The interest in day-case hip arthroplasty is increasing; however, there are conflicting results regarding readmission risk, and little is known about patients’ attitude towards day-case surgery. We aimed to investigate differences in 30-day readmission rates between day-case patients and single-overnight-stay patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and explore patients’ attitude towards day-case surgery. From the Danish National Patient Register we identified 29,486 THAs (1353 day-case THAs and 28,133 single-overnight-stay THAs) performed between 2010 and 2020. Day-case surgery was defined as discharge on the day-of-surgery. Overnight admissions within 30 days of surgery were considered readmissions. Differences in readmission rates between day-case and single-overnight-stay patients were investigated using logistic regression adjusted for patient characteristics and year of surgery. In a single-center descriptive study, 2395 hip arthroplasty patients from 2016 to start-2023 answered a questionnaire on patient characteristics, attitude towards day-case surgery and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM). The overall 30-day readmission rate was 4.4% (CI: 4.2–4.6%) with no difference between day-case (4.4%) and single-overnight-stay THAs (4.4%) (odds-ratio: 1.2 [CI: 0.91–1.6]). In the descriptive study answers to the question whether patients were interested in being discharged on the day of surgery, were: “Yes” = 41%, “Do not know” = 20%, “No” = 39%. Patients responding “No” had lower preoperative PROM-scores, were older (“No” = 70.2 y vs. “Yes” = 65.3 y), and more often female (“No” = 72% vs. “Yes” = 52% female). Based on nationwide data from 2010–2020, day-case THA patients were not more likely to be readmitted compared to single-overnight-stay patients. However, most patients were not positive towards day-case surgery. While surgeons may consider day-case surgery to be safe, patients are not intuitively positive, indicating an attitude mismatch. To achieve high success rate and patient satisfaction in day-case surgery, shared-decision making initiatives within day-case surgery are needed

Data on early morbidity and complications after revision total hip replacement (THR) are limited. The aim of this nationwide study was to describe and quantify early morbidity after aseptic revision THR and relate the morbidity to the extent of the revision surgical procedure. We analysed all aseptic revision THRs from 1st October 2009 to 30th September 2011 using the Danish National Patient Registry, with additional information from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry. There were 1553 procedures (1490 patients) performed in 40 centres and we divided them into total revisions, acetabular component revisions, femoral stem revisions and partial revisions. The mean age of the patients was 70.4 years (25 to 98) and the median hospital stay was five days (interquartile range 3 to 7). Within 90 days of surgery, the readmission rate was 18.3%, mortality rate 1.4%, re-operation rate 6.1%, dislocation rate 7.0% and infection rate 3.0%. There were no differences in these outcomes between high- and low-volume centres. Of all readmissions, 255 (63.9%) were due to ‘surgical’ complications versus 144 (36.1%) ‘medical’ complications. Importantly, we found no differences in early morbidity across the surgical subgroups, despite major differences in the extent and complexity of operations. However, dislocations and the resulting morbidity represent the major challenge for improvement in aseptic revision THR.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1464–71.

Studies and meta-analyses worldwide show an increased use of one-stage revisions for treating periprosthetic hip infections, often yielding comparable or better outcomes than two-stage revisions. However, it remains unclear if these successful results can be consistently achieved nationwide besides large centers. This observational cohort study used data from the German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD) to compare the mortality and re-revision rates between one-stage (n=8183) and two-stage (n=657) first-time revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA). Kaplan-Meier estimates were applied to evaluate the re-revision rate and cumulative mortality for RTHA. There was a significant difference in mortality between one-stage and two-stage RTHA (p=0.02). One-year post-surgery, the mortality rate was 9.4% for one-stage revisions and 5.5% for two-stage revisions. At the five-year follow-up, the mortality rate for one-stage revisions was 25.5%, compared to 20.0% for two-stage revisions. No significant differences (p=0.30) were found in re-revision rates between one-stage and two-stage revisions after one year (one-stage 16.5% vs. two-stage 13.5%) or five years (one-stage 21.6% vs. two-stage 20.8%). For multiple revisions, the mortality differences were even larger (p<0.001), with a one-year mortality rate of 12.8% for one-stage RTHA and 5.7% for two-stage RTHA. Despite the excellent results of one-stage RTHA in the literature from individual large centers, it shows a significantly higher mortality rate with equal re-revision rate compared to two-stage revision in the nationwide care besides large centers. Significant differences can already be seen within the first year, indicating an increased perioperative mortality for one-stage revision, which might be explained by longer surgery duration, blood-loss and patient selection or maybe a lack of experience concerning proper surgical debridement for one-stage revision. This illustrates the need to establish centers for joint-revision surgery that provide interdisciplinary care and high case numbers to improve perioperative outcomes

