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. Patients and Methods. This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database, between 2012 and 2017, using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for patients undergoing a revision THA (27134, 27137, 27138). International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision/Tenth Revision (ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM) diagnosis codes for infection of an implant or device were used to identify patients undergoing an infected revision THA. CPT-27132 coupled with ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM codes for infection were used to identify patients undergoing a two-stage revision. A total of 13 556 patients were included; 1606 (11.8%) underwent a revision THA due to infection and there were 11 951 (88.2%) aseptic revisions. Results. Patients undergoing an infected revision had a significantly greater length of stay of more than three days (p < 0.001), higher odds of any 30-day complication (p < 0.001), readmission within 30 days (p < 0.001), 30-day reoperations (p < 0.001), and discharge to a destination other than the patient’s home (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The findings suggest the need for enhanced risk adjustment based on the indication of revision THA prior to setting prices in bundled payment models of total joint arthroplasty. This risk adjustment should be used to reduce the chance of financial disincentives in clinical practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:547–551

Background. The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model was implemented in April-2016 to standardize cost and improve quality of care for two of the most commonly billed inpatient procedures for Medicare patients, total knee and total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to compare one institution's predicted savings and losses under the CJR model with actual savings and losses after two years of implementation and discuss new methods to maintain savings. Methods. Using our institution's data, we calculated the mean cost per episode of care. We calculated the percent reduction in target price and percent savings or losses per case for the CJR and Bundle Payment Care Initiative (BPCI) for each Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG) using mean cost per episode and CJR and BPCI target prices. We compared the target prices, annual savings, and losses per episode of care for both CJR and BPCI. All CJR savings, projected and actual, were computed by comparing CJR savings to that of 2018 BPCI savings. Results. We found an average savings of 2.32% under CJR compared to the projected loss of −11.6% for MS-DRG 469 with fracture. There was a 7.97% savings for MS-DRG 470 without fracture compared to the projected 1.9%, a 20.94% savings for MS-DRG 470 with fracture compared to the projected 23.7%, and a loss of −3.98% for MS-DRG 469 without fracture compared to the projected 2.5% savings. Conclusions. The CJR target prices are lower than that of BPCI and this makes maintaining an episode of care at or below the target price increasingly difficult. Discharge disposition and readmission are well established factors that increase hospital cost [7]. However, reduction of these does not seem enough to maintain savings under the CJR model. New cost savings mechanisms such as identification of patients eligible for SDD, and reduction of unnecessary home services resulted in smaller losses of positive margins, though these were still significantly less for CJR than BPCI

Introduction. In the era of alternative payment models, providers and healthcare systems must understand the implications of potentially-modifiable risk factors on outcomes that affect overall cost. High BMI is associated with increased rates of complications (infection, loosening) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), but less is known about its impact on cost. In addition, the effects of low BMI on outcomes and cost are less-understood. This study sought to evaluate the relationship between BMI and length of stay (LOS), complications, thirty-day readmissions, inpatient cost, and need for post-acute services. Methods. A retrospective database analysis was conducted of 34,679 primary THAs performed between 2013–2017 in 29 hospitals in an integrated health system. Patient BMI was compared with operative time, LOS, complication rate, thirty-day readmission rate, inpatient cost, and post discharge disposition. Logistic regression was performed treating complications and readmission as outcomes and controlling for age. Results. Operative time increased linearly with BMI and cut-to close time for the highest BMI cohort was approximately twice that of the lowest. Average inpatient cost did not vary significantly with BMI. Length of stay was greatest at the extremes of BMI (4.0 days for BMI 10–15; 3.75 days for BMI >50) and approximately twice that of normal BMI patients. Risk of complications and thirty-day readmissions were greatest in the highest BMI cohort compared to normal BMI (OR 3.7 and 4.9 respectively) and significantly increased in the lowest BMI cohort (OR 2.2 and 3.0 respectively). Post discharge utilization of home health care and skilled nursing increased at the extremes of BMI. The rate of discharge to skilled nursing in the lowest BMI cohort was 50%, approximately five times that of normal BMI. Conclusions. LOS, complications, thirty-day readmissions, and need for post-acute home health or skilled nursing services all increased geometrically at the extremes of BMI and were significantly greater than those of patients with normal BMI. In a bundled payment model, there are significant cost pressures at both ends of the BMI spectrum given the added risk of complications, readmissions, and post-acute costs. In addition, increased complications and readmissions could result in a failure to meet quality measures in CMS bundle programs and thereby jeopardize payment of gainshares. Patients with extreme BMI should be counseled about the increased risk of complications after THA, and nutritional status/ obesity optimized pre-operatively if possible. Payors must recognize the increased risks and costs associated with THA in these patients and adjust payments accordingly to maintain access for those unable to achieve a normal BMI. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Introduction. Hip fractures are a common pathology treated by Orthopaedic surgeons. The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model utilizes risk stratification to set target prices for these patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty (THA). We hypothesized that sub-specialty arthroplasty surgeons would be able to treat patients at a lower cost compared to surgeons of other specialties during cases performed while on call. Methods. Patients with hemiarthroplasty or THA for hip fractures were retrospectively collected from June, 2013, to May, 2017, from a single tertiary referral center. Demographic information and outcomes based on length of stay (LOS), net payment, and target payment were collected. Patients were then stratified by surgeon subspecialty (arthroplasty trained vs. other specialty). Univariable and multivariable analysis for payment based on treating surgeon was then performed. Results. 197 hip fracture patients were included through the collection period. 40 patients were treated by arthroplasty surgeons and 157 patients were not. There was no difference in LOS, however, when treated by arthroplasty trained surgeons, they were significantly more likely to have a lower net payment (32,507 vs. 42,518; p=0.001) with cost of care below the target payment (80.0% vs 51.6%; p=0.001), partially stemming from decreased discharges to skilled nursing facilities (p=0.008). In multivariable regression controlling for age, sex, BMI, ASA score, and procedure, arthroplasty surgeons were more likely to perform under the target price, which approached statistical significance (OR 2.177; 95% CI 0.866–5.474; p=0.098). Discussion and Conclusion. Hip fracture patients are commonly treated by on-call surgeons given the need to expedite their care. However, given the bundled payment model implemented by CJR, there must be special consideration to fracture stratification, implant selection, and surgeon experience. If feasible, our data suggests that an arthroplasty surgeon may contribute to decreased cost of care; a larger multicenter study is required

