We examined the risk of thrombotic and major
bleeding events in patients undergoing total hip and knee replacement
(THR and TKR) treated with thromboprophylaxis, using nationwide
population-based databases. We identified 83 756 primary procedures
performed between 1997 and 2011. The outcomes were symptomatic venous thromboembolism
(VTE),
Aims. Our main aim was to describe the trend in the comorbidities of patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and knee arthroplasties (KAs) between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2018 in England. Methods. We combined data from the National Joint Registry (NJR) on primary elective hip and knee arthroplasties performed between 2005 and 2018 with pre-existing conditions recorded at the time of their primary operation from Hospital Episodes Statistics. We described the temporal trend in the number of comorbidities identified using the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and how this varied by age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, index of multiple deprivation, and type of KA. Results. We included 696,504 and 833,745 elective primary THAs and KAs respectively, performed for any indication. Between 2005 and 2018, the proportion of elective THA and KA patients with one or more comorbidity at the time of their operation increased substantially (THA: 20% to 38%, KA: 22% to 41%). This was driven by increases in four conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (2018: ~17%), diabetes without complications (2018: THA 10%, KA 14%),
In our department we use an enhanced recovery
protocol for joint replacement of the lower limb. This incorporates the
use of intravenous tranexamic acid (IVTA; 15 mg/kg) at the induction
of anaesthesia. Recently there was a national shortage of IVTA for
18 weeks; during this period all patients received an oral preparation
of tranexamic acid (OTA; 25 mg/kg). This retrospective study compares
the safety (surgical and medical complications) and efficacy (reduction
of transfusion requirements) of OTA and IVTA. During the study period
a total of 2698 patients received IVTA and 302 received OTA. After
adjusting for a range of patient and surgical factors, the odds
ratio (OR) of receiving a blood transfusion was significantly higher
with IVTA than with OTA (OR 0.48 (95% confidence interval 0.26 to
0.89), p = 0.019), whereas the safety profile was similar, based
on length of stay, rate of readmission, return to theatre, deep
infection, stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding,
The primary aim was to assess whether preoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was associated with postoperative mortality following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and knee arthroplasty (KA). Secondary aims were to assess whether patient demographics/comorbidities and/or joint-specific function were associated with postoperative mortality. Patients undergoing THA (n = 717) and KA (n = 742) during a one-year period were identified retrospectively from an arthroplasty register. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Oxford score, and EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D) were recorded preoperatively. Patients were followed up for a minimum of seven years and their mortality status was obtained. Cox regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding.Aims
Methods
Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and fracture-related infections (FRIs) are associated with a significant risk of adverse events. However, there is a paucity of data on cardiac complications following revision surgery for PJI and FRI and how they impact overall mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the risk of perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) and mortality in this patient cohort. We prospectively included consecutive patients at high cardiovascular risk (defined as age ≥ 45 years with pre-existing coronary, peripheral, or cerebrovascular artery disease, or any patient aged ≥ 65 years, plus a postoperative hospital stay of > 24 hours) undergoing septic or aseptic major orthopaedic surgery between July 2014 and October 2016. All patients received a systematic screening to reliably detect PMI, using serial measurements of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T. All-cause mortality was assessed at one year. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to compare incidence of PMI and mortality between patients undergoing septic revision surgery for PJI or FRI, and patients receiving aseptic major bone and joint surgery.Aims
Methods
It is unclear whether mortality outcomes differ for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery who are readmitted to the index hospital where their surgery was performed, or to another hospital. We analyzed linked hospital and death records for residents of New South Wales, Australia, aged ≥ 18 years who had an emergency readmission within 90 days following THA or TKA surgery between 2003 and 2022. Multivariable modelling was used to identify factors associated with non-index readmission and to evaluate associations of readmission destination (non-index vs index) with 90-day and one-year mortality.Aims
Methods
Day-case success rates after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (mUKA) may vary, and detailed data are needed on causes of not being discharged. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between surgical procedure type and successful day-case surgery, and to analyze causes of not being discharged on the day of surgery when eligible and scheduled for day-case THA, TKA, and mUKA. A multicentre, prospective consecutive cohort study was carried out from September 2022 to August 2023. Patients were screened for day-case eligibility using well defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and discharged when fulfilling predetermined discharge criteria. Day-case eligible patients were scheduled for surgery with intended start of surgery before 1.00 pm.Aims
Methods
The primary aim was to assess change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients as they waited from six to 12 months for a total hip (THA) or total or partial knee arthroplasty (KA). Secondary aims were to assess change in joint-specific function, mental health, quality of sleep, number living in a state worse than death (WTD), wellbeing, and patient satisfaction with their healthcare. This prospective study included 142 patients awaiting a THA (mean age 66.7 years (SD 11.4); 71 female) and 214 patients awaiting KA (mean age 69.7 years (SD 8.7); 117 female). Patients completed questionnaires (EuroQol five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D), Oxford Hip and Knee Scores (OHS/OKS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS), University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale, wellbeing assessment, and satisfaction with their healthcare) at six and 12 months while awaiting surgery.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to determine the association between prior sleeve gastrectomy in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty, and 90-day complications, incidence of revision arthroplasty, and patient-reported outcome scores at final follow-up. This is a retrospective, single-centre analysis. Patients undergoing primary hip or knee arthroplasty with a prior sleeve gastrectomy were eligible for inclusion (n = 80 patients). A morbidly obese control group was established from the same institutional registry using a 1:2 match, for cases:controls with arthroplasty based on propensity score using age, sex, pre-sleeve gastrectomy BMI, Current Procedural Terminology code to identify anatomical location, and presurgical haemoglobin A1C. Outcomes included 90-day complications, incidence of revision arthroplasty, and patient-reported outcome scores at final follow-up. Multivariable logistic regressions evaluated associations of underlying preoperative demographic and treatment characteristics with outcomes.Aims
