Reduction of length of stay (LOS) without compromising quality of care is a trend observed in orthopaedic departments. To achieve this goal the pathway needs to be optimised. This requires team work than can be supported by e-health solutions. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of reduction in LOS on complications and readmissions in one hospital where accelerated discharge was introduced due to the pandemic. 317 patients with primary total hip and total knee replacements treated in the same hospital between October 2018 and February 2021 were included. The patients were divided in two groups: the pre-pandemic group and the pandemic group. The discharge criteria were: patient feels comfortable with going back home, patient has enough support at home, no wound leakage, and independence in activities of daily living. No face-to-face surgeon or nurse follow-up was planned. Patients’ progress was monitored via the mobile application. The patients received information, education materials, postoperative exercises and a coaching via secure chat. The length of stay (LOS) and complications were assessed through questions in the app and patients filled in standard PROMs preoperatively, at 6 weeks and 3 months. Before the pandemic, 64.8% of the patients spent 3 nights at hospital, whereas during the pandemic, 52.0% spent only 1 night. The median value changed from 3 days to 1 day. The complication rate before the pandemic of 15% dropped to 9 % during the pandemic. The readmission rate remained stable with 4% before the pandemic and 5 % during the pandemic. No difference were observed for PROMS between groups. The results of this study showed that after a hip and knee surgery, the shortening of the LOS from three to one night resulted in less complications and a stable rate of readmissions. These results are in line with literature data on enhanced recovery after hip and knee arthroplasty. The reduction of LOS for elective knee and hip arthroplasty during the pandemic period proved safe. The concept used in this study is transferable to other hospitals, and may have economic implications through reduced hospital costs

Background. Predicting length of stay (LOS) is key to providing a cost effective and efficient arthroplasty service in an era of increasing financial constraint. Previous studies predicting LOS have not considered enhanced recovery protocols in elective hip and knee arthroplasty. Our study aims to identify patient variables in the pre and peri-operative period to predict increased LOS on patients enrolled into the standardised Chichester and Worthing Enhanced Recovery Programme (CWERP). Methods. All patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty were enrolled into CWERP using standardised anaesthetic, surgical and analgesic protocols. A data analyst prospectively collated data over 6months from anaesthetic charts and daily ward review from 663 patients between Dec 2012 and June 2013. An independent statistician undertook statistical analysis (program R, version 3.1.1). 80% of the 6months consecutive data (530 patients) were analysed, and predictive variables identified. These variables were tested against the remaining 20% of data (133 patients) predicting a LOS greater or less than our median of 4 days. Results. 663 patients were enrolled into CWERP over this period, 54% in hip arthroplasty. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-squared test for association between actual and predicted (dichotomised) LOS being significant (p<0.0000000017). In the initial 80% (530 patients), this identified the following statistically significant variables in predicting LOS > 4 days: Age > 80 yrs, ASA 4, failure to mobilise on day of surgery, urinary catheterisation and need for blood transfusion. The statistical model when applied to the remaining 20% (133 patients) correctly categorised LOS in 101 (76%) of the patients. Conclusions. Identifying patients who fulfil our variables in the preoperative period affords better planning, maximising resources, bed efficiency and discharge planning. This also provides opportunities for financial remuneration for higher risk patients. Level of Evidence. 4

Background. Increasing number of studies investigating surgical patients have reported longer length of stay (LOS) in hospital after an operation with higher ASA grades. However, the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on LOS in hospital post Total Knee Replacement (TKR) remains a controversial topic with conflicting findings in reported literature. In our institution, we recently adopted a weight reduction program requiring all patients with raised BMI to participate in order to be considered for elective TKR. Objectives. This has prompted us to investigate the impact BMI has on LOS compared to the more established impact of ASA grade on patients following Primary TKR. Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on all elective primary TKR patients between November 2013 and May 2014. LOS was compared in BMI groups <30, 30–40 and >40 and ASA grades 1–2 and 3–4. ANOVA and independent t-test were used to compare mean LOS between BMI groups and ASA grades, respectively. Results. Two hundred and thirty six TKR were analysed. Mean LOS in BMI groups <30, 30–40 and >40 were 6.0, 6.4 and 6.0 days, respectively (p = 0.71). Mean LOS in ASA groups 1–2 and 3–4 were 5.8 and 7.6, respectively (p < 0.01). Conclusions. In patients undergoing primary TKR, ASA grade is a better predictor of LOS than BMI. Our data further adds to the evidence that high BMI alone is not a significant factor in prolonging LOS after a primary TKR. This should be taken into account when allocating resources to optimise patients for surgery. Level of evidence. III - Evidence from case, correlation, and comparative studies

