Aims. Medical comorbidities are a critical factor in the decision-making process for operative management and risk-stratification. The Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) risk adjustment model is a powerful measure of illness severity for patients treated by surgeons. The HCC is utilized by Medicare to predict medical expenditure risk and to reimburse physicians accordingly. HCC weighs comorbidities differently to calculate risk. This study determines the prevalence of medical comorbidities and the average HCC score in Medicare patients being evaluated by neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeon, as well as a subset of academic spine surgeons within both specialities, in the USA. Methods. The Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Database, which is based on data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ National Claims History Standard Analytic Files, was analyzed for this study. Every surgeon who submitted a valid Medicare Part B non-institutional claim during the 2013 calendar year was included in this study. This database was queried for medical comorbidities and HCC scores of each patient who had, at minimum, a single office visit with a surgeon. This data included 21,204 orthopaedic surgeons and 4,372 neurosurgeons across 54 states/territories in the USA. Results. Orthopaedic surgeons evaluated patients with a mean HCC of 1.21, while neurosurgeons evaluated patients with a mean HCC of 1.34 (p < 0.05). The rates of specific comorbidities in patients seen by orthopaedic surgeons/neurosurgeons is as follows: Ischemic heart disease (35%/39%), diabetes (31%/33%), depression (23%/31%), chronic kidney disease (19%/23%), and heart failure (17%/19%). Conclusion. Nationally, comorbidity rate and HCC value for these Medicare patients are higher than national averages for the US population, with ischemic heart disease being six-times higher, diabetes two-times higher, depression three- to four-times higher, chronic kidney disease three-times higher, and heart failure nine-times higher among patients evaluated by orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:257–260

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of common medical comorbidities on the reimbursements of different shoulder arthroplasty procedures. Methods. We conducted a retrospective query of a private payer insurance claims database of prospectively collected data (PealDiver). Our search included the Current Procedural Terminology Codes (CPT) and International Classification of Disease (ICD) ninth edition codes for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA), Hemiarthroplasty (HA) and Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA). Medical comorbidities were also searched for through ICD codes. The comorbidities selected for analysis were obesity, morbid obesity, hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cirrhosis, depression and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (excluding end stage renal disease). The study period comprised claims from 2010 to 2014. The reimbursement charges of the day of surgery, 90-day global period and 90-day period excluding the initial surgical day of each comorbidity were analyzed and compared. Statistical analysis was conducted trough analysis of variance (ANOVA) when the data was normally distributed or through Kruskal-Wallis comparison when it was not. An alpha value of less than 0.05 was deemed as significant. Results. Comorbidities did not have a significant effect on same day reimbursements (Figure 1), but instead caused a significant effect on the 90-day global period reimbursements in the TSA and RSA cohorts (figure 2). For TSA and RSA the highest reimbursed patients at the 90-day period following surgery were the ones that had a diagnosis of Hepatitis C followed by atrial fibrillation and later COPD. For HA the same was true in the following order: Hepatitis C, Cirrhosis and atrial fibrillation (Figure 3). Conclusion. Shoulder arthroplasty reimbursements are significantly affected by comorbidities at time intervals following the initial surgical day. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.

Obesity and the diseases linked to it such as diabetes have been associated with higher complication rates and increased medical costs following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Due to the rising prevalence of obesity and the adverse impact it has on the development of osteoarthritis, there has been a worldwide surge in the number of obese patients presenting for THA procedures, including those morbidly obese (BMI > 40) and those who are super-obese (BMI > 50). The Reward. When THA is successful (as is true for the majority of morbidly obese patients) the operation is just as dramatically effective as it is for other patients. Excellent pain relief and dramatically improved function is the result, even though obese patients generally achieve a lower overall level of function than non-obese patients. Morbidly obese patients with a successful THA and without early complications are some of the most grateful of patients. This is especially true if they have been denied surgery for prolonged periods due to their weight and have had to bear severe joint changes and symptoms during a long period of time leading up to arthroplasty. The Risks. There is a nonlinear increase in complications, reoperations, and especially infection with increasing BMI that begins between a BMI of 25 to 30, and rises thereafter with a relative inflection point in some incidence curves for complications at around a BMI of 40. This has caused some surgeons to suggest a BMI of 40 as an upper limit for elective hip arthroplasty. Risks continue to rise after a BMI of 40 and when the BMI is over 50, in our series 52% of patients had at least one complication. Of these 24% had at least one major complication and 33% at least one minor complication with some suffering more than one complication overall. These data make it reasonable to ask whether the outcomes in some morbidly obese patients might be improved by weight loss, bariatric surgical intervention and other measures aimed at optimizing the multiple companion comorbidities and medical conditions (such as diabetes) that often accompany excess weight. Unfortunately there has been limited information to date on the best means for optimizing of these patients, and as important the effectiveness of these interventions, so that the timing and performance of the eventual arthroplasty procedures might have the highest possible success rate. The Costs. The adverse impact of obesity on medical resource utilization and costs associated with THA has been well documented, Due to longer initial length of stay, greater resource utilization, higher early complication rates and any readmissions and reoperations the costs for even a single individual patient can climb dramatically. In a review of data on primary THA patients from our institution, even after adjusting for age, sex, type of surgery, and other comorbidities, for every 5 unit increase in BMI beyond 30 kg/m2 there was an associated $500 higher cost of hospitalization and an increase of $900 in 90-day total costs (p=0.0001). The Future. The numbers of morbidly obese patients with severe osteoarthritis presenting for possible THA will only continue to increase in the years ahead. Comprehensive multidisciplinary programs are urgently needed to better manage obese patients with weight reduction options, optimization of medical comorbidities, and treatment of any associated issues, such as protein malnutrition. When end-stage joint changes and symptoms occur we must have such help to maximise the benefit and reduce the complications of hip arthroplasty in this high risk patient population

