® Delta introduced in 2003. Extensive clinical experience includes over 1630 published studies with over 12 million Biolox® components implanted with almost every available hip system. Two recent meta-analyses studies of randomised controlled trials comparing ceramic-on-ceramic to ceramic-on-polyethylene found significantly higher linear wear in ceramic-on-polyethylene but higher incidences of noise and fracture in ceramic-on-ceramic THA. There were no differences in revision, function, dislocation, osteolysis or loosening. A recent meta-analysis review of randomised controlled trials reporting survivorship of ceramic-on-ceramic, ceramic-on-HXLPE, and metal-on-HXLPE found no difference among bearing surfaces in risk of revision after primary THA in patients younger than 65. Risk ratio for revision was 0.65 (p=0.50) between ceramic-on-ceramic and ceramic-on-HXLPE, and 0.40 (p=0.34) between ceramic-on-ceramic and metal-on-HXLPE. A recent study of ceramic-on-HXLPE bearings for 130 cementless THA in 119 patients younger than 50 years at mean follow-up of 8.3 years (range, 7–9) reported a mean post-operative Harris hip score of 94, UCLA activity score of 8.1, no acetabular revisions, no osteolysis, no head or liner fracture, and 0.022 ± 0.003 mean annual penetration rate of the femoral head. While longer follow-up is necessary, ceramic-on-HXLPE bearings are an attractive option in younger, high demand patients undergoing primary THA

Background. There is growing clinical and policy emphasis on minimizing transfusion use in elective joint arthroplasty, but little is known about the degree to which transfusion rates vary across US hospitals. This study aimed to assess hospital-level variation in use of allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing elective joint arthroplasty, and to characterize the extent to which variability is attributable to differences in patient and hospital characteristics. Methods. The study population included 228,316 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at 922 hospitals and 88,081 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) at 606 hospitals from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2011, in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, a 20% stratified sample of US community hospitals. Results. The median hospital transfusion rates were 11.0% (interquartile range, 3.5% to 18.5%) in TKA and 15.9% (interquartile range, 5.4% to 26.2%) in THA. After fully adjusting for patient- and hospital-related factors using mixed-effects logistic regression models, the average predicted probability of blood transfusion use in TKA was 6.3%, with 95% of the hospitals having a predicted probability between 0.37% and 55%. For THA, the average predicted probability of blood transfusion use was 9.5%, with 95% of the hospitals having a predicted probability between 0.57% and 66%. Hospital transfusion rates were inversely associated with hospital procedure volume and directly associated with length of stay. Conclusions. The use of blood transfusion in elective joint arthroplasty varied widely across US hospitals, largely independent of patient case-mix and hospital characteristics

Background. Inpatient dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered a non-reimbursable “never event” by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. There is extensive evidence that technical procedural factors affect dislocation risk, but less is known about the influence of non-technical factors. We evaluated inpatient dislocation trends following elective primary THA, and identified patient and hospital characteristics associated with the occurrence of dislocation. Methods. We used discharge records from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002–2011). Temporal trends were assessed and multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with dislocation. Results. The in-hospital dislocation rate increased from 0.025% in 2002 to 0.15% in 2011, despite a downward trend in length of stay (P<0.001). Patient characteristics associated with the occurrence of dislocation were black or Hispanic race/ethnicity, lower household income, and Medicaid insurance. Comorbidities associated with dislocation included hemiparesis/hemiplegia, drug use disorder, chronic renal failure, psychosis, and obesity. Dislocations were less likely to occur at teaching hospitals and in the South. Conclusion. The in-hospital dislocation rate following elective primary THA is increasing, in spite of shorter stays and surgical advances over time. Given the sociodemographic disparities in dislocation risk documented herein, interventions to address social determinants of health might do as much or more to reduce the occurrence of dislocation than technical improvements