Although the medical community acknowledges the importance of preoperative glycemic control, the literature is inconclusive and the proper metric for assessment of glycemic control remains unclear. ...Serum fructosamine reflects the mean glycemic control in a shorter time period compared with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Our aim was to examine its role in predicting adverse outcomes following total joint arthroplasty.
Between 2012 and 2013, we screened all patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty preoperatively using serum HbA1c, fructosamine, and blood glucose levels. On the basis of the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association, 7% was chosen as the cutoff for HbA1c being indicative of poor glycemic control. This threshold correlated with a fructosamine level of 292 μmol/L. All patients were followed and total joint arthroplasty complications were evaluated. We were particularly interested in retrieving details on surgical-site infection (superficial and deep). Patients with fructosamine levels of ≥292 μmol/L were compared with those with fructosamine levels of <292 μmol/L. Complications were evaluated in a univariate analysis followed by a stepwise logistic regression analysis.
A total of 829 patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty were included in the present study. There were 119 patients (14.4%) with a history of diabetes and 308 patients (37.2%) with HbA1c levels in the prediabetic range. Overall, 51 patients had fructosamine levels of ≥292 μmol/L. Twenty patients (39.2%) had a fructosamine level of ≥292 μmol/L but did not have an HbA1c level of ≥7%. Patients with fructosamine levels of ≥292 μmol/L had a significantly higher risk for deep infection (adjusted odds ratio OR, 6.2 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6 to 24.0; p = 0.009), readmission (adjusted OR, 3.0 95% CI, 1.1 to 8.1; p = 0.03), and reoperation (adjusted OR, 3.4 95% CI, 1.2 to 9.2; p = 0.02). In the current study with the given sample size, HbA1c levels of ≥7% failed to show any significant correlation with deep infection (p = 0.14), readmission (p = 1.0), or reoperation (p = 0.7).
Serum fructosamine is a simple and inexpensive test that appears to be a good predictor of adverse outcome in patients with known diabetes and those with unrecognized diabetes or hyperglycemia. Our findings suggest that fructosamine can serve as an alternative to HbA1c in the setting of preoperative glycemic assessment.
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The presence of leukocyte esterase in the synovial fluid has recently been proposed as a marker for periprosthetic joint infection. However, the sensitivity and specificity of leukocyte esterase has ...not been determined when matched for the current, most inclusive Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria for periprosthetic joint infection.
The presence of leukocyte esterase was prospectively evaluated in synovial joint aspirates from hips and knees from May 2009 to May 2013. The cohort consisted of 189 hip and knee aspirations (fifty-two positive and 137 negative for infection). If the aspirate was bloody, a centrifuge was used to precipitate red blood cells and obtain clear synovial fluid. A standard chemical test strip (graded as negative, trace, +, or ++) was used to detect the presence of leukocyte esterase. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the leukocyte esterase strip test were calculated using ++ and ++/+ as two positive strip result scenarios.
Synovial fluid was obtained from 221 joints that underwent revision total hip or total knee arthroplasty for either mechanical failure or periprosthetic infection. Due to the lack of adequate criteria for MSIS criteria classification, thirty-two joints were excluded. The leukocyte esterase test with a threshold of +/++ had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 79.2% (95% confidence interval CI, 65.9% to 89.2%), 80.8% (95% CI, 73.3% to 87.1%), 61.8% (95% CI, 49.2% to 73.3%), and 90.1% (95% CI, 84.3% to 95.4%), respectively. Using the ++ as a positive leukocyte esterase result, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 66.0% (95% CI, 51.7% to 78.5%), 97.1% (95% CI, 92.6% to 99.2%), 89.7% (95% CI, 75.8% to 97.1%), and 88.0% (95% CI, 81.7% to 92.7%), respectively.
When matched to the current MSIS criteria, the leukocyte esterase strip test yielded a high specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and moderate sensitivity. These results demonstrate that leukocyte esterase is an accurate, effective marker of periprosthetic joint infection as defined by the MSIS criteria. The leukocyte esterase strip test is a valuable tool that can be used in conjunction with the current battery of diagnostic tests available.