Aims. The primary aim was to determine the influence of COVID-19 on 30-day mortality following hip fracture. Secondary aims were to determine predictors of COVID-19 status on presentation and later in the admission; the rate of hospital acquired COVID-19; and the predictive value of negative swabs on admission. Methods. A nationwide multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients presenting with a hip fracture to 17 Scottish centres in March and April 2020. Demographics, presentation blood tests, COVID-19 status, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, management, length of stay, and 30-day mortality were recorded. Results. In all, 78/833 (9.4%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. The 30-day survival of patients with COVID-19 was significantly lower than for those without (65.4% vs 91%; p < 0.001). Diagnosis of COVID-19 within seven days of admission (likely community acquired) was independently associated with male sex (odds ratio (OR) 2.34, p = 0.040, confidence interval (CI) 1.04 to 5.25) and symptoms of COVID-19 (OR 15.56, CI 6.61 to 36.60, p < 0.001). Diagnosis of COVID-19 made between seven and 30 days of admission to hospital (likely hospital acquired) was independently associated with male sex (OR 1.73, CI 1.05 to 2.87, p = 0.032), Nottingham Hip Fracture Score ≥ 7 (OR 1.91, CI 1.09 to 3.34, p = 0.024), pulmonary disease (OR 1.68, CI 1.00 to 2.81, p = 0.049), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade ≥ 3 (OR 2.37, CI 1.13 to 4.97, p = 0.022), and length of stay ≥ nine days (OR 1.98, CI 1.18 to 3.31, p = 0.009). A total of 38 (58.5%) COVID-19 cases were probably hospital acquired infections. The false-negative rate of a negative swab on admission was 0% in asymptomatic patients and 2.9% in symptomatic patients. Conclusion. COVID-19 was independently associated with a three times increased 30-day mortality rate. Nosocomial transmission may have accounted for approximately half of all cases during the first wave of the pandemic. Identification of risk factors for having COVID-19 on admission or acquiring COVID-19 in hospital may guide pathways for isolating or shielding patients respectively. Length of stay was the only modifiable risk factor, which emphasizes the importance of high-quality and timely care in this patient group. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):888–897

We present the development and results of a nationwide, prospective, observational follow-up programme including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register. The programme started in 2002 and has gradually expanded to include all units performing total hip replacement in Sweden. The self-administered PROMs protocol comprises the EQ-5D instrument, the Charnley class categorisation and visual analogue scales for pain and satisfaction. These current analyses include 34 960 total hip replacements with complete pre- and one-year post-operative questionnaires. Patients eligible for total hip replacement generally report low health-related quality of life and suffer from pain. One year post-operatively the mean EQ-5D index increased to above the level of an age- and gender-matched population, with a considerable reduction of pain (p < 0.001). Females, younger patients and those with Charnley category C reported a lower EQ-5D index pre-operatively than males, older patients and Charnley category A or B, respectively (all p < 0.001). In a multivariable regression analysis Charnley category C, male gender and higher age were associated with less improvement in health-related quality of life (p < 0.001). Nationwide implementation of a PROMs programme requires a structured organisation and effective data capture. Patients’ response rates to the Registry are good. The continuous collection of PROMs permits local and national improvement work and allows for further health-economic evaluation