The current study aims to find the role of Enhance Recovery Pathway (ERP) as a multidisciplinary approach aimed to expedite rapid recovery, reduce LOS, and minimize morbidity associated with Non Fusion Anterior Scoliosis Correction (NFASC) surgery. A retrospective analysis of 35 AIS patients who underwent NFASC with Lenke 1 and Lenke 5 curves with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up was done. Patient demographics, surgical details, postoperative analgesia, mobilization, length of stay (LOS), patient satisfaction survey score with respect to information and care, and 90 days complications were collected. The cohort included 34 females and 1 male with a mean age of 15.2 years at the time of surgery. There were 16 Lenke 1 and 19 Lenke 5 in the study. Mean preoperative major thoracic and thoracolumbar/lumbar Cobb's angle were 52˚±7.6˚ and 51˚±4.5˚ respectively. Average blood loss and surgical time were 102 ±6.4 ml and 168 ± 10.2 mins respectively. Average time to commencing solid food was 6.5±1.5 hrs. Average time to mobilization following surgery was 15.5± 4.3 hrs. The average duration to the stopping of the epidural was 42.5±3.5 hrs. The average dose of opioid consumption intraoperatively was 600.5±100.5 mcg of fentanyl i.v. and 12.5±4.5 mg morphine i.v. Postoperatively opioids were administered via an epidural catheter at a dose of 2 mg of morphine every 24 hours up to 2 days and an infusion of 2mcg/hr of fentanyl along with 0.12-0.15% ropivacaine. The average duration to transition to oral analgesia was 55.5±8.5 hrs .20 patients had urinary catheter and the average time to removal of the catheter was 17.5±1.4 hrs. 25 patients had a chest tube and the average time to remove of chest tube was 25.5±3.2 hrs. The average length of hospital stay was 3.1±0.5 days. No patient had postoperative ileus or requirement of blood transfusion or any other complications. No correlation was found between LOS and initial cobb angle. The application of ERP in AIS patients undergoing NFASC results in reduced LOS and indirectly the cost, reduced post-operative opioid use, and overall improve patient satisfaction score

The price per total knee replacement (TKR) performed is fixed but the subsequent length of hospital stay (LOS) is variable. The current national average for LOS following TKR is six days. LOS is an important marker of resource consumption, has implications in patient satisfaction, and is used as a marker of hospital quality. The aim of this study was to describe the temporal change in demographics between 2004 and 2009, and to identify intra-operative factors and patient characteristics associated with a prolonged LOS that could be addressed to improve clinical practice. We performed a retrospective cohort review of 184 patients (2004 n=88, 2009 n=96) who underwent primary TKRs at Chorley District General Hospital. The median LOS in 2009 was eight days compared to ten days in 2004, an average of 3.5 days less (p < 0.001). Patients were significantly younger (p < 0.001) in 2009 (median 66 years) compared to 2004 (median 74 years), with both years having a similar female predominance. There was no significant change in the BMI or American Society of Anesthesiologists score between 2004 and 2009. This data suggests that block contracts with the private sector has not influenced the demographics of patients being treated in the NHS. Intra-operative factors including the use of a peripheral nerve block, the surgeon grade, the day of the week the operation was performed, the operation length, and the change in pre- to post-operative haemoglobin were not found to significantly increase the LOS (p = 0.058, p = 0.40, p = 0.092, p = 0.50, p = 0.43 respectively). Cemented TKRs had a median LOS of nine days compared to eight for uncemented implants (p = 0.015). However, patients with a cemented implant were on average 6.2 years older than patients with an uncemented implant (p < 0.001). Using Cox proportional hazard regression modelling, the occurrence of a post-operative complication (p < 0.001), female sex (p = 0.024), advancing age (p = 0.036), and the need for a blood transfusion (p = 0.0056) were the most significant factors for prolonging the LOS. Patients who were given a transfusion stayed a median of 13 days compared to nine for those who did not (p < 0.001). The median pre-operative haemoglobin for those who required a transfusion was 11.85g/dl compared to 13.6g/dl for those who did not (p < 0.001). Being obese or morbidly obese did not significantly prolong the LOS (p = 0.95). In conclusion, this study highlights significant patient characteristics which are associated with a prolonged LOS following TKR. The relatively low pre-operative haemoglobin in patients requiring a blood transfusion is a potential target for reducing the LOS