In a recent study, 54.5% of patients reporting to arthroplasty clinics in the US were obese. We performed a recent literature review to determine how obesity impacts outcomes in total hip and knee arthroplasty and what must be done to improve outcomes in the obese arthroplasty patient.

Specifically, obese patients have shown increased rates of infection, dislocation, need for revision, wound dehiscence, increased operative time and prolonged hospital stay. Additionally, obese TKA patients have been shown to have increased rates of aseptic loosening, thromboembolic events, wound complications, and cardiopulmonary events.

Worsening severity of obesity seems to correlate with worsening outcomes and super obesity (BMI>50) has been identified as an independent risk factor for complications. Patients with BMI>35 have shown to be 6.7 times more likely to develop infection after TKA. Patients with BMI>40 have a 3.35 times higher rate of revision for deep infection than those with BMI<35. The odds ratio for major complications increases dramatically beyond BMI>45.

How can we improve outcomes in the obese patient? Preoperative care for the obese patient involves nutritional counseling, incorporating weight loss methods, physical therapy, metabolic workup and diagnosis and management of frequent comorbid conditions (OSA, DM2, HTN, HLD, malnutrition, renal failure). Identifying and managing comorbidities is especially important given that some comorbidities such as malnutrition have been shown to be as strong or even stronger an independent risk factor for postoperative TJA complications than obesity. In some cases higher complications were seen which some authors attribute to bariatric patients remaining in a catabolic state after weight loss.  

We know that obesity and its associated comorbid conditions do have worse outcomes and increased complications in TJA patients. We also know that complications proportionately increase with increasing severity of obesity. The super-obese population is at the greatest risk of complication following TJA and preoperative screening and management is essential in reducing complications. Although weight loss is important, bariatric data has shown that it does not solve the problem of obesity in itself and the patient's metabolic state is likely a more important issue. Implant selection is important and strong consideration should be given to avoiding direct anterior approach in the THA obese patient. Understanding of obesity specific complications and treatment options is crucial for patient counseling and optimization to ensure successful treatment in obese TJA patients.

Aims

Excision of chronic osteomyelitic bone creates a dead space which must be managed to avoid early recurrence of infection. Systemic antibiotics cannot penetrate this space in high concentrations, so local treatment has become an attractive adjunct to surgery. The aim of this study was to present the mid- to long-term results of local treatment with gentamicin in a bioabsorbable ceramic carrier.

Introduction. A proportion of patients with hip and knee prosthetic joint infection (PJI) undergo multiple revisions with the aim of eradicating infection and improving quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe the microbiology cultured from multiply revised hip and knee replacement procedures to guide antimicrobial therapy at the time of surgery. Patients and Methods. Consecutive patients were retrospectively identified from databases at two specialist orthopaedic centres in the United Kingdom between 2011 and 2019. Patient were included who had undergone repeat revision total knee replacement (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR) for infection, following an initial failed revision for infection. Results. 106 patients were identified, of which 74 underwent revision TKR and 32 underwent revision THR. Mean age at first revision was 67 years (SD 10). Charlson Comorbidity Index was <2 for 31 patients, 3–4 for 57 patients, and >5 for 18 patients. All patients underwent >2 revisions, 73 patients received 3, 47 patients received 4, 31 patients received 5, and 21 patients received >6. After six revisions, 90% of patients cultured different organisms than the initial revision, and 53% of organisms were multi-drug resistant species. The most frequent organisms at each revision were coagulase negative Staphylococcus (36%) and Staphylococcus aureus (19%). Fungus was cultured from 3% of revisions and 21% of infections were polymicrobial. Conclusion. Patients undergoing multiple revisions for PJI are highly likely to experience a change in organisms and sensitivities with each subsequent revision. It is important to administer empirical antibiotics at each subsequent revision, appreciating known drug resistance from previous cultures. Our results do not support routine use of empirical antifungals