Aims. Increasingly, patients with bilateral hip arthritis wish to undergo staged total hip arthroplasty (THA). With the rise in demand for arthroplasty, perioperative risk assessment and counselling is crucial for shared decision making. However, it is unknown if complications that occur after a unilateral hip arthroplasty predict complications following surgery of the contralateral hip. Patients and Methods. We used nationwide linked discharge data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project between 2005 and 2014 to analyze the incidence and recurrence of complications following the first- and second-stage operations in staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (BTHAs). Complications included perioperative medical adverse events within 30 to 60 days, and infection and mechanical complications within one year. Conditional probabilities and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to determine whether experiencing a complication after the first stage of surgery increased the risk of developing the same complication after the second stage. Results. A total of 13 829 patients (5790 men and 8039 women) who underwent staged BTHAs were analyzed. The mean age at first operation was 62.9 years (14 to 95). For eight of the 12 outcomes evaluated, patients who experienced the outcome following the first arthroplasty had a significantly increased probability and odds of developing that same complication following the second arthroplasty, compared with those who did not experience the complication after the first surgery. This was true for digestive complications (OR 25.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.86 to 46.08; p < 0.001), urinary complications (OR 6.48, 95% CI 1.7 to 20.73; p = 0.01), haematoma (OR 12.17, 95% CI 4.55 to 31.14; p < 0.001), deep vein thrombosis (OR 4.82, 95% CI 2.34 to 9.65; p < 0.001), pulmonary embolism (OR 12.03, 95% CI 2.02 to 46.77; p = 0.01), deep hip infection (OR 534.21, 95% CI 314.96 to 909.25; p < 0.001), superficial hip infection (OR 1574.99, 95% CI 269.83 to 9291.81; p < 0.001), and mechanical malfunction (OR 117.49, 95% CI 91.55 to 150.34; p < 0.001). Conclusion. The occurrence of certain complications after unilateral THA is associated with an increased risk of the same complication occurring after staged arthroplasty of the contralateral hip. Patients who experience these complications after unilateral hip arthroplasty should be appropriately counselled regarding their risk profile prior to undergoing staged contralateral hip arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):77–83

Aims. Earlier studies dealing with trends in the management of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) identified an increasing rate of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and a decreasing rate of joint-preserving procedures between 1992 and 2008. In an effort to assess new trends in the management of this condition, this study evaluated the annual trends of joint-preserving versus arthroplasties for patients aged < or > 50 years old, and the incidence of specific operative management techniques. Methods. A total of 219,371 patients with ONFH were identified from a nationwide database between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2015. The mean age was 54 years (18 to 90) and 105,298 (48%) were female. The diagnosis was made using International Classification of Disease, Ninth revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) procedure codes. The percentage of patients managed using each procedure during each year was calculated and compared between years. The trends in the use of the types of procedure were also evaluated. Results. The rate of joint-preserving procedures was significantly higher in patients aged < 50 years compared with those aged > 50 years (4.93% vs 1.52%; p < 0.001). For the overall cohort, rates of arthroplasty were far greater than those for joint-preserving procedures. THA was the most commonly performed procedure (291,114; 94.03%), while osteotomy (3,598; 1.16%), partial arthroplasty (9,171; 2.96%), core decompression (1,200; 0.39%), and bone graft (3,026; 0.98%) were performed markedly less frequently. The annual percentage of patients managed using a THA (93.56% to 89.52%; p < 0.001), resurfacing (1.22% to 0.19%; p < 0.001), and osteotomy (1.31% to 1.05%; p < 0.001) also decreased during the study period. Conclusion. We found that patients with ONFH have been most commonly managed with non-joint-preserving procedures. Our findings provide valuable insight into the current management of this condition and should increase efforts being made to save the hip joint. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):122–128