Backgroud: Allogeneic transfusion rates after primary hip and knee arthroplasty are used as quality indicators for hospitals, but hospital comparisons may be hampered by low event rates. Extended hospital stay is often used and may be more suitable as an alternative. This study aims to assess whether transfusion rates and extended hospital stay can be used to reliably rank hospitals.

Background. Patients who undergo elective hip and knee arthroplasty often have multiple risk factors increasing their likelihood of suffering from hyponatraemia post operatively. Consequently suffering from hyponatraemia post elective hip and knee arthroplasty is common. Consequently we wanted to assess the occurrence of hyponatraemia in our elective arthroplasty unit, assess our effectiveness in managing this and importantly assess how its occurrence impacted on length of patient stay. Method. Retrospective analysis of elective hip and knee arthroplasty patients over a five month period. Pre-operative and post-operative sodium levels analysed and their grade measured using NICE reference ranges. In post-operative hyponatraemic patients blood results were analysed up until discharge. Discharge summaries were reviewed to assess communication between primary and secondary care. Length of admission calculated. Formal action plan developed in partnership with the anaesthetic department to improve future management. Results. 103 patients assessed. 24 (23%) suffered from post-operative hyponatraemia. 11 (48%) were discharged with a normalised sodium. 7 (29%) had documentation regarding their hyponatraemia in the discharge summary. 101 (98%) had a sodium drop post-operatively and 2 patients were hyponatraemic pre-operatively. Average length of stay for hyponatraemic hip patients was 5.00 days compared to 4.20 days for patients with normal sodium levels. Hyponatraemic post op knee patients had an average in hospital stay of 5.09 days compared to 4.13 days in knee patients with a normal post-operative sodium level. Conclusion. Hyponatraemia is common in the post-operative arthroplasty patient. In our unit it led to an increase in length of hospital stay. We believe the introduction of a structured post-operative oral rehydration regime with isotonic fluid would be a simple method to reduce occurrence post operatively. We feel standardising intra-operative fluid prescribing will reduce the likelihood of pushing patients into a post-operative hyponatraemic state. Finally we have introduced a hyponatraemia management flowchart to the department so ward based doctors can recognise and effectively manage hyponatraemic patients. If these measures are implemented length of stay in hospital can potentially be reduced