Aims. Hip fracture is a common injury in the elderly. Recent studies in orthopaedic access have demonstrated inequities affecting Māori. This study aimed to compare the demographic differences between Māori and NZ Europeans with hip fractures, identify any deficiencies in initial, surgical and post op care and in outcomes. Methods. All cases in New Zealand from 2018–2020 were included. Key outcomes included time to theatre from admission, change in walking status, residential status and survival at 120 days post fracture. Univariate analysis compared differences in demographics, surgical and management factors between ethnicities. Key outcome comparisons were conducted using multivariate analysis to assess whether ethnicity was an independent risk factor for outcomes. Results. Data from 9432 patients were analysed. 305 patients were Māori (3.2%). Māori were younger at presentation (76.2 vs 83.2 yrs, p<0.001), used less walking aids (50 vs 56%, p=0.034), were more medically comorbid and more likely to have impaired cognition (42% vs 37%, p=0.022). There were no differences in fracture types, surgical management strategy, and nerve block utilisation between ethnicities. No perioperative management differences were found. Māori had a longer delay to theatre (39 vs 35hrs, p=0.007), and were less likely to be prescribed bone protection on discharge (64% vs 71%, p=0.011). Once adjusted location and ASA, difference in time to theatre was not statistically significantly. Overall mortality was 13.1% at 120 days. 45% had a reduction in walking ability while 15% required increase level of care. Multivariate analysis found no differences were found between ethnicities for mortality, change in residential or walking status. Discussion. While younger at presentation, Māori are more co-morbid and may live in DHBs with worse theatre access, contributing to a longer time to theatre. Improving access to tertiary care and overall health of older Māori will likely improve outcomes

Increased collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in registries enables international comparison of patient-centered outcomes after knee and hip replacement. We aimed to investigate 1) variations in PROM improvement, 2) the possible confounding factor of BMI, and 3) differences in comorbidity distributions between registries. Registries affiliated with the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries (ISAR) or OECD membership countries were invited to report aggregate EQ-5D, OKS, OHS, HOOS-PS and KOOS-PS values. Eligible patients underwent primary total, unilateral knee or hip replacement for osteoarthritis within three years and had completed PROMs preoperatively and either 6 or 12 months postoperatively, excluding patients with subsequent revisions. For each PROM cohort, Chi-square tests were performed for BMI distributions across registries and 12 predefined PROM strata (male/female, age 20-64/65-74/>75, high or low preoperative PROM scores). Comorbidity distributions were reported for available comorbidity indexes. Thirteen registries from 9 countries contributed data, n~130000 knee (range 140 to 79848) and n~113000 hip (range 137 to 85281). Mean EQ-5D index values (10 registries) ranged from 0.53 to 0.71 (knee) and 0.50 to 0.70 (hips) preoperatively and 0.78 to 0.85 (knee) and 0.83 to 0.87 (hip) postoperatively. Mean OKS (6 registries) ranged from 19.3 to 23.6 preoperatively and 36.2 to 41.2 postoperatively. Mean OHS (7 registries) ranged from 18.0 to 23.2 preoperatively and 39.8 to 44.2 postoperatively. Four registries reported KOOS-PS and three reported HOOS-PS. Proportions of patients with BMI >30 ranged from 35 to 62% (10 knee registries) and 16 to 43% (11 hip registries). For both knee and hip registries, distributions of patients across six BMI categories differed significantly among registries (p30 were for patients in the youngest age groups (20 to 64 and 65 to 74 years) with the lowest baseline scores. Additionally, females with lowest preoperative PROM scores had highest BMI. These findings were echoed for the OHS and OKS cohorts. Proportions of patients with ASA scores ≥3 ranged from 7 to 42% (9 knee registries) and 6 to 35% (8 hip registries). PROM-score improvement varies between international registries, which may be partially explained by differences in age, sex and preoperative scores. BMI and comorbidity may be relevant to adjust for

Thoracic hyperkyphosis (TH – Cobb angle >40°) is correlated with rotator cuff arthropathy and associated with anterior tilting and protraction of scapula, impacting the glenoid orientation and the surrounding musculature. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a reliable surgical treatment for patients with rotator cuff arthropathy and recent literature suggests that patients with TH may have comparable range of motion after RTSA. However, there exists no study reporting the possible link between patient-reported outcomes, humeral retroversion and TH after RTSA. While the risk of post-operative complications such as instability, hardware loosening, scapular notching, and prosthetic infection are low, we hypothesize that it is critical to optimize the biomechanical parameters through proper implant positioning and understanding patient-specific scapular and thoracic anatomy to improve surgical outcomes in this subset of patients with TH. Patients treated with primary RTSA at an academic hospital in 2018 were reviewed for a two-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria were as follows: no pre-existing chest radiographs for Cobb angle measurement, change in post-operative functional status as a result of trauma or medical comorbidities, and missing component placement and parameter information in the operative note. As most patients did not have a pre-operative chest radiograph, only seven patients with a Cobb angle equal to or greater than 40° were eligible. Chart reviews were completed to determine indications for RTSA, hardware positioning parameters such as inferior tilting, humeral stem retroversion, glenosphere size/location, and baseplate size. Clinical data following surgery included review of radiographs and complications. Follow-up in all patients were to a period of two years. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Score was used for patient-reported functional and pain outcomes. The average age of the patients at the time of RTSA was 71 years old, with six female patients and one male patient. The indication for RTSA was primarily rotator cuff arthropathy. Possible correlation between Cobb angle and humeral retroversion was noted, whereby, Cobb angle greater than 40° matched with humeral retroversion greater than 30°, and resulted in significantly higher ASES scores. Two patients with mean Cobb angle of 50° and mean humeral retroversion 37.5° had mean ASES scores of 92.5. Five patients who received mean humeral retroversion of 30° had mean lower ASES scores of 63.7 (p < 0 .05). There was no significant correlation with glenosphere size or position, baseplate size, degree of inferior tilting or lateralization. Patient-reported outcomes have not been reported in RTSA patients with TH. In this case series, we observed that humeral stem retroversion greater than 30° may be correlated with less post-operative pain and greater patient satisfaction in patients with TH. Further clinical studies are needed to understanding the biomechanical relationship between RTSA, humeral retroversion and TH to optimize patient outcomes