Introduction. Inpatient rehabilitation services following joint replacement have been estimated to cost over $3 billion/ yr. A shift in reimbursement strategies to bundle payments with the goal of decreasing cost and improving quality has given discharge disposition after joint replacement a front row seat. Our objectives were (1) to establish a correlation between the accuracy of current tools utilized to predict discharge location and (2) compare preoperative and postoperative patient oriented outcomes (POO's) according to discharge disposition. Methods. 188 consecutive total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeries performed by a single surgeon were prospectively studied. Pre-intervention assessment of the probable and preferred discharge disposition was performed using one of 5 tools (1) experienced surgical coordinator evaluation (2) Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT); (3) Charlson Score; (4) ASA Score; and (5) Patient Self-Reported Health Status. Demographic characteristics, Visual Analogue Scale, QWB-7, SF-36, WOMAC, clinical scores were recorded before and after surgery. Correlation between final discharge disposition (home vs rehab) and its predictors was performed. Preoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared, p<0.05 was considered significant. Results. Most accurate predictor of discharge disposition was determined by our experienced surgical coordinator (OR: 11.05; 95% CI of 2.21 to 55.32; p<0.001), followed by the RAPT (OR: 1.56; 95% CI of 1.29 to 1.90; p=0.01). We found a significant difference in age (Rehab: 72.4 SE 1.2 vs Home: 70.3 SE 1.0; p=0.01) and length of stay (Rehab: 3.6 SE 0.01 vs Home: 3.14 SE 0.07; p<0.001) between those discharged to rehab than those discharged home. Mean follow-up time was 2.22 years (range 1–4 years). There was a significant difference between groups on most outcome measures preoperatively (rehab worse than home; p<0.001). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in all patient perceived outcome measures after THA, but those discharged to rehab continue to report worse scores for the QWB (Rehab: 0.62 SE 0.02 vs Home: 0.67 SE 0.01; p=0.02) and Hip Harris Score (Rehab: 83.07 SE 1.75 vs Home: 88.65 SE 1.31; p=0.01). Discussion. Clinical intuition and personal interaction proved to be the best predictor for discharge disposition. Worse outcomes were observed in patients being discharged to rehab. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Introduction. Bundle payment models have clinical and economic impacts on providers. Despite efforts made to improve care, experience has shown that a few episodes with costs well above a target (bundle busters) can reduce or negate positive performances. The purpose of this study was to identify both the primary episode drivers of cost and patient factors that led to episodes above target. Methods. A retrospective study of 10,000 joint replacement episodes from a large healthcare system in CJR and a private orthopedic practice in BPCI was conducted. Episodes with costs greater than target price (TP) were designated as bundle busters and sub-divided into 4 groups:. 1). < 1 standard deviation (SD) above TP (n=1700). 2). > 1 to 2 SD above TP (n=240). 3). > 2 to 3 SD above TP (n=70). 4). > 3 SD above TP (n=70). Bundle busters were compared to the control that were at/below the TP (n= 7500). For the CJR/BPCI cohorts, one SD was defined as $10,700/$13,000, respectively. Two linear regressions assessed the likelihood of factors predicting a bundle buster and the total episode cost. These variables included demographics, acuity classifications, comorbidities, length of stay, readmissions, discharge disposition, post-acute utilization, and episode costs. Results. Group 1 had 66% higher total episode costs than the control group, 13% higher hospital costs, and 144% higher SNF costs. Costs for Group 2 were at least double that of Group 1. Significant predictors for bundle busters included, race, age, comorbidities, BMI, and LOS. (P<0.01) Significant predictors for total episode costs included, gender, age, ROM, SOI, comorbidities, and BMI. (P<0.1). Discussion. Age, Comorbidities, and BMI are among significant predictors of higher total episode costs. Identifying drivers and factors that impact bundle busters supports the importance of care model improvements that mitigate risks associated with these patients

