Background
Many patients having discretionary orthopaedic surgery take opioids daily, either with a prescription or illicitly, however little is known regarding the prevalence and effect of high-risk ...opioid use (eg, abuse, dependence) in the perioperative orthopaedic setting.
Questions/purposes
We sought (1) to determine the prevalence of opioid abuse and dependence in patients undergoing major elective orthopaedic surgery; (2) to characterize the relationship of opioid abuse and dependence with in-hospital postoperative mortality and adverse events, failure to rescue, prolonged length of stay, and nonroutine disposition; and (3) to identify factors associated with high-risk opioid use.
Methods
We used coding data collected in discharge records from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002–2011). We analyzed changes with time in the prevalence of opioid abuse and dependence on admission. Finally, we used multivariate regression modeling to measure the association of opioid abuse and dependence with in-hospital postoperative mortality, morbidity, and resource utilization, and to identify factors associated with high-risk opioid use.
Results
The prevalence of opioid abuse and dependence increased from 0.095% in 2002 to 0.24% in 2011, an increase of 152% (p < 0.001). Opioid abuse and dependence were associated with increased inpatient mortality (odds ratio OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.7–5.1) and aggregate morbidity (OR, 2.3 l; 95% CI, 2.2–2.4), including induced mental disorder (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 5.4–6.3), respiratory failure (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.7–3.6), surgical site infection (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 2.0–3.0), mechanical ventilation (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.0–2.5), pneumonia (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.8–2.3), myocardial infarction (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3–2.6), and postoperative ileus or other gastrointestinal events (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3–1.6) (p < 0.001 for all listed entities). Abuse and dependence also were associated with increased risk for prolonged hospital length of stay (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 2.4–2.5), nonroutine discharge (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 2.2–2.3), and failure to rescue (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4–2.8). High-risk opioid users were more likely to be younger, male, nonwhite, Medicaid-insured patients with mental health and substance use disorders, and to be undergoing spine surgery. Hospital-related characteristics included urban setting, geographic location in the Northeast or West, and serving as a teaching facility.
Conclusion
Opioid abuse and dependence are increasing rapidly among orthopaedic surgical inpatients and are associated with considerable postoperative morbidity and mortality and resource utilization. We recommend that orthopaedic surgeons screen patients carefully for opioid misuse preoperatively, help patients who are using opioids inappropriately to discontinue them before scheduling elective surgery, decline to perform elective surgery in patients who misuse opioids, and closely monitor patients who are habituated to opioids at the time they undergo surgery.
Level of Evidence
Level III, prognostic study.
Background
Despite the overall effectiveness of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), a subset of patients do not experience expected improvements in pain, physical function, and quality of life as ...documented by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), which assess a patient’s physical and emotional health and pain. It is therefore important to develop preoperative tools capable of identifying patients unlikely to improve by a clinically important margin after surgery.
Questions/purposes
The purpose of this study was to determine if an association exists between preoperative PROM scores and patients’ likelihood of experiencing a clinically meaningful change in function 1 year after TKA.
Methods
A retrospective study design was used to evaluate preoperative and 1-year postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and SF-12 version 2 (SF12v2) scores from 562 patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA. This cohort represented 75% of the 750 patients who underwent surgery during that time period; a total of 188 others (25%) either did not complete PROM scores at the designated times or were lost to follow-up. Minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) were calculated for each PROM using a distribution-based method and were used to define meaningful clinical improvement. MCID values for KOOS and SF12v2 physical component summary (PCS) scores were calculated to be 10 and 5, respectively. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine threshold values for preoperative KOOS and SF12v2 PCS scores and their respective predictive abilities. Threshold values defined the point after which the likelihood of clinically meaningful improvement began to diminish. Multivariate regression was used to control for the effect of preoperative mental and emotional health, patient attributes quantified by SF12v2 mental component summary (MCS) scores, on patients’ likelihood of experiencing meaningful improvement in function after surgery.