Aim. Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) that requires early and effective therapy. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology, associated risk factors, and outcome of sepsis in the context of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Method. This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients treated for PJI from 2017 to 2020. Patients were classified based on the criteria of the European Bone and Joint Infection Society. The presence of sepsis was determined using the SOFA score and SIRS criteria. The cohort with PJI and sepsis (sepsis) was compared to patients with PJI without sepsis (non-sepsis). Risk factors considered were patient characteristics, affected joints, surgical therapy, microbiological findings, preexisting medical conditions, clinical symptoms, and symptom duration. Outcome parameters were mortality, length of hospital stay, and length of stay in the intensive care unit. Results. A total of 109 patients with PJI were identified, of whom 45 patients (41.3%) met the criteria for sepsis. Patients with sepsis had more severe preexisting diseases compared with the non-sepsis cohort (Charlson Comorbidity Index 3.8 vs. 2.8; p≤0.001). An increased odds ratio (OR) for a septic course was found for the comorbidities pneumonia (8.2; p=0.001), myocardial infarction (2.0; p=0.02), atrial fibrillation (3.3; p=0.01), diabetes mellitus (1.2; p=0.04), endocarditis (5.5; p=0.01), and renal disease (2.0; p≤0.001). Infection with Staphylococcus aureus (sepsis 20 vs. non-sepsis 10; p=0.002), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (sepsis 7 vs. non-sepsis 2; p=0.002) and Candida albicans (sepsis 5 vs. non-sepsis 0; p=0.01) were more prevalent in patients with sepsis. In the sepsis cohort, further infectious foci were present in addition to PJI in 57.8% of patients, compared to 18.8% in the non-sepsis cohort. The presence of sepsis was associated with a longer hospital stay (sepsis 68 days vs. non-sepsis 38 days; p=0.001) and longer intensive care unit stay (sepsis 12 days vs. non-sepsis 2 days; p=0.001). In-hospital mortality was ten times higher in the sepsis cohort compared to non-septic patients (sepsis 11/42 vs. non-sepsis 2/64; OR 10.3; p=0.01). Conclusions. In a relevant proportion of patients, PJI can lead to a septic course of disease associated with increased mortality. Particularly in patients with preexisting diseases, increased attention is required, and comprehensive screening for other foci of infection seems mandatory. In addition to highly virulent pathogens such as staphylococci and streptococci, fungal infections should be considered as causative pathogens in septic patients with PJI

Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a complex foot deformity with varying degrees of hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction, forefoot varus, and collapse or hypermobility of the medial column. In its management, muscle and tendon balancing are important to address the deformity. Peroneus brevis is the primary evertor of the foot, and the strongest antagonist to the tibialis posterior. Moreover, peroneus longus is an important stabilizer of the medial column. To our knowledge, the role of peroneus brevis to peroneus longus tendon transfer in cases of PCFD has not been reported. This study evaluates patient reported outcomes including pain scores and any associated surgical complications for patients with PCFD undergoing isolated peroneus brevis to longus tendon transfer and gastrocnemius recession. Patients with symptomatic PCFD who had failed non-operative treatment, and underwent isolated soft tissue correction with peroneus brevis to longus tendon transfer and gastrocnemius recession were included. Procedures were performed by a single surgeon at a large University affiliated teaching hospital between January 1 2016 to March 31 2021. Patients younger than 18 years old, or undergoing surgical correction for PCFD which included osseous correction were excluded. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, procedures performed, and pre and post-operative patient related outcomes were collected via medical chart review and using the appropriate questionnaires. Outcomes assessed included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for foot and ankle pain as well as sinus tarsi pain (0-10), patient reported outcomes on EQ-5D, and documented complications. Statistical analysis was utilized to report change in VAS and EQ-5D outcomes using a paired t-test. Statistical significance was noted with p<0.05. We analysed 43 feet in 39 adults who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 55.4 ± 14.5 years old. The patient reported outcome mean results and statistical analysis are shown in Table one below. Mean pre and post-operative foot and ankle VAS pain was 6.73, and 3.13 respectively with a mean difference of 3.6 (p<0.001, 95% CI 2.6, 4.6). Mean pre and post-operative sinus tarsi VAS pain was 6.03 and 3.88, respectively with a mean difference of 2.1 (p<0.001, 95% CI 0.9, 3.4). Mean pre and post-operative EQ-5D Pain scores were 2.19 and 1.83 respectively with a mean difference of 0.4 (p=0.008, 95% CI 0.1, 0.6). Mean follow up time was 18.8 ± 18.4 months. Peroneus brevis to longus tendon transfer and gastrocnemius recession in the management of symptomatic progressive collapsing foot deformity significantly improved sinus tarsi and overall foot and ankle pain. Most EQ-5D scores improved, but did not reach statistically significant values with the exception of the pain score. This may have been limited by our cohort size. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature describing clinical results in the form of patient reported outcomes following treatment with this combination of isolated soft tissue procedures for the treatment of PCFD. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Introduction. Ankle fractures in the elderly have been increasing with an ageing but active population and bring with them specific challenges. Medical co-morbidities, a poor soft tissue envelope and a requirement for early mobilisation to prevent morbidity and mortality, all create potential pitfalls to successful treatment. As a result, different techniques have been employed to try and improve outcomes. Total contact casting, both standard and enhanced open reduction internal fixation, external fixation and most recently tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nailing have all been proposed as suitable treatment modalities. Over the past five years popular literature has begun to herald TTC nailing as an appropriate and contemporary solution to the complex problem of high-risk ankle fragility fractures. We sought to assess whether, within our patient cohort, the outcomes seen supported the statement that TTC has equal outcomes to more traditional open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) when used to treat the high-risk ankle fragility fracture. Materials & Methods. Results of ORIF versus TTC nailing without joint preparation for treatment of fragility ankle fractures were evaluated via retrospective cohort study of 64 patients with high-risk fragility ankle fractures without our trauma centre. We aimed to assess whether results within our unit were equal to those seen within other published studies. Patients were matched 1:1 based on gender, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and ASA score. Patient demographics, AO/OTA fracture classification, intra-operative and post-operative complications, discharge destination, union rates, FADI scores and patient mobility were recorded. Results. There were 32 patients within each arm. Mean age was 78.4 (TTC) and 78.3 (ORIF). The CCI was 5.9 in each group respectively with mean ASA 2.9 (TTC) and 2.8 (ORIF). There were two open fractures within each group. Median follow up duration was 26 months. Time to theatre from injury was 8.0 days (TTC) versus 3.3 days (ORIF). There was no statistically significant difference in 30-day, one year or overall mortality at final follow up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis did however demonstrate that of those patients who died post-operatively the mean time to mortality was significantly shorter in those treated with TTC nailing versus ORIF (20.3 months versus 38.2 months, p=0.013). There was no statistical difference in the overall complication rate between the two groups (46.9% versus 25%, p=0.12). The re-operation rate was twice as high in patients treated with TTC nailing however this was not statistically significant. There was no statistical difference in the FADI scores at final follow up, 72.1±12.9 (TTC) versus 67.9±13.9 (ORIF) nor post-operative mobility status. Conclusions. Within our study TTC nailing with an unprepared joint demonstrated broadly equivalent results to ORIF in the management of high-risk ankle fragility fractures; this replicates findings of previous studies. We did however observe that mean survival was significantly shorter in the TTC group than those treated with ORIF. We believe this may have been contributed to by a delay to theatre due to TTC stabilisation being treated as a sub-specialist operation in our unit at the time. We propose that both TTC and ORIF are satisfactory techniques to stabilise the frail ankle fracture however, similarly to the other fragility fractures, the priority should be on an emergent operation in a timely fashion in order to minimise the associated morbidity and mortality. Further randomised control studies are needed within the area to establish definitive results and a working consensus

Aim. The purpose of this study is to report the overall infection control rate and prognostic factors associated with acute, hematogenous and chronic PJIs treated with DAIR. Methods. All DAIR procedures performed at 2 institutions from 2009 to 2018 (n=104) were reviewed and numerous data were recorded, including demographics, preoperative laboratory tests, Charleston Comorbidity Index, surgical information and organism culture results. Treatment success was defined according to the criteria reported by Diaz-Ledezma. A multivariable analysis was utilized to identify prognostic factors associated with treatment and a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to depict infection control rate as a function of time. Results. The overall treatment success rate in the current cohort of patients was 67.3% at a median 38.6 (23.5–90.7) months follow-up. Patients with a duration of infectious symptoms greater than 10 days were more likely to fail (P=0.035, odds ratio 8.492, 95% confidence interval 1.159–62.212). There was no difference among acute, hematogenous and chronic infections in terms of failure rate even when time was considered (p=0.161). Conclusion. With careful patient selection, DAIR is a reasonable treatment option for PJI and its use in the setting of chronic infection does not appear to be a contraindication. Performing the DAIR procedure within 10 days of the presentation of symptoms had higher rates of treatment success