Aims. It has been suggested that cemented fixation of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with an increased peri-operative mortality compared with cementless THA. Our aim was to investigate this through a nationwide matched cohort study adjusting for age, comorbidity, and socioeconomic background. Patients and Methods. A total of 178 784 patients with osteoarthritis who underwent either cemented or cementless THA from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register were matched with 862 294 controls from the general population. Information about the causes of death, comorbidities, and socioeconomic background was obtained. Mortality within the first 90 days after the operation was the primary outcome measure. Results. Patients who underwent cemented THA had an increased risk of death during the first 14 days compared with the controls (hazard ratio (HR) 1.3, confidence interval (CI) 1.11 to 1.44), corresponding to an absolute increase in risk of five deaths per 10 000 observations. No such early increase of risk was seen in those who underwent cementless THA. Between days 15 and 29 the risk of mortality was decreased for those with cemented THA (HR 0.7, CI 0.62 to 0.87). Between days 30 and 90 all patients undergoing THA, irrespective of the mode of fixation, had a lower risk of death than controls. Patients selected for cementless fixation were younger, healthier and had a higher level of education and income than those selected for cemented THA. A supplementary analysis of 16 556 hybrid THAs indicated that cementation of the femoral component was associated with a slight increase in mortality up to 15 days, whereas no such increase in mortality was seen in those with a cemented acetabular component combined with a cementless femoral component. Conclusion. This nationwide matched cohort study indicates that patients receiving cemented THA have a minimally increased relative risk of early mortality that is reversed from day 15 and thereafter. The absolute increase in risk is very small. Our findings lend support to the idea that cementation of the femoral component is more dangerous than cementation of the acetabular component. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:37–43

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to analyze trends in the surgical management of ON in recent years. Specifically, we evaluated the annual prevalences of: 1) joint preserving procedures (osteotomies and core decompression/grafts) and 2) joint non-preserving procedures (total hip arthroplasties [THAs], revision THAs, partial THAs) for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) between 2009 and 2016. Background. A total of 406,239 ONFH patients who were treated between 2009 and 2016 were identified from a nationwide database. Treatment procedures were extracted using ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM procedure codes. Annual rates of each of the above procedures were calculated and the trends in the procedure types were also evaluated. Chi-square tests were performed to compare the annual prevalence of each procedure. The mean annual prevalence over the 8-year study period was calculated for each procedure. Results. Throughout the study period, the number of joint preserving procedures steadily increased by 27%. In the earliest year studied, 2009, 41% (n=19,559) of the total procedures for ONFH were joint-preserving compared to 52% (n=13,715) in 2016. The rates of joint non-preserving procedures decreased (59 to 48%) over the same period (Figure 1). There was a decreasing annual prevalence of THAs (88 to 82%), revision THAs (2.0 to 1.4%), partial THAs (3.4 to 2.3%), osteotomies (4.2 to 3.2%), and core decompression (1.9 to 1.4%) throughout the study period (p<0.001). Throughout the 8-year period, THA was most commonly performed (mean annual prevalence 83%) whereas osteotomies (3.7%), partial THA (2.8%), core decompression/graft (1.9%), and revision THA (1.5%) were less commonly performed. Conclusion. In order to better understand trends in ONFH management, this study evaluated the annual prevalence of 5 commonly performed procedures. Although earlier data indicated decreasing rates of joint preserving procedure, this study found ONFH management has shifted more towards these procedures. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

While an increasing amount of arthroplasty articles report comorbidity measures, none have been validated for outcomes. In this study, we compared commonly used International Classification of Diseases-based comorbidity measures with re-operation rates after total hip replacement (THR). Scores used included the Charlson, the Royal College of Surgeons Charlson, and the Elixhauser comorbidity score. We identified a nationwide cohort of 134 423 THRs from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register. Re-operations were registered post-operatively for up to 12 years. The hazard ratio was estimated by Cox’s proportional hazards regression, and we used C-statistics to assess each measure’s ability to predict re-operation. Confounding variables were age, gender, type of implant fixation, hospital category, hospital implant volume and year of surgery. In the first two years only the Elixhauser score showed any significant relationship with increased risk of re-operation, with increased scores for both one to two and three or more comorbidities. However, the predictive C-statistic in this period for the Elixhauser score was poor (0.52). None of the measures proved to be of any value between two and 12 years. They might be of value in large cohort or registry studies, but not for the individual patient. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1184–91