Methods
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is now commonly used in major surgical operations including orthopaedics. The TRAC-24 randomized control trial (RCT) aimed to assess if an additional 24 hours of TXA postoperatively in primary total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) reduced blood loss. Contrary to other orthopaedic studies to date, this trial included high-risk patients. This paper presents the results of a cost analysis undertaken alongside this RCT. TRAC-24 was a prospective RCT on patients undergoing TKA and THA. Three groups were included: Group 1 received 1 g intravenous (IV) TXA perioperatively and an additional 24-hour postoperative oral regime, Group 2 received only the perioperative dose, and Group 3 did not receive TXA. Cost analysis was performed out to day 90.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to determine satisfaction rates after hip and knee arthroplasty in patients who did not respond to postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), characteristics of non-responders, and contact preferences to maximize response rates. A prospective cohort study of patients planned to undergo hip arthroplasty (n = 713) and knee arthroplasty (n = 737) at a UK university teaching hospital who had completed preoperative PROMs questionnaires, including the EuroQol five-dimension health-related quality of life score, and Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Follow-up questionnaires were sent by post at one year, including satisfaction scoring. Attempts were made to contact patients who did not initially respond. Univariate, logistic regression, and receiver operator curve analysis was performed.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a pilot enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme on length of stay (LOS) and post-discharge resource usage via service evaluation and cost analysis. Between May and December 2019, 100 patients requiring hip or knee arthroplasty were enrolled with the intention that each would have a preadmission discharge plan, a preoperative education class with nominated helper, a day of surgery admission and mobilization, a day one discharge, and access to a 24/7 dedicated helpline. Each was matched with a patient under the pre-existing pathway from the previous year.Aims
Methods
While preoperative bloodwork is routinely ordered, its value in determining which patients are at risk of postoperative readmission following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine which routinely ordered preoperative blood markers have the strongest association with acute hospital readmission for patients undergoing elective TKA and THA. Two population-based retrospective cohorts were assembled for all adult primary elective TKA (n = 137,969) and THA (n = 78,532) patients between 2011 to 2018 across 678 North American hospitals using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Programme (ACS-NSQIP) registry. Six routinely ordered preoperative blood markers - albumin, haematocrit, platelet count, white blood cell count (WBC), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and sodium level - were queried. The association between preoperative blood marker values and all-cause readmission within 30 days of surgery was compared using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression adjusted for relevant patient and treatment factors.Aims
Methods
Recent improvements in surgical technique and perioperative blood management after total joint replacement (TJR) have decreased rates of transfusion. However, as many surgeons transition to outpatient TJR, obtaining routine postoperative blood tests becomes more challenging. Therefore, we sought to determine if a preoperative outpatient assessment tool that stratifies patients based on numerous medical comorbidities could predict who required postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) measurement. We performed a prospective study of consecutive unilateral primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) and total hip arthroplasties (THAs) performed at a single institution. Prospectively collected data included preoperative and postoperative Hb levels, need for blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and Outpatient Arthroplasty Risk Assessment (OARA) score.Aims
Methods
The EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire is a widely used multiattribute general health questionnaire where an EQ-5D < 0 defines a state ‘worse than death’ (WTD). The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a health state WTD and to identify associations with this state. Secondary aims were to examine the effect of WTD status on one-year outcomes. A cross-sectional analysis of 2073 patients undergoing 2073 THAs (mean age 67.4 years (Aims
Patients and Methods
Antifibrinolytic agents, including tranexamic acid (TXA) and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), have been shown to be safe and effective for decreasing perioperative blood loss and transfusion following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there are few prospective studies that directly compare these agents. The purpose of this study was to compare the benefits of intraoperative intravenous TXA with EACA. A total of 235 patients (90 THA and 145 TKA) were enrolled in this prospective, randomized controlled trial at a single tertiary-care referral centre. In the THA cohort, 53.3% of the patients were female with a median age of 59.8 years (interquartile range (IQR) 53.3 to 68.1). In the TKA cohort, 63.4% of the patients were female with a median age of 65.1 years (IQR 59.4 to 69.5). Patients received either TXA (n = 119) or EACA (n = 116) in two doses intraoperatively. The primary outcome measures included change in haemoglobin level and blood volume, postoperative drainage, and rate of transfusion. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative complications, cost, and length of stay (LOS).Aims
Patients and Methods
We performed a meta-analysis of modern total
joint replacement (TJR) to determine the post-operative mortality and
the cause of death using different thromboprophylactic regimens
as follows: 1) no routine chemothromboprophylaxis (NRC); 2) Potent
anticoagulation (PA) (unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin, ximelagatran,
fondaparinux or rivaroxaban); 3) Potent anticoagulation combined
(PAC) with regional anaesthesia and/or pneumatic compression devices
(PCDs); 4) Warfarin (W); 5) Warfarin combined (WAC) with regional anaesthesia
and/or PCD; and 6) Multimodal (MM) prophylaxis, including regional
anaesthesia, PCDs and aspirin in low-risk patients. Cause of death
was classified as autopsy proven, clinically certain or unknown.