Aim. Fracture-related infection (FRI) is a severe post-traumatic complication which can be accompanied with a soft-tissue defect or an avital soft-tissue envelope. In these cases, a thoroughly planned orthoplastic approach is imperative since a vital soft-tissue envelope is mandatory to achieve fracture union and infection eradication. The aim of our study was to analyse plastic surgical aspects in the management of FRIs, including the type and outcome of soft-tissue reconstruction (STR), and to investigate the long-term outcome of FRI after STR. Method. Patients with a lower leg FRI requiring STR that were treated from 2010 to 2018 at our center were included in this retrospective analysis. STR involved the use of local, pedicled and free flaps. The primary outcome was the success rate of STR, and the secondary outcome was long-term fracture consolidation and cure of infection. Results. Overall, 145 patients with lower leg FRI were identified, of whom 58 (40%) received STR. Muscle flaps were applied in 38, fascio-cutaneous flaps in 19 and a composite osteo-cutaneous flap in one case. All patients underwent successful STR (primary STR in 51/58 patients, 7/58 patients needed secondary STR). A high Charlson Comorbidity Index Score was a significant risk factor for flap failure (p=0.011). Patients with free-flap STR developed significantly more severe complications and needed more surgical interventions (Clavien-Dindo ≥IIIa; p=0.001). Out of the 43 patients that completed long-term follow-up (mean 24 months), fracture consolidation was achieved in 32 and infection eradication in 31. Polymicrobial infection was a significant risk factor for fracture non-union (p=0.002). American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of 3 or higher (p=0.040) was a risk factor for persistence or recurrence of infection. Conclusions. In our population, 58/145 patients with FRI required STR. STR was successful in all patients eventually, in 7/58 patients secondary STR was necessary. Therefore, STR should be sought even if primary STR fails. Despite successful STR, the long-term composite outcome showed a high rate of failed fracture consolidation and failed eradication of infection, which was independent of primary STR failure

Hip fractures are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly, with approximately 30,000 hip fractures a year in Canada. Many hip fracture patients are prone to heart failure and present anticoagulated with Warfarin for medical comorbidities including atrial fibrillation or previous thromboembolic disease. Reversal of warfarin anticoagulation to an INR < 1.5 preferred for surgery but this often contributes to a delay to hip fracture surgery, which increases patient pain, morbidity, mortality, and length of stay Octaplex is a small-volume prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) that reverses Warfarin-related anticoagulation in 15–60 minutes. It has been shown to be safe and effective in the management of intracranial and gastrointestinal bleeding in warfarinised patients. It is recommended by Bone and Joint Canada as an option for urgent warfarin reversal in hip fracture patients. However, there has been no published literature on the use of Octaplex or other PCCs in orthopaedic patients. Our objective is to assess the effectiveness of Octaplex for rapid reversal of warfarin anticoagulation in hip fracture patients. A database review of all patients who received Octaplex was performed. Medical records of all hip fracture patients in Calgary who received Octaplex between December 2009 and February 2015 were reviewed. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 33 patients were identified. A timeline of International Normalised Ratio (INR), Octaplex administration, and hip fracture surgery was recorded. Mortality and complications were assessed at 30 days. A single dose of Octaplex corrected the INR to < 1.5 in 29 cases (88%). Median time from administration of Octaplex to a measured INR < 1.5 was 1.1 hours. Median time from admission to hip fracture surgery was 22 hours. Mortality at 30 days was 15.2%, mostly from cardiac arrest. A further 12% of patients developed cardiac or thrombotic complications. Multiple medical comorbidities were common including coronary artery disease (55%), congestive heart failure (45%), and chronic pulmonary disease (39%). Patients who received both fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and Octaplex for warfarin reversal had much higher mortality than those who only received Octaplex (40% vs 4.3% mortality at 30 days), but also had more medical comorbidities. Octaplex is effective at rapidly reversing warfarin anticoagulation and reducing time to surgery, potentially reducing the morbidity and mortality of hip fractures. Administration of both Octaplex and FFP were associated with higher early mortality in this case series. Further research is required to assess the safety of Octaplex, vitamin K, and FFP for reversal of warfarin anticoagulation in this population