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

Several different designs of hemiarthroplasty are used to treat intracapsular fractures of the proximal femur, with large variations in costs. No clinical benefit of modular over monoblock designs has been reported in the literature. Long-term data are lacking. The aim of this study was to report the ten-year implant survival of commonly used designs of hemiarthroplasty.

Aims

To describe the epidemiology of acetabular fractures including patient characteristics, injury mechanisms, fracture patterns, treatment, and mortality.

Aims

Our primary aim was to assess reoperation-free survival at one year after the index injury in patients aged ≥ 75 years treated with internal fixation (IF) or arthroplasty for undisplaced femoral neck fractures (uFNFs). Secondary outcomes were reoperations and mortality analyzed separately.

The presence of obesity has negative influence on the progress of osteoarthritis and increases the risk of undergoing a primary THA at an earlier age. However, the correlation of BMI and the risk for postoperative complications, revision surgery and infection rate is still controversial. In the largest cohort to this date, we used the German insurance claims database to evaluate the correlation of BMI and the risk of postoperative complications, mortality and revision rates following primary THA. Using nationwide billing data of the German health-care insurance for inpatient hospital treatment, we identified patients over the age of 20 years who had undergone either THA or short-stem THA between January 2012 and December 2014. BMI was classified into four groups (< 30 kg/m², 30 to 34.9 kg/m², 35 to 39.9 kg/m², > 40 kg/m²). In all patients, the 90-day complication, mortality and revision rates were calculated. Furthermore, all complications and revisions were determined at a latest follow-up of 1 year. We used multivariable logistic regression to model the odds of complications as a function of BMI groups. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A total of 131,576 total hip arthroplasties in 124,368 patients were included for final analysis. BMI had a significant effect on risk adjusted 1-year overall complications, 1-year revision surgery and 90-day surgical complications. The adjusted odd ratios increased significantly with BMI category. Especially morbidly obese patients with a BMI >40 kg/m. 2. had a threefold higher risk for deep infection and a two-fold higher risk for the overall complication and revision rates as compared to patients with a BMI <30 kg/m. 2. . Obesity plays an important role in patients undergoing primary THA, especially patients with a BMI beyond 40 kg/m. 2. have a markedly higher risk for revision surgery and overall complication rates. This study aims to increase awareness among physicians in order to improve risk stratifications and to better educate patients with regard to obesity and postoperative expectations prior to undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to compare surgical methods (sliding hip screw (SHS) vs intramedullary nailing (IMN)) for trochanteric hip fracture in relation to death within 120 days after surgery and return to independent living. The secondary aim was to assess whether the associations between surgical method and death or ability to return to independent living varied depending on fracture subtype or other patient characteristics.

Aims

This study evaluates the association between consultant and hospital volume and the risk of re-revision and 90-day mortality following first-time revision of primary hip arthroplasty for aseptic loosening.

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

The risk of dying following total hip replacement (THR) is low and has declined over the last decades. The influence of comorbidities and worse physical status on mortality leads to the idea that patient-reported health status may also be a predictor of mortality. Although this has not been demonstrated in THR surgery, some studies in other fields have reported an association. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between patient-reported health status before THR and the risk of dying up to 5 years post-operatively. The Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register runs a nationwide PROMs program including the EQ-5D questionnaire to routinely monitor patients undergoing THR in Sweden. For these analyses, we used register data on 42,862 patients with hip osteoarthritis operated with THR between 2008 and 2012. Relative survival ratio was calculated by dividing the observed survival in the patient group by age- and gender-adjusted expected survival of the general population. Multivariable modelling proceeded with time-transformed Cox proportional hazards. Pre-operative responses to the five EQ-5D dimensions along with age, gender, education status, year of surgery, and hospital type were used as independent variables. As a group THR patients had a better survival than the general population. Broken down by the five EQ-5D dimensions we observed differentiated survival patters. For all dimensions, those reporting moderate problems (level 2) had higher mortality than those reporting no problems (level 1) and those reporting extreme problems (level 3) had higher mortality than those reporting level 1 or 2. Worse health status according to the EQ-5D before THR is associated with higher mortality up to five years after surgery. The complexity of the interactions between different patient-factors associated with outcomes complicates accurate assessments of risks and expected benefits for individual patients. EQ-5D responses may be useful in a multifactorial individualized risk assessment before THR