•Distal femur fractures have increased risk for in-patient mortality compared with hip fractures.•Distal femur fractures have longer length of stay and required ventilation use compared to hip ...fractures.•Secondary fracture patterns vary among patients with distal femur and hip fractures.
The comparison of mortality and morbidity between distal femur (DF) and hip fracture in the old age is rarely reported in the literature. We aim to analyze a nationwide database among the elderly to compare the outcomes between hip fractures and distal femur fractures in the United States.
A retrospective analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank was queried between 2007-2014 to identify distal femur (DF) and hip fracture patients greater than 65 years of age. Outcomes analyzed included in-hospital mortality, total hospital length of stay(LOS), intensive care unit length of stay(ICU-LOS), length of ventilation use and hospital discharge disposition. Multivariable regression models were performed to adjust for potential confounders. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.001.
26,325 (10.1%) and 233,213 (89.9%) patients reported a diagnosis of DF and hip fracture, respectively. The inpatient mortality rate was significantly higher in the distal femur fracture group (8.3% vs. 6.7%), with significantly longer LOS (7.87 vs. 6.65), ICU-LOS (1.50 vs. 0.73), and required ventilation days (0.74 vs. 0.27). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that hip fracture patients had a lower mortality (adjusted odds ratio aOR, 0.80; 95% CI 0.76, -0.85; p < 0.001), shorter LOS (aOR, -0.31; 95% CI -0.39, -0.23; P < 0.001), and more likely to be discharged home (aOR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.85, 0.91; P < 0.001, compared to DF fracture patients.
After adjusting for potential factors, DF fracture patients have a significantly higher mortality, longer LOS, and less likely to be discharged home compared to hip fractures among the elderly. These results may suggest clinicians and caregivers for closely monitoring of clinical conditions for these patients.
III.
Background
The most effective agent for prophylaxis against venous thromboembolic disease after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains unknown. The paucity of literature comparing different methods ...of pulmonary embolism (PE) prophylaxis and fear of litigation make it difficult for surgeons to abandon the use of aggressive chemical prophylaxis.
Questions/purposes
We compared the (1) overall frequency of symptomatic PE, (2) risk of symptomatic PE after propensity matching that adjusted for potentially confounding variables, and (3) other complications and length of stay before and after propensity matching in patients undergoing TJA at our institution who received either aspirin or warfarin prophylaxis.
Methods
A total of 28,923 patients underwent TJA between January 2000 and June 2012 at our institution, had either aspirin (325 mg twice daily; 2800 patients) or warfarin prophylaxis (26,123 patients), and were registered in our institutional electronic database. The incidence of symptomatic PE, symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT), hematoma formation, infection, wound complications, and mortality up to 90 days postoperatively was collected from the database. We performed multivariate analysis and 3:1 and 5:1 propensity score matching for comorbid and demographic variables.
Results
The overall symptomatic PE rate was lower (p < 0.001) in patients receiving aspirin (0.14%) than in the patients receiving warfarin (1.07%). This difference did not change after matching. The aspirin group also had significantly fewer symptomatic DVTs and wound-related problems and shorter hospital stays, which did not change after matching.
Conclusions
After publication of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ guidelines, some surgeons have utilized aspirin as thromboprophylaxis after TJA. Based on our findings from a large institutional database, aspirin offers suitable prophylaxis against symptomatic PE in selected patients.
Level of Evidence
Level III, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The routine use of traditional chemistry-7 (chem-7) laboratory tests following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been called into question with the advent of short-stay procedures. Our objective was ...to determine the incidence, risk factors, and clinical interventions associated with inpatient abnormal routine postoperative chem-7 panels.
From 2015 to 2017, 3,162 patients underwent a total of 3,721 TJA procedures, including primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) (n = 1,939; 52.1%) or primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (n = 1,782; 47.9%). Patients underwent routine preoperative and postoperative chem-7 testing. Clinical interventions were identified. With use of mixed-effects multivariate logistic regression, potential risk factors for abnormal chemistry panel values (including preoperative chem-7 results, type of surgery, age, sex, race, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists ASA score, and medications) were analyzed.