Introduction and Objective. Several factors contribute to the duration of the hospital stay in patients that undergo to total hip arthroplasty (THA), either subjective or perioperative. However, no definite evidence has been provided on the role of any of these factors on the hospitalization length. The aim of this retrospective investigation is to evaluate the correlation between several preoperative and perioperative factors and the length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients that underwent elective total hip arthroplasty. Materials and Methods. Medical records of patients that underwent THA since the beginning of 2016 to the end of 2018 were retrospectively screened. Demographics, comorbidities, renal function, whole blood count. and length of post-operative ward stay were retrieved. The association between clinical, biochemical and surgical factors and the length of hospital stay was explored by means of linear regression models. Results. A total of 743 subjects were included. Retrieved comorbidity included arterial hypertension (47%), dyslipidaemia (20%), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (12%) and diabetes mellitus (9%). The median length of post-operative hospital stay was 4 days (IQR: 2). Variables associated with linear increase of hospitalization length were the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) (Beta −0.01, 95% CI −0.02, 0), CKD (Beta 0.82, 95% CI 0.29, 1.34), duration of surgery (Beta 0.69, 95% CI 0.44, 0.94). After correction for multiple confounders, the CKD (a-Beta 1.58 95%CI 0.00 – 3.22) and operation time (a-Beta 0.67, 95% CI 0.42, 0.92) were consistently associated with the outcome. Conclusions. Our analysis demonstrated a significant role played by the eGFR (as an index of renal function) in influencing the length of hospital stay

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients present an increased medical risk; however, few studies analyze the outcomes of these patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. This study aimes to determine the incidence of hip fracture in SOT patients and to compare the outcomes of SOT patients with matched non-SOT controls after hip fracture fixation. A retrospective review identified 20 SOT patients with hip fracture at a single center from 2016 to 2021 and were matched (1:1) with a cohort of 20 patients with hip fracture without SOT. Patient outcomes, mortality/survival and clinical outcomes were compared between two groups. The incidence of hip fracture in SOT patients was 20/1787, 1.1%. There were significant differences in mortality rate (73.3% SOT group vs. 26.7% non-SOT group; p<0.05). There were no differences in survival time (p=0.746). There were no differences in time to surgery (5.0 days SOT group vs. 3.1 days non-SOT group; p=0.109), however, there were significant differences in the hospital length of stay (14 days SOT group vs. 8.6 days non-SOT group; p=0.018). There were no differences regarding the complication rate between the two groups (9/20, 45% vs. 6/20, 30% in the SOT and non-SOT groups, respectively). SOT patients with associated hip fracture required longer hospital length of stay than non-SOT patients. SOT patients did not show greater clinical complications; however, they presented higher mortality rate compared to non-SOT patients

Abstract. Objective. To investigate the safety and cost-effectiveness of interscalene brachial plexus block/regional anaesthesia (ISB-RA) in patients undergoing reverse total shoulder replacement. Methods. This retrospective study included 15 patients with symptomatic rotator cuff arthropathy who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) under ISB-RA without general anaesthesia in the beach chair position from 2010 to 2018. The mean patient age was 77 years (range 59–82 years). Patients had associated medical comorbidities: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 2–4. Assessed parameters were: duration of anaesthesia, intra-operative systolic blood pressure variation, sedation and vasopressor use, duration of post-operative recovery, recovery scores, length of stay, and complications. A robust cost analysis was also performed. Results. The mean (range) duration of anaesthesia was 38.66 (20–60) min. Maximum and minimum intra-operative systolic blood pressure ranges were 130–210 and 75–145 mmHg, respectively (mean [range] drop, 74.13 [33–125] mmHg). Mean (range) propofol dose was 1.74 (1–3.0) mg/kg/h. The Median (interquartile range) post-operative recovery time was 30 (20–50) min. The mean (range) postoperative recovery score (local scale, range 5–28 where lower values are superior) was 5.2 (5–8). The mean (range) length of stay was 8 (1–20 days); the two included patients with ASA grade 2 were both discharged within 24 hours. One patient with predisposing history developed pneumonia; however, there were no complications related to ISB-RA. The mean (range) cost per patient was £101.36 (£59.80-£132.20). Conclusions. Our data demonstrate that rTSA under ISB-RA is safe, cost-effective and a potentially viable alternative for patients with multiple comorbidities. Notably, patients with ASA grade 2 who underwent rTSA under ISB-RA had a reduced length of stay and were discharged within 24 hours