Results
Threshold values for preoperative KOOS and SF12v2 PCS scores were a maximum of 58 (area under the curve AUC, 0.76; p < 0.001) and 34 (AUC, 0.65; p < 0.001), respectively. Patients scoring above these thresholds, indicating better preoperative function, were less likely to experience a clinically meaningful improvement in function after TKA. When accounting for mental and emotional health with a multivariate analysis, the predictive ability of both KOOS and SF12v2 PCS threshold values improved (AUCs increased to 0.80 and 0.71, respectively). Better preoperative mental and emotional health, as reflected by a higher MCS score, resulted in higher threshold values for KOOS and SF12v2 PCS.
Conclusions
We identified preoperative PROM threshold values that are associated with clinically meaningful improvements in functional outcome after TKA. Patients with preoperative KOOS or SF12v2 PCS scores above the defined threshold values have a diminishing probability of experiencing clinically meaningful improvement after TKA. Patients with worse baseline mental and emotional health (as defined by SF12v2 MCS score) have a lower probability of experiencing clinically important levels of functional improvement after surgery. The results of this study are directly applicable to patient-centered informed decision-making tools and may be used to facilitate discussions with patients regarding the expected benefit after TKA.
Level of Evidence
Level III, prognostic study.
Background
Scores derived from comorbidities can help with risk adjustment of quality and safety data. The Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity measures are well-known risk adjustment models, yet the ...optimal score for orthopaedic patients remains unclear.
Questions/purposes
We determined whether there was a difference in the accuracy of the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity-based measures in predicting (1) in-hospital mortality after major orthopaedic surgery, (2) in-hospital adverse events, and (3) nonroutine discharge.
Methods
Among an estimated 14,007,813 patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery identified in the National Hospital Discharge Survey (1990–2007), 0.80% died in the hospital. The association of each Charlson comorbidity measure and Elixhauser comorbidity measure with mortality was assessed in bivariate analysis. Two main multivariable logistic regression models were constructed, with in-hospital mortality as the dependent variable and one of the two comorbidity-based measures (and age, sex, and year of surgery) as independent variables. A base model that included only age, sex, and year of surgery also was evaluated. The discriminative ability of the models was quantified using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The AUC quantifies the ability of our models to assign a high probability of mortality to patients who die. Values range from 0.50 to 1.0, with 0.50 indicating no ability to discriminate and 1.0 indicating perfect discrimination.
Results
Elixhauser comorbidity adjustment provided a better prediction of in-hospital case mortality (AUC, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.86–0.86) compared with the Charlson model (AUC, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.83–0.84) and to the base model with no comorbidities (AUC, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.81–0.81). In terms of relative improvement in predictive performance, the Elixhauser measure performed 60% better than the Charlson score in predicting mortality. The Elixhauser model discriminated inpatient morbidity better than the Charlson measure, but the discriminative ability of the model was poor and the difference in the absolute improvement in predictive power between the two models (AUC, 0.01) is of dubious clinical importance. Both comorbidity models exhibited the same degree of discrimination for estimating nonroutine discharge (AUC, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.81–0.82 for both models).
Conclusions
Provider-specific outcomes, particularly inpatient mortality, may be evaluated differently depending on the comorbidity risk adjustment model selected. Future research assessing and comparing the performance of the Charlson and Elixhauser measures in predicting long-term outcomes would be of value.
Level of Evidence
Level II, prognostic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Background
Numerous factors influence total hip arthroplasty (THA) stability including surgical approach and soft tissue tension, patient compliance, and component position. One long-held tenet ...regarding component position is that cup inclination and anteversion of 40° ± 10° and 15° ± 10°, respectively, represent a “safe zone” as defined by Lewinnek that minimizes dislocation after primary THA; however, it is clear that components positioned in this zone can and do dislocate.
Questions/purposes
We sought to determine if these classic radiographic targets for cup inclination and anteversion accurately predicted a safe zone limiting dislocation in a contemporary THA practice.
Methods
From a cohort of 9784 primary THAs performed between 2003 and 2012 at one institution, we retrospectively identified 206 THAs (2%) that subsequently dislocated. Radiographic parameters including inclination, anteversion, center of rotation, and limb length discrepancy were analyzed. Mean followup was 27 months (range, 0–133 months).