Management of acetabular fractures in the elderly population remains somewhat controversial in regards to when to consider is open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) versus acute primary total hip. study aims to (1) describe outcome of this complex problem and investigate predictors of successful outcome. This retrospective study analyzes all acetabular fractures in patients over the age of 60, managed by ORIF at a tertiary trauma care centre between 2007 and 2018 with a minimum follow up of one year. Of the 117 patients reviewed, 85 patients undergoing ORIF for treatment of their acetabular fracture were included in the analysis. The remainder were excluded based management option including acute ORIF with THA (n=10), two-stage ORIF (n=2), external fixator only (n=1), acute THA (n=1), and conservative management (n=1). The remainder were excluded based on inaccessible medical records (n=6), mislabelled diagnosis (n=6), associated femoral injuries (n=4), acetabular fracture following hemiarthroplasty (n=1). The mean age of the cohort is 70±7 years old with 74% (n=62) of patients being male. Data collected included: demographics, mechanism of injury, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), ASA Grade, smoking status and reoperations. Pre-Operative Radiographs were analyzed to determine the Judet and Letournel fracture pattern, presence of comminution and posterior wall marginal impaction. Postoperative radiographs were used to determine Matta Grade of Reduction. Outcome measures included morbidity-, mortality- rates, joint survival, radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) at follow-up. A poor outcome in ORIF was defined as one of the following: 1) conversion to THA or 2) the presence of radiographic OA, combined with an OHS less than 34 (findings consistent with a hip that would benefit from a hip replacement). The data was analyzed step-wise to create a regression model predictive of outcome following ORIF. Following ORIF, 31% (n=26) of the cohort had anatomic reduction, while 64% (n=54) had imperfect or poor reduction. 4 patients did not have adequate postoperative radiographs to assess the reduction. 31 of 84 patients undergoing ORIF had a complication of which 22.6% (n=19) required reoperation. The most common reason being conversion to THA (n=14), which occurred an average of 1.6±1.9 years post-ORIF. The remainder required reoperation for infection (n=5). Including those converted to THA, 43% (n=36) developed radiographic OA following acetabular fracture management. The mean OHS in patients undergoing ORIF was 36 ± 10; 13(16%) had an OHS less than 34. The results of the logistic regression demonstrate that Matta grade of reduction (p=0.017), to be predictive of a poor outcome in acetabular fracture management. With non-anatomic alignment following fixation, patients had a 3 times greater risk of a poor outcome. No other variables were found to be predictive of ORIF outcome. The ability to achieve anatomic reduction of fracture fragments as determined by the Matta grade, is predictive of the ability to retain the native hip with acceptable outcome following acetabular fracture in the elderly. Further research must be conducted to determine predictors of adequate reduction in order to identify candidates for ORIF

Introduction. Fracture around the knee can lead to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) of the knee. Malunion, malalignment, intra-articular osseous defects, retained internal fixation devices, and compromised soft tissues may affect the outcome of total knee replacement (TKR). On average, the posttraumatic patient subsets were 10.4 years younger than those for primary knee OA. Recently, there were several studies reporting the outcome of THA for posttraumatic OA hip. However, no current literature defines the comparative functional outcome between PTOA and primary OA knee. The purpose of our study was to compare the midterm outcomes of patients undergoing TKR following periarticular knee fractures/ligamentous injuries versus primary osteoarthritis (PO) of the knee. Materials and methods. Retrospective chart reviews of patients underwent TKR between 2008 and 2013 were identified. 136 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws or ligament reconstruction while 716 patients were primary OA. Mean follow up time was comparable in both groups. Demographic data, medical comorbidities, WOMAC, visual analogue scale, and complications were recorded. Results. There were significantly different in age (56.5 vs 63.8 years, p<0.0001), gender (48.5% vs 63.1% of female, p=0.0014), and obese (62.3% vs 76.0%, p=0.025) between PTOA and PO groups, respectively. The PO group had higher comorbidities than PTOA group including anticoagulant usage (51% vs 30.9%, p=0.0002), number of disease ≥ 4 (69.6% vs 45.3%, p<0.0001), ASA class ≥3 (38.8% vs 21.6%, p<0.0001), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (3.6 vs 2.8, p<0.0001). The PTOA group had longer operative time (110.9 vs 100.1 minutes, p<0.0001) than PO group. Preoperatively anatomical axis of the knee was approximately valgus in PTOA but varus alignment in PO group (p<0.0001). However, postoperatively anatomical and mechanical axis was comparable in both groups. Postoperative VAS (1.8 vs 1.2, p=0.002) at 1 year follow up and pain component of WOMAC (77.8 vs 85.7, p=0.013) in PTOA group was worse than PO group, respectively. On the contrary, there was no difference in postoperative complication and readmission rate between groups. Conclusion. Total knee replacement for Post-traumatic OA was associated with poorer functional outcome compared to those for primary osteoarthritis in midterm follow up

Introduction:. Patient medical comorbidities are well-established risk modifiers of THA patient outcomes. Patient's mental state preoperatively may influence postoperative functional outcomes though just like any medical comorbidity. This study sought to determine if patient confidence in attaining post-operative functional goals was associated with objective and subjective outcomes following THA. Methods:. Patients undergoing primary or revision THA at a single institution between 2008 and 2010 were administered a questionnaire consisting of demographics, body mass index, Hip Dysfunction Osteoarthritis and Outcomes Score (HOOS), SF-12 scores, the level of functionality they hoped to gain postoperatively and their confidence in attaining that goal (0–10 scale) preoperatively and postoperatively at last follow-up (minimum 12 months). Measured outcomes included length of stay, 30-day readmission, HOOS, and SF-12 physical component scores. Correlation of patient confidence in attaining treatment goals and the outcomes collected was established using multiple linear and logistic regression models that were adjusted for all variables, including baseline mental and functional scores. Results:. A total of 804 primary and 154 revision THA patients completed their post-operative questionnaires with an average follow-up of 491 and 487 days, respectively. Patients were confident in achieving their goals, with an average score of 8.0 ± 2.2 and 7.2 ± 2.8 for primary and revision THA patients, respectively. Having greater confidence was associated with a decreased rate of 30-day readmission for primary THA patients only (p = 0.006). For both primary and revision THA patients, having greater confidence was associated with higher HOOS functional scores (primary p < 0.001 and revision p = 0.004), improved HOOS pain scores (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011), and improved SF-12 physical component scores (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003). Conclusions:. A patient's level of confidence in their ability to achieve specific functional outcomes following either primary or revision THA does affect their post-operative outcomes. When risk-stratifying patients for THA, patient's confidence may be as important as their medical comorbidities