Mental disorders in particular depression and anxiety have been reported to be prevalent among patients with spinal pathologies. Goal of the current study was to analyze the relationship of Zung pre- and post-op score to other PROs and length of stay. Secondary outcomes included revision surgery and post-operative infections. Data from the international multicenter prospective spine degenerative surgery data repository, DegenPRO v1.1 (AO Spine Knowledge Forum Degenerative) were utilized. Patients undergoing cervical or lumbar procedure were included. Patient's demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index, surgical information, Zung score, NDI, pain related PROs and EQ-5D, and complications at surgery and at various post-op time periods. Except for hospital duration, data were analyzed, using multivariable mixed linear models. A robust linear regression model was used to assess the association between Zung score and hospital duration. All models were adjusted for gender and age. 42 patients had Zung score administered. Among those patients 22 (52%) were within normal range, 18 (43%) were mildly and 2 (5%) severely depressed. 62% of the patients had a lumbar pathology with fusion procedures being the most common. Median EQ-5D (3L) score at surgery was significantly higher (0.7, IQR: 0.4-0.7) for patients within normal range than for those with mild (0.4, IGR: 0.3-0.7) or severe depression (0.3, IQR: 0.3-0.3, p-value: 0.05). Compared to patients within normal Zung range, mixed models, indicated lower EQ-5D (3L) score values and higher values for neck and arm pain at surgery with both PROs and EQ-5D (3L) improving in patients with depression over the follow-up time. No association was found between Zung score and hospital length of stay. The initial analysis showed that 43% of the patients were mildly depressed and mainly male patients. Zung score was correlated with post-operative improvements in EQ-5D and arm and neck pain PROs

In recent years, reduction in the length of stay in patients undergoing UKA has gained considerable interest. This has led to development of ‘fast-track' and even day-case protocols aimed at decreasing length of stay (LOS), enhancing post-operative recovery and decreasing post-operative morbidity. One potential barrier to faster discharge and patient recovery is the need for post-operative haemoglobin checks and allogenic blood transfusion; which has been shown to increase LOS. Allogenic blood transfusion itself is not without risk, including immunological reactions, transfusion associated lung injury, infection and transmission of disease, thus reducing blood loss and the need for transfusion is imperative. Currently there is a knowledge gap regarding post-operative transfusion need and blood loss following UKA. We aimed to investigate blood loss and transfusion rates following UKA. Our primary aim was to evaluate the extent of post-operative transfusion need following UKA and identify which patients are at higher risk of needing transfusion. Following institutional approval, a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) at our level one academic university hospital was conducted. Operative records of all patients undergoing primary UKA were reviewed between March 2016 and March 2019. Patients' pre-operative haemoglobin and haematocrit, BMI, co-morbidities, application of tourniquet, tourniquet time, administration of Tranexamic Acid, need for post-operative blood transfusion, hospital length of stay, complications and re-admission were all recorded. Blood loss was estimated using the post-operative haematocrit. A total number of 155 patients were included. There were 70 females (45%) and 85 males (55%). The mean age was 66±10 years. Median pre-op blood volume was 4700mls (IQR; 4200–5100). Median blood loss was 600 mls (IQR; 400–830). Mean pre-op Haemoglobin was 135±14g/L and mean post-op Haemoglobin was 122±13g/L. No patient had a post-op Haemoglobin under 80g/L (Range 93–154). No patients in our study needed transfusion. A further comparison group of high-blood loss and low-blood loss patients was included in analysis. High-blood loss patients were defined as those losing greater than 20% of their pre-operative blood volume whilst low-blood loss patients were defined as those losing ≤20% of their blood volume. Results of these groups are presented in Table 3. No significance was found between the two groups in patient's demographics and in terms of intra-operative factors including TXA usage (p=0.68) and tourniquet time (p=0.99). There was no difference in terms of post-operative complications (p=1.0), length of stay (p=0.36) or readmission rates (p=0.59). The results of our study indicated that post-operative haemoglobin and haematocrit check proved unnecessary in all of our patients and could have been omitted from post-operative routines. We conclude that routine post UKA check of haemoglobin and haematocrit can be avoided and be saved for special circumstances depending on patient's physiology