Deaths were grouped into cardiopulmonary excluding pulmonary embolism
(PE), PE, bleeding-related, gastrointestinal, central nervous system,
and others (miscellaneous). Meta-analysis based on fixed effects
or random effects models was used for pooling incidence data. In all, 70 studies were included (99 441 patients; 373 deaths).
The mortality was lowest in the MM (0.2%) and WC (0.2%) groups.
The most frequent cause of death was cardiopulmonary (47.9%), followed
by PE (25.4%) and bleeding (8.9%). The proportion of deaths due
to PE was not significantly affected by the thromboprophylaxis regimen (PA, 35.5%;
PAC, 28%; MM, 23.2%; and NRC, 16.3%). Fatal bleeding was higher
in groups relying on the use of anticoagulation (W, 33.8%; PA, 9.4%;
PAC, 10.8%) but the differences were not statistically significant. Our study demonstrated that the routine use of PA does not reduce
the overall mortality or the proportion of deaths due to PE.
We studied 4253 patients undergoing primary joint replacement between November 2002 and November 2007, of whom 4060 received aspirin only as chemical prophylaxis; 46 were mistakenly given low molecular weight heparin initially, which was stopped and changed to aspirin; 136 received no chemoprophylaxis and 11 patients received warfarin because of a previous history of pulmonary embolism. We identified the rate of clinical thromboembolism before and after discharge, and the mortality from pulmonary embolism at 90 days. The overall death rate was 0.31% (13 of 4253) and the rate of fatal pulmonary embolism was 0.07% (3 of 4253). Our data suggest that fatal pulmonary embolism is not common following elective primary joint replacement, and with modern surgical practice elective hip and knee replacement should no longer be considered high-risk procedures.
Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication of surgery
with an incidence of about 1% in the United Kingdom. Sutures can
lead to the development of a SSI, as micro-organisms can colonize
the suture as it is implanted. Triclosan-coated sutures, being antimicrobical,
were developed to reduce the rate of SSI. Our aim was to assess
whether triclosan-coated sutures cause a reduction in SSIs following
arthroplasty of the hip and knee. This two-arm, parallel, double-blinded study involved 2546 patients
undergoing elective total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty
(TKA) at three hospitals. A total of 1323 were quasi-randomized
to a standard suture group, and 1223 being quasi-randomized to the
triclosan-coated suture group. The primary endpoint was the rate
of SSI at 30 days postoperatively.Aims
Patients and Methods
Using general practitioner records and hospital
notes and through direct telephone conversation with patients, we investigated
the accuracy of nine patient-reported complications gathered from
a self-completed questionnaire after elective joint replacement
surgery of the hip and knee. A total of 402 post-discharge complications
were reported after 8546 elective operations that were undertaken
within a three-year period. These were reported by 136 men and 240
women with a mean age of 71.8 years (34 to 93). A total of 319 reported
complications (79.4%; 95% confidence interval 75.4 to 83.3) were
confirmed to be correct. High rates of correct reporting were demonstrated
for infection (94.5%) and the need for further surgery (100%), whereas
the rates of reporting deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism,
myocardial infarction and stroke were lower (75% to 84.2%). Dislocation,
peri-prosthetic fractures and nerve palsy had modest rates of correct
reporting (36% to 57.1%). More patients who had knee surgery delivered
incorrect reports of dislocation (p = 0.001) and DVT (p = 0.013). Despite these variations, it appears that post-operative complications
may form part of a larger patient-reported outcome programme after
elective joint replacement surgery.