Background. Much effort has been aimed at strategies for patient optimization, perioperative standards of care, and postoperative risk stratification to reduce the incidence of SSI. Examples include, newer dressing modalities, antibiotic-impregnated bone cement, intra-wound powdered antibiotics, as well as novel suture types and techniques, all of which have shown great potential. However, the question remains as to whether these changes in practice have led to lower overall infections over the past few years. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to track the annual rates and trends of: 1) overall; 2) deep; and 3) superficial SSI following total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the most recent data (2012 to 2016) from a large nationwide database. Methods. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all primary THAs (CPT code 27130) between 2012 and 2016, yielding 122,451 cases. Cases with reported superficial and/or deep SSIs were combined for an overall rate, and then independently analyzed as deep and superficial SSIs. The infection incidence for each year was calculated. After an overall 5-year correlation and trends, univariate analysis was also performed to compare the most recent year, 2016, with each of the preceding 4 years. Furthermore, a comparison of overall and deep SSI incidences from this study were compared to meta-analysis of pooled data from 2001 to 2011. Pearson correlation coefficients and chi-squared tests were used to determine correlation and statistical significance which was maintained at a p-value less than 0.05. Results. Over the 5-year period, 1,154 cases out of 122,451 (0.94% of all cases) were complicated by any SSI. The lowest incidence was in the latest year, 2016 (n=289, 0.81%), while the greatest was in the earliest year, 2012 (n=163, 1.12%). There was a significant inverse correlation between overall SSI rate and year (p<0.01). A 31% decrease in rate was found between 2016 and 2012 (0.81% vs. 1.12%, p<0.01). For deep SSI, the lowest incidence was in the most recent year, 2016 (n=82, 0.23%). The incidence over 5 years was 0.30% (364 out of 122,451 cases). The mean percent decrease in deep SSI incidence over the 5 years was 31%. There was a 49% decrease in deep SSI rate in 2016 compared to 2015 (0.23% vs. 0.38%, p>0.05). Additionally, there was an inverse correlation between deep SSI rate and year of surgery (p>0.05). The lowest superficial SSI incidence occurred in the most recent year, 2016 (n=204, 0.58%), while 2012 had the greatest incidence (n=121, 0.83%). There were a total of 796 cases out of 122,451 over 5 years, an incidence of 0.65%. A 31% decrease was observed between 2016 and 2012 (0.58% vs. 0.83%, p=0.001). There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between superficial SSI rate and year (p<0.01). A meta-analysis evaluating primary THA SSIs from 2001 to 2011 reported an overall SSI incidence of 2.5% (95% confidence interval [Cl], 1.4%-4.4%; P<.001; n=28,883), substantially higher (309%) than the 2016 incidence of 0.81% found in this study. Furthermore, the meta-analysis reported an incidence for deep SSIs to be 0.9% (95% Cl, 0.4%-2.2%; p<.001; n=28,883), also found to be markedly lower than the 2016 incidence noted here (0.23%), marking a 391% difference. Conclusion. The findings from this study suggest that the evolving standards of care have brought about improvements in SSI prevention following THA over time. Deep SSIs, which can pose substantial threats to implant survivorship, have decreased throughout the years. These results highlight the importance of following up-to-date clinical recommendations to reduce surgical site infections and substantially improve patient outcomes