Introduction and Objective. In anticipation of reduced workload and need for minimisation of staff contact with infectious patients during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Cairns Hospital reduced the junior orthopaedic staffing and absolved team structure. Materials and Methods. We performed a retrospective audit of our department's workload during a predetermined three week period during the 2020 lockdown and in 2019. Results. 699 patient referrals from Emergency Department were captured; 358 in 2019 and 341 in 2020, a decrease of 4.7%. The same proportion were admitted (64.5%); similar numbers required operative intervention; 51.7% (2019) vs 50.1% (2020). There was a small reduction in spine and neck of femur fracture presentations (2% and 0.9% respectively). Common presentations such as supracondylar fractures and distal radius fractures remained nearly unchanged (increased 0.7% and 0.2% respectively). Overall, the referred patients’ demographics were essentially unchanged. Department workforce was reduced by 45% (20 vs 11 doctors). Elective operating, excluding category 1, was suspended, resulting in an overall reduction of total admissions and operations by 29.7%. The average length of stay of inpatients increased by 25.3% (2.5 vs 3.16 days). Conclusions. During lockdown, the acute orthopaedic burden remained almost unchanged. Despite a reduction in inpatient patient load, the average length of stay increased. This was multifactorial, including staffing reduction disproportional to workload, loss of team structure and continuity of care, and government enforced restrictions to the Cape York region. This can be used in future for planning the staffing allocation if further lockdowns are enforced during this, or future, pandemic

Background. Orthopedic trauma patients can have significant pain management requirements. Patient satisfaction has been associated with pain control and narcotic use in previous studies. Due to the multifactorial nature of pain, various injury patterns, and differences in pain tolerances the relationship between patient factors and narcotic requirements are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to compare patient demographics for trauma patients requiring high doses of narcotics for pain control versus those with more minimal requirements. Methods. Our study sample included 300 consecutive trauma activations who presented to our emergency department during the 2015 calendar year. Opioids given to the patients during their hospital stay were converted to oral morphine equivalents using ratios available from the current literature. Patients were placed into two groups including those who were in the top 10% for average daily inpatient oral morphine equivalents and the other group was composed of the remaining patients. In addition to morphine equivalents, patient age, gender, injury severity score, length of stay, number of readmissions and urine toxicology results were also recorded. Injury severity score (ISS), morphine equivalents, and patient age were evaluated with the Shapiro-Wilk test of normality. Comparisons were performed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Between group comparisons for positive urine toxicology screen and gender were performed with Chi square and Fisher exact test. Pearson correlations were calculated between injury severity score, average daily oral morphine equivalents, and length of stay. P-value of 0.05 was used to represent significance. Statistical comparisons were made using SPSS version 23 (IBM, Aramonk, NY). Results. Median average daily morphine equivalents in the 10% of patients receiving the highest doses was 86.30 and 12.95 for the bottom 90%. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The median ISS between the 2 groups was significant (p=0.018). There was no significant difference in age, readmission rate, and urine toxicology results. Patients in the top 10% were more likely to be male (p=0.003). Median length of stay for the top 10% group and bottom 90% group was 4 days and 2 days, respectively (p=0.005). No correlation between injury severity score and length of stay was found (p=0.475). A weak correlation of 0.115 was found between morphine equivalents and length of stay (p=0.047). Discussion. Our study shows male gender and ISS were correlated with higher oral morphine equivalents for the 10% of patients receiving the highest daily amounts when compared to the reaminder of the cohort. There was a significantly increased length of stay in the patients receiving higher narcotic doses. Whether this is due to ISS or increase in narcotics is unclear. However, positive correlation was not found between ISS and length of stay