Results
The majority (58% 120 of 206) of dislocated THAs had a socket within the Lewinnek safe zone. Mean cup inclination was 44° ± 8° with 84% within the safe zone for inclination. Mean anteversion was 15° ± 9° with 69% within the safe zone for anteversion. Sixty-five percent of dislocated THAs that were performed through a posterior approach had an acetabular component within the combined acetabular safe zones, whereas this was true for only 33% performed through an anterolateral approach. An acetabular component performed through a posterior approach was three times as likely to be within the combined acetabular safe zones (odds ratio OR, 1.3; 95% confidence interval CI, 1.1–1.6) than after an anterolateral approach (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2–0.7; p < 0.0001). In contrast, acetabular components performed through a posterior approach (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2–1.9) had an increased risk of dislocation compared with those performed through an anterolateral approach (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.7–0.9; p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
The historical target values for cup inclination and anteversion may be useful but should not be considered a safe zone given that the majority of these contemporary THAs that dislocated were within those target values. Stability is likely multifactorial; the ideal cup position for some patients may lie outside the Lewinnek safe zone and more advanced analysis is required to identify the right target in that subgroup.
Level of Evidence
Level III, therapeutic study.
Full text
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FZAB, GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Background
The direct anterior approach for THA offers some advantages, but is associated with a significant learning curve. Some of the technical difficulties can be addressed by the use of ...intraoperative fluoroscopy which may improve the accuracy of acetabular component placement.
Questions/purposes
The purposes of this study were to determine if (1) there is decreased variability of acetabular cup inclination and anteversion with the direct anterior approach using fluoroscopic guidance as compared with the posterior approach THA without radiographic guidance; (2) if there is a learning curve associated with achieving accuracy with the direct anterior approach THA. We also wanted (3) to assess the frequency of complications including dislocation with the anterior approach, which initially had a learning curve, and the posterior approach.
Methods
This retrospective, comparative study of 825 THAs (372 posterior THAs without fluoroscopic guidance and 453 direct anterior THAs, performed by one surgeon, focused on a radiographic analysis to determine cup inclination and anteversion on standardized pelvic radiographs using specialized software. The first 100 direct anterior THAs performed while transitioning from the posterior approach to the direct anterior approach were included in the learning curve group. During this learning curve period, the direct anterior approach was used for all patients except those with conversion of previously fixed intertrochanteric or femoral neck fractures to THAs, gluteus medius tears, and obese patients with an immobile abdominal pannus (100 of 127 THAs). Variability of the acetabular component was compared among the posterior group, learning curve group, and direct anterior group.
Results
Variances for cup inclination and anteversion were significantly lower in the direct anterior group (19 and 16 respectively, p < 0.01) as compared with the posterior group (50 and 79 respectively).Target inclination and anteversion were achieved better in the direct anterior group (98% and 97% respectively) as compared with the posterior group (86% and 77% respectively) (p < 0.01, OR for inclination = 9.1, 95% CI, 3.5 to 23.4; OR for anteversion = 8, 95% CI, 4 to 16). In the learning curve group, target anteversion achieved (91% of cases) was marginally lower than that of the direct anterior group (p = 0.03; OR = 2.9, 95% CI, 1.1 to 7.3) and target inclination (95%) was similar (p = 0.13). There was one posterior dislocation in the posterior group, two anterior dislocations in the learning curve group, and none in the direct anterior group.
Conclusions
Use of fluoroscopy with the patient in the supine position during direct anterior THA enables intraoperative assessment of cup orientation resulting in decreased variability of acetabular cup anteversion. However, there is a learning curve associated with achieving this accuracy. We could not discern whether this difference was the result of the approach or the use of fluoroscopy in the direct anterior group.
Level of Evidence
Level III, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Background
The incidence of joint arthroplasty is increasing worldwide. International estimates of future demand for joint arthroplasty have used models that propose either an exponential future ...increase, despite obvious system constraints, or static increases, which do not account for past trends. Country-specific projection estimates that address limitations of past projections are necessary. In Australia, a high-income country with the 7th highest incidence of TKA and 15th highest incidence of THA of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, the volume of TKAs and THAs increased 198% between 1994 and 2014.
Questions/purpose
To determine the projected incidence and volume of primary TKAs and THAs from 2014 to 2046 in the Australian population older than 40 years.