The rates of abnormal preoperative laboratory results were 3.4% for sodium (Na+), 7.4% for potassium (K+), 15.8% for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and 26.4% for creatinine (Cr). The incidence of abnormal postoperative results was low for K+ (9.7%) and higher for Na+ (25.6%), BUN (55.6%), and Cr (27.9%). Preoperative abnormal laboratory results were a significant predictor of a postoperative abnormality for Na+ (odds ratio OR = 2.15; 95% confidence interval CI = 1.82 to 2.54), K+ (OR = 4.22; 95% CI = 3.03 to 5.88), and Cr (OR = 3.00; 95% CI = 2.45 to 3.68). Bilateral TJA was associated with increased odds of abnormal postoperative Na+ (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.44 to 1.68). Renal disease was associated with increased odds of abnormal postoperative Cr (OR = 15.21; 95% CI = 5.67 to 40.77). Patients taking loop diuretics had increased odds of abnormal postoperative K+ (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.42 to 3.11) and Cr (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.56 to 3.33). Regarding intervention, 6.7% of hypokalemic patients received potassium chloride (KCl) fluid/tablets. Forty percent of hyponatremic patients received sodium chloride (NaCl) fluid/tablets. The electrolyte-related medicine consultation rate was 0.3% (13 of 3,721).
On the basis of our findings, we recommend postoperative chem-7 testing for patients with an abnormal preoperative laboratory result (Na+, K+, BUN, Cr), preexisting renal disease, bilateral TJA, and prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), and diuretics.
Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The relationship between smoking and complications after total joint arthroplasty is unclear. Prior studies have been limited by relatively small sample sizes or investigation of select cohorts. The ...purpose of this study was to investigate the association between smoking and readmission and/or reoperation within 90 days of total joint arthroplasty in a large, non-select cohort of patients.
Using our institutional database, we retrospectively identified patients who underwent primary total joint arthroplasty between 2000 and 2014. Patients were stratified into 1 of 3 groups: current smokers, former smokers, and nonsmokers. The association between smoking status and subsequent readmission and/or reoperation within 90 days was investigated using multivariate regression analysis.
We retrospectively identified 15,264 patients (6,749 male and 8,515 female) who underwent 17,394 total joint arthroplasties during the study period. Of these patients, 1,371 (9.0%) were current smokers, 5,195 (34.0%) were former smokers, and 8,698 (57.0%) were nonsmokers. Former smokers reported a median of 22.2 years (range, 0.2 to 60 years) of abstinence prior to the surgical procedure. Current smokers were significantly younger (p < 0.001) at a mean age (and standard deviation) of 57.7 ± 10.3 years than nonsmokers at 63.2 ± 11.8 years. Current smokers were significantly more likely than nonsmokers to undergo reoperation for infection (odds ratio OR, 1.82 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03 to 3.23; p = 0.04), and former smokers were at no increased risk (OR, 1.11 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.69; p = 0.61). Packs per decade were independently associated with an increased risk of 90-day nonoperative readmission regardless of smoking status (OR, 1.12 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.20). Lastly, neither smoking status nor packs per decade were associated with aseptic or total reoperations.
This study, after controlling for confounding factors, demonstrated not only that current smokers have a significantly increased risk of reoperation for infection within 90 days of a surgical procedure compared with nonsmokers, but also that the amount that one has smoked, regardless of current smoking status, significantly contributed to increased risk of nonoperative readmission.
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Abstract Background Leukocyte esterase (LE) strip test is an accurate marker for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). This study aims to determine if LE test is a good predictor of ...persistent infection and/or subsequent failure in patients undergoing reimplantation. Methods This single-institution study prospectively recruited and retrospectively analyzed 109 patients who underwent a two-stage exchange for treatment of PJI, between January 2009 and January 2016, and had an LE test performed at time of reimplantation. LE results of “2+” were considered positive. Ninety-five cases had 90-day minimum follow-up to assess treatment failure, defined by the Delphi criteria. Eighteen patients were excluded due to blood contamination of LE test, resulting in final cohort of 77 patients (66 reimplantations and 11 spacer exchanges) with average follow-up of 1.76 years. Results Of the final cohort, 19 patients (24.7%) experienced subsequent failure. At reimplantation, LE test was positive in 22.2% of culture-positive and 4.4% of culture-negative cases. At time of reimplantation, the LE test was negative in all patients who had not failed at the latest follow-up, yielding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and AUC of 26.3%, 100%, 100%, 87.5%, and 0.632, respectively; in comparison, the MSIS criteria respectively yielded 25.0%, 87.3%, 27.6%, 85.8%, and 0.562(p=0.01 for specificity). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed higher failure in patients who had a positive LE test at time of reimplantation (p<0.001). Conclusion There is a dire need for an accurate diagnostic test to determine the optimal timing of reimplantation in patients undergoing surgical treatment for PJI. The current study suggests that the positive LE test may be indicative of persistence of infection and results in a higher rate of subsequent failure.