Background. Post-operative acute kidney injury is significant complication following surgery. Patients who develop AKI have an increased risk for progression into chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal failure and increased mortality risk. The patient outcomes following total knee replacement (TKR), who develop AKI has been a topic of interest in recent years as it may have patient and medicolegal implications. Nevertheless, there are no studies looking at the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of AKI following bilateral TKRs at the same sitting. Objectives. To determine the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of post-operative AKI following bilateral TKRs surgery at the same sitting. Methods. This was a retrospective single-centre study performed at the Princess Royal Hospital, which performed a total of 25 BTKR. The incidence, Surgical and patient risk factors were recorded and analysed. Results. The incidence of AKI as defined by NICE guidelines following bilateral TKRs was 20%. 16% (4 patients) had stage 1 and 4% (1 patient) had stage 2 AKI. The mean change in Creatinine between pre- and post-operative blood tests was +19μmol/L. There was a strong significant correlation between CKD and AKI (r=0.75, P<0.05). Furthermore, a moderate correlation was found between higher BMI and pre-operative Charlson index and AKI. AKI did not have an effect on the length of inpatient stay with the mean inpatient length of stay for patients who had an AKI of 10 days compared to 11days for those who did not. All AKIs were resolved within 72 hours. There were no associated mortalities with AKI. Conclusion. The incidence of AKI following bilateral TKR was 20%. Pre-operative chronic kidney disease as well as having a higher BMI were identified as risk factors for developing AKI. Pre-operative CKD optimisation and careful adequate hydration intra-operatively should be considered in these patients. AKI was not associated with an increased length of stay or mortality in our study

Posterior spinal surgery is associated with a significant amount of blood loss. The factors predisposing the patient to excessive bleeding-and therefore transfusion- are not well established nor is the effect of transfusion on the outcomes following spinal surgery. We had two goals in this study. First, we were to investigate any suspected risk factors of transfusion in posterior thoraco-lumbar fusion patients. Second, we wanted to observe the negative impact-if one existed- of transfusion on the outcomes of surgery. All adults undergoing posterior thoraco-lumbar spine fusion in our institution from May 2015 to May 2018 were included. Data collected included demographic data as well as BMI, preoperative hemoglobin, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (ASA), delta Hemoglobin, estimated blood loss, incidence of transfusion, number of units transfused, number of levels fused, length of stay and re-admission within 30 days. The data was analyzed to correlate these variables with the frequency of transfusion and then to assess the association of adverse outcomes with transfusion. 125 patients were included in the study. Only 6 patients (4.8%) required re-admission within the first 30 days after discharge. Length of stay averaged 8.4 days (3–74). 18 patients (14.4%) required transfusion peri-operatively. When multiple variables were analyzed for any correlation, the number of levels fused, age and BMI had statistically significant correlation with the need for transfusion (P <0.005). Patients undergoing posterior thoraco-lumbar fusion are more likely to require blood transfusion if they were older, over-weight & obese or had a multi-level fusion. Receiving blood transfusion is associated with increased complication rates

To conduct a meta-analysis for intertrochanteric hip fractures comparing in terms of efficacy and safety short versus long intralomedullary nails. A pubmed search of the last 10 years for intertrochanteric fracture 31A1-31A3 according to the AO/OTA classification was performed. Baseline characteristics of each article were obtained, complication measures were analyzed: Peri-implant fracture, reoperations, deep/superficial infection, and mortality. Clinical variables consisted of blood loss (mL), length of stay (days), time of surgery (min) and nº of transfusions. Functional outcomes were also recorded. A meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.4. Twelve studies were included, nine were retrospective. The reoperations rate was lower in the short nail group and the peri-implant fracture rate was lower in the long nail group (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.88) (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.43). Surgery time and blood loss was significantly higher in the long nail group (MD −12.44, 95% CI −14.60 to −10.28) (MD −19.36, 95% CI −27.24 to −11.48). There were no differences in functional outcomes. The short intramedullary nail has a higher risk of peri-implant fracture; however, the reoperation rate is lower compared to the long nail. Blood loss and surgery time was higher in the long nail group