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

Introduction. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is gaining popularity as a treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF), especially in physiologically younger patients. While elective THA for primary osteoarthritis (OA) has demonstrated low rates of complications and readmissions, the outcomes of THA for FNF are less predictable. Additionally, these THA procedures are equally included in various alternative payment bundles. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess postoperative complication rates after THA for primary OA compared with FNF. Methods. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2008 to 2016 was queried. Patients were identified using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for THA (27130) and divided into groups by diagnosis; OA in one group and FNF in another. Univariate statistics were performed. T-test compared continuous variables between groups, and Chi-square test compared categorical variables. Multivariate and propensity matched logistic regression analyses were performed to control for risk factors of interest. The primary outcomes for this study were death or serious morbidity (surgical site infection (SSI), infection, respiratory complication, cardiac complication, sepsis, or blood loss anemia requiring postoperative transfusion). Additional secondary outcomes included the incidence of specific complications, total operative time (time from incision to closure), length of hospital stay and proportion of patients that were discharged home. Results. Analyses included 139,635 patients undergoing THA. OA was the indication in 135,013 cases and FNF in 4,622 cases. Unadjusted analysis showed a significantly higher rate of mortality when THA was done for hip fracture (2.1% vs. 0.1%; p<0.001). There was also a significantly increased rate of serious morbidity for hip fracture patients; including cardiac complications (3.5% vs 0.96%; p<0.001), respiratory complications (1.3% vs 0.2%; p<0.001), postop transfusion (23.1% vs 9.36%; p<0.001), sepsis (0.95% vs 0.3%; p<0.001). There was a significantly higher percentage of patients requiring reoperation (4.5% vs 2.0%; p<0.001) and readmission (8.0% vs 3.5%; p<0.001) in the hip fracture group. There was a significantly higher percentage of patients in the hip fracture groups having operative time >90min (16.4% vs 10.1%; p<0.001), length of stay longer than 5 days (53.8% vs 7.5%; p<0.001), and a significantly lower percentage of patients who were discharged home (39.0% vs 78.0%; p<0.001). Propensity score matching resulted in a cohort of 6,968 patients; 3,484 in both the hip fracture and osteoarthritis groups. Mortality within 30 days was 530% higher, and major morbidity was 36% higher among FNF patients. Reoperation was 40% higher, readmission was 36% higher, operative length at the 90th percentile was 74% higher, prolonged length of stay was 838% higher, and discharge to home was 62% lower for the FNF group compared with OA patients. Logistic, reverse stepwise regression model () results were consistent with the propensity-matched analysis. Discussion and Conclusion. This large database study showed a higher risk of postoperative complications including mortality, major morbidity, reoperation, readmission, prolonged operative time, increased length of stay, and decreased likelihood of discharge home in patients undergoing THA for FNF compared with OA. Without risk adjustment, the bundled payment methods that are applied to THA procedures including those performed for FNF are at a disadvantage and likely inadequate to cover the more costly episode of care related to treating hip fracture patients

Aims

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful surgical procedures. The objectives of this study were to define whether there is a correlation between socioeconomic status (SES) and surgical complications after elective primary unilateral THA, and investigate whether access to elective THA differs within SES groups.

Aims

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the direct anterior approach (DAA) is undertaken with the patient in the supine position, creating an opportunity to replace both hips under one anaesthetic. Few studies have reported simultaneous bilateral DAA-THA. The aim of this study was to characterize a cohort of patients selected for this technique by a single, high-volume arthroplasty surgeon and to investigate their early postoperative clinical outcomes.

Aims

Advances in surgical technique and implant design may influence the incidence and mechanism of failure resulting in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). The purpose of the current study was to characterize aetiologies requiring rTHA, and to determine whether temporal changes existed in these aetiologies over a ten-year period.

Aims

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is gaining popularity as a treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures (FNFs), especially in physiologically younger patients. While THA for osteoarthritis (OA) has demonstrated low complication rates and increased quality of life, results of THA for acute FNF are not as clear. Currently, a THA performed for FNF is included in an institutional arthroplasty bundle without adequate risk adjustment, potentially placing centres participating in fracture care at financial disadvantage. The purpose of this study is to report on perioperative complication rates after THA for FNF compared with elective THA performed for OA of the hip.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the rate of perioperative complications following aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients aged ≥ 80 years with that in those aged < 80 years, and to identify risk factors for the incidence of serious adverse events in those aged ≥ 80 years using a large validated national database.