Methods
Australian State and Territory Health Department data were used to identify TKAs and THAs performed between 1994 and 1995 and 2013 and 2014. The Australian Bureau of Statistics was the source of the population estimates for the same periods and population-projected estimates until 2046. The incidence rate (IR), 95% CI, and prediction interval (PI) of TKAs and THAs per 100,000 Australian citizens older than 40 years were calculated. Future IRs were estimated using a logistic model, and volume was calculated from projected IR and population. The logistic growth model assumes the existence of an upper limit of the TKA and THA incidences and a growth rate directly related to this incidence. At the beginning, when the observed incidence is much lower than the asymptote, the increase is exponential, but it decreases as it approaches the upper limit.
Results
A 66% increase in the IR of primary THAs between 2013 and 2046 is projected for Australia (2013: IR = 307 per 100,000, 95% CI, 262-329 per 100,000 compared with 2046: IR= 510 per 100,000, 95% PI, 98-567 per 100,000), which translates to a 219% increase in the volume during this period. For TKAs the IR is expected to increase by 26% by 2046 (IR = 575 per 100,000; 95% PI, 402-717 per 100,000) compared with 2013 (IR = 437 per 100,000; 95% CI, 397-479 per 100,000) and the volume to increase by 142%.
Conclusion
A large increase in the volume of arthroplasties is expected using a conservative projection model that accounts for past surgical trends and future population changes in Australia. These findings have international implications, as they show that using country- specific, conservative projection approaches, a substantial increase in the number of these procedures is expected. This increase in joint arthroplasty volume will require appropriate workforce planning, resource allocation, and budget planning so that demand can be met.
Level of Evidence
Level II, economic and decision analysis.
Background
Medicare is rapidly moving toward using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for outcomes assessment and justification of orthopaedic and other procedures. Numerous measures have been ...developed to study knee osteoarthritis (OA); however, many of these surveys are long, disruptive to clinic flow, and result in incomplete data capture and/or low followup rates. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) physical function short-form (KOOS-PS), while shorter, ignores pain, which is a primary concern of patients with advanced knee OA.
Questions/purposes
Our objective was to derive and validate a short-form survey focused on the patient with end-stage knee OA undergoing TKA.
Methods
Using our hospital’s knee replacement registry, we retrospectively identified 2291 patients with knee OA who underwent primary unilateral TKA and had completed preoperative and 2-year postoperative PROMs. We assessed 30 items from the 42-item KOOS that were quantitatively most difficult for patients to perform before TKA and qualitatively most relevant to patients with end-stage knee OA. Rasch analysis identified the KOOS, JR, a seven-item instrument, representing a single dimension, which we define as “knee health” because it reflects aspects of pain, symptom severity, and activities of daily living (ADL) including movements or activities that are directly relevant and difficult for patients with advanced knee OA. We assessed the internal consistency, external validity (versus KOOS and WOMAC domains), responsiveness, and floor and ceiling effects of the KOOS, JR. External validation was performed using calculated KOOS, JR scores in collaboration with a nationally representative joint replacement registry, the Function and Outcomes Research for Comparative Effectiveness in Total Joint Replacement (FORCE-TJR).
Results
Internal consistency for the KOOS, JR was high (Person Separation Index, 0.84; and 0.85 FORCE), external validity against other validated knee surveys was excellent (Spearman correlation coefficient, ρ 0.54–0.91), particularly for the KOOS pain (ρ 0.89 95% CI, 0.88–0.91 Hospital for Special Surgery HSS; and 0.91 95% CI, 0.90–0.93 FORCE) and KOOS ADL (ρ 0.87 95% CI, 0.85–0.88 HSS; and 0.84 95% CI, 0.81–0.87 FORCE). The KOOS, JR responsiveness (standardized response means, 1.79 95% CI, 1.70–1.88 HSS; and 1.70 95% CI, 1.54–1.86 FORCE) was high and floor 0.4–1.2%) and ceiling (18.8–21.8%) effects were favorable.
Conclusions
The new short knee PROM, the KOOS, JR, provides a single score representing “knee health” as it combines pain, symptoms, and functional limitations in a single score. This short-form PROM is patient-relevant and efficient.
Level of Evidence
Level III, diagnostic study.
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