Abstract. There are numerous advantages of discharging patients early after any surgery. Day case arthroplasty in hip and knee is already brought into practice at many centres. We present our journey towards discharging elective shoulder arthroplasty patient on same after their surgery. An initial retrospective study of patients who underwent elective shoulder replacement between 2017 and 2020 were studied. It was identified that a selected group of patients could be discharged on the same of their surgery. The criteria to select a patient for this service was laid down that include ASA 1 or 2, good family support on discharge, personal wishes of patients and early identification of potential patients in the clinic and planning for day case shoulder arthroplasty56 consecutive patients underwent elective arthroplasty of shoulder. Among them 22 patients were discharges on the next day of surgery. The potential patients those could discharged on same were identified to be 11 out of 22 were under ASA 2 and had good family support at home on discharge. Average length of stay after surgery was 2.17 days. We have prospectively discharged 2 patients following the new criteria. This study demonstrates how outpatient elective shoulder could be implemented at other centres. Patient participation and selection with proper planning is key for success here. Declaration of Interest. (a) fully declare any financial or other potential conflict of interest

Abstract. Objectives. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of immediate weight-bearing (IWB) and range of motion exercise regimes following ORIF of unstable ankle fractures with a particular focus on functional outcomes and complication rates. Methods. A pragmatic randomised controlled multicentre trial, comparing IWB in a walking boot and ROM within 24 hours versus NWB and immobilisation in a cast for six weeks, following ORIF of all types of unstable adult ankle fractures. The exclusion criteria are skeletal immaturity and tibial plafond fractures. The primary outcome measure is the functional Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes include wound infection, displacement of osteosynthesis, the full arc of ankle motion, RAND-36 Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scoring, time to return to work and postoperative hospital length of stay. Results. We recruited 160 patients with an unstable ankle fracture. Participants’ ages ranged from 15 to 94 years (M = 45.5, SD = 17.2), with 54% identified as female. The mean time from injury to surgical fixation was 1.3 days (0 to 17 days). Patients in the IWB group had a 9.5-point higher mean OMAS at six weeks postoperatively (95% CI 1.48, 17.52) P = 0.021 with a similar result at three months. The complications rate was similar in both groups. The rate of surgical site infection was 4.3%. One patient had DVT, and another patient had a PE, both were randomised to NWB. Length of hospital stay was 1 ± 1.5 (0, 12) for the IWB group vs 1.5 ± 2.5 (0, 19) for the NWB group. Conclusion. In this large multicentre RCT, we investigated WB following ORIF of all ankle fracture patterns in the usual care condition using standard fixation methods. Our result suggests that IWB following ankle fracture fixation is safe and resulted in a better functional outcome

INTRODUCTION. Preoperative optimization and protocols for joint replacement care pathways have led to decreased length of stay (LOS), decreased narcotic use and are increasingly important in delivering quality, cost savings and shifting appropriate cases to an outpatient setting. The intraoperative use of vasopressors is independently associated with increased length of stay, risk of adverse postoperative events including death and in total hip arthroplasty there is an increased risk for ICU admission. Our aim is to characterize the patient characteristics associated with vasopressor use specifically in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed 748 patients undergoing inpatient primary total knee arthroplasty at a single academic institution by two surgeons from 1/1/17 to 12/21/18. Demographics, comorbidities, perioperative factors and intraoperative medication administration were compared with multivariate regression to identify patients who may require intraoperative vasopressors. RESULTS. Seven hundred-forty eight patients underwent total knee arthroplasty and 439 patients required intraoperative vasopressors while 307 did not require vasopressors. Significant predictors of vasopressor use were male sex (p=0.035), history of prior cerebrovascular event (p=0.041) and older age (p=0.048). NPO time, anesthesia provider level of training, operative time, and intraoperative mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not significant predictors of vasopressor use intra-operatively during total knee arthroplasty. CONCLUSION. In this study, nearly fifty-nine percent of patients undergoing TKA received intraoperative vasopressor support. Male gender, history of stroke and older age were significantly associated with increased intraoperative vasopressor use. Surgical time and case order do not appear to be optimizable factors to minimize the use of vasopressors in TKA. Our results highlight variation in anesthesia practices and an opportunity to standardize vasopressor triggers and identify patients who may require vasopressor support during preoperative optimization and selection of their surgical setting