Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) centers are garnering the attention of different arthroplasty surgeons and practices alike. Nonetheless, their value has yet to be proven. Therefore, we evaluated weather PJI centers produce comparable outcomes to the national average of THA PJIs on a national cohort.

We performed a retrospective review of patient data available on PearlDiver from 2015 – 2021. PJI THA cases were identified through ICD-10 and CPT codes. Patients treated by 6 fellowship trained arthroplasty surgeons from a PJI center were matched based on age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index and Elixhauser comorbidity index at a 1:1 ratio to patients from the national cohort. Compared outcomes included LOS, ED visits, number of patients readmitted, total readmissions. Sample sized did not allow the evaluation of amputation, fusion or explantation. Normality was tested through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. And comparisons were made with Students t-tests and Chi Square testing.

A total of 33,001 THA PJIs and were identified. A total of 77 patients were identified as treated by the PJI center cohort and successfully matched. No differences were noted in regard to age, gender distribution, CCI or ECI (p=1, 1, 1 and 0.9958 respectively). Significant differences were noted in mean LOS (p<0.43), number of patients requiring readmissions (p=0.001) and total number of readmission events (p<0.001). No difference was noted on ED visits.

Our study demonstrates that a PJI for THA cases may be beneficial for the national growing trend of arthroplasty volume. Future data, that allows comparison of patient's specific data will allow for further validation of PJI centers and how these can play a role in helping the national PJI growing problem.

Introduction

Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) for acute prosthetic hip infection is a popular low morbidity option despite less than optimal success rates. We theorized that the delay between DAIR and explantation in failed cases may complicate eradication due to biofilm maturation and entrenchment of bacteria in periprosthetic bone. We ask, what are the results of two-stage reimplantation after a failed DAIR versus an initial two-stage procedure?

Introduction

Patients with abnormal spinopelvic mobility are at increased risk for hip instability. Measuring the change in sacral slope (ΔSS) with standing and seated lateral radiographs is commonly used to determine spinopelvic mobility pre-operatively. Sacral slope should decrease at least 10 degrees to demonstrate adequate accommodation. Accommodation of <10 deg necessitates acetabular component position change or use of a dual mobility implant. There is potential for different ΔSS measurements in the same patient based on sitting posture.

Introduction

Studies are being done comparing 1-stage vs. 2-stage protocols for PJI. 1-stage protocols take an extended period of time requiring 2 separate preps and sets of instruments in order to ensure optimal sterility. While intraoperative service time is one part of the reimbursement algorithm, reimbursement has lagged behind for single stage treatment. If 1-stage results are acceptable, but not reimbursed appropriately, surgeons may be discouraged from managing PJI in a 1-stage fashion. We ask, “What is the reimbursement and intraoperative service time for 1-stage procedures compared to primary surgery?”