BACKGROUND. High-dose antibiotic cement spacers are commonly used to treat prosthetic joint infections following knee arthroplasties. Several clinical studies have shown a high success rate with antibiotic cement spacers, however there is little data on the systemic complications of high-dose antibiotic spacers, particularly acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aims to determine the incidence of AKI and identify risk factors predisposing patients undergoing staged revision arthroplasty with antibiotic cement spacers. METHODS. A single-institution, retrospective review was used to collect and analyze clinical and demographic data for patients who underwent staged revision total knee arthroplasty with placement of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer from 2006 to 2016. A search was made through specific procedure (DRG) and diagnostic (CD) codes. Baseline descriptive data were collected for all patients including age, sex, medical comorbidities, type and quantity of antibiotics used in the cement spacer, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin (Hg), BMI, smoking status, peak creatinine levels, and random vancomycin levels. Acute kidney injury was defined as a more than 50% rise in serum creatinine from a preoperative baseline within 90 days postoperatively. RESULTS. A total of 54 staged revision TKA surgeries performed by 5 different surgeons between 2006 and 2016. The total incidence of AKI was 31% (n=17). There was a significant positive association between change in creatinine level and use of oral/intravenous antibiotics (p=0.03, Spearman's rho=0.33) and a significant positive association between AKI and the use of tobramycin cement (p=0.01, Spearman's rho=0.38). Factors that were not significantly associated with AKI include presence of preexisting hypertension (p = 0.26), hyperlipidemia (p = 0.83), coronary artery disease (p = 0.86), chronic kidney disease (p=0.56), and smoking status (p=.35). There was a trend towards increased risk of AKI in patients with diabetes mellitus (p= 0.12), however this was not significant. CONCLUSION. In single staged revision knee arthroplasty there is a significant association between acute kidney injury and type of oral/intravenous antibiotic used in the treatment. Both the use of intravenous vancomycin and tobramycin cement are independently associated with higher rates of AKI. Preexisting medical comorbidities are not independent risk factors for development of AKI. Serum creatinine and measurement of serum aminoglycoside and vancomycin levels should be performed after placement of an aminoglycoside-containing antibiotic cement spacer in a staged revision arthroplasty

Introduction. CMS is now publicly reporting 30-day readmission rates following total joint replacement (TJR) by hospital and is planning the collection of patient-reported function and pain after TJR. Nationally, 5% of patients are readmitted to the hospital after TJR for both medical and orthopedic-related issues. However, the relationship between readmission and functional gain and pain relief after TJR has not been evaluated. Methods. Clinical data on 2990 CMS patients from over 150 surgeons practicing in 22 US states who elected primary unilateral TJR in 2011–2012 were identified. Measures include pre-operative demographics, BMI, medical and musculoskeletal comorbidities, pain and function (KOOS/HOOS; SF36) and 6 month post-TJR pain and function. Data were merged with CMS claims to verify 30-day readmissions. Descriptive statistics and multivariate models adjusted for covariates and clustering within site were performed. Results. Overall 4.7% of patients were readmitted; 2.0% due to limb related diagnoses. Readmitted patients had significantly greater number of medical comorbidities; more severe OA in non-operated knees and hips; were more likely to smoke; and have poorer pre-TJR function (all p<0.05). After TJR, a greater proportion of readmitted patients had poor global function (PCS<30= 14% vs. 8%; p<0.008) but knee/hip function was similar in both groups. Joint pain improvement did not differ by readmit status. Conclusion. In this national representative cohort of CMS patients, patients readmitted within 30 days after TJR had poorer global function but similar joint specific function as non-readmitted patients. Readmitted patients also had significantly more medical comorbidities, more severe osteoarthritis in non-operated knees and hips; were more likely to smoke; and have poorer pre-TJR function. The overall rate of FORCE-TJR CMS patients readmitted within 30 days (4.7%) is consistent with national CMS analyses (5%). Of interest, in our cohort, readmitted patients had poorer global function after surgery, but similar joint specific (hip/knee) function compared to patients who were not readmitted. They also had poorer pre-THR function, and more severe OA in other joints, which may contribute to their overall lower global function scores. As CMS moves to use PROs in its bundled payment, these data support the importance of hip/knee-specific PRO measures to assess THR outcomes in quality of care programs and CMS reporting programs