Abstract Background Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a relatively common complication after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Based on the findings of a randomized, prospective study from our ...institution, we abandoned the routine use of indwelling urinary catheters in patients undergoing elective TJA using opioid-free spinal anesthesia. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of and the risk factors for POUR in this patient population. Patients and Methods A total of 842 consecutive patients underwent TJA between January 2012 and September 2014 using opioid-free spinal anesthesia in whom indwelling urinary catheters were not used. Postoperative urinary retention was defined as the inability of a patient to void that necessitated the placement of either an indwelling urinary catheter or straight catheterization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for developing POUR. Results In this cohort, 79 patients (79/842; 9.3%) developed POUR. Independent risk factors for POUR were history of a benign prostatic hyperplasia ( P = .02), renal disease ( P = .001), longer operative time ( P = .003), and age older than 67 years ( P = .02). No patients in this cohort developed neurogenic bladder. Conclusion This study confirms that the routine use of indwelling urinary catheters for patients undergoing TJA using an opioid-free spinal anesthesia may not be warranted. Urinary catheters may be used selectively in patients at risk for subsequent urinary retention.
Abstract
Background
The timing to start passive or active range of motion (ROM) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated early versus ...delayed passive and active ROM protocols following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature on the outcomes of early active/passive versus delayed active/passive postoperative arthroscopic rotator cuff repair rehabilitation protocols.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to April 2022 comparing early motion (EM) versus delayed motion (DM) rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for partial and full-thickness tear was conducted. The primary outcome was range of motion (anterior flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, abduction) and the secondary outcomes were Constant-Murley score (CMS), Simple Shoulder Test Score (SST score) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Results
Thirteen RCTs with 1,082 patients were included in this study (7 RCTs for early passive motion (EPM) vs. delayed passive motion (DPM) and 7 RCTs for early active motion (EAM) vs. delayed active motion (DAM). Anterior flexion (1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55–2.25) and abduction (2.73, 95%CI, 0.74–4.71) were higher in the EPM group compared to DPM. Similarly, EAM showed superiority in anterior flexion (1.57, 95%CI, 0.62–2.52) and external rotation (1.59, 95%CI, 0.36–2.82), compared to DAM. There was no difference between EPM and DPM for external rotation, retear rate, CMS and SST scores. There was no difference between EAM and DAM for retear rate, abduction, CMS and VAS.
Conclusion
EAM and EPM were both associated with superior ROM compared to the DAM and DPM protocols. EAM and EPM were both safe and beneficial to improve ROM after arthroscopic surgery for the patients with small to large sized tears.
Introduction
Open pelvic fractures (OPFs) are uncommon but potentially lethal traumatic injuries. Often caused by high energy blunt trauma, they can cause severe injury to abdominal and pelvic ...structures. We sought to conduct a review of the literature in order to ascertain the rates of genitourinary injury and vaginal laceration after OPF and the rates of resulting infection and mortality.
Methods
A review of PubMed was conducted to identify studies reporting the rates of genitourinary injury from OPF. Study characteristics, patient characteristics, and outcomes were collected. The data were pooled, and descriptive statistics were obtained.
Results
Eight studies encompassing 343 patients were included. Average age was 35.1 years (10–85.9), 28% were female, and the average Injury Severity Score was 26.5 (4–75). 95.5% of patients had a blunt mechanism of injury. Motor vehicle collision (23.9%), motorcycle accident (19.7%), and pedestrian struck (19.3%) were the most common etiologies. Overall mortality and infection rates were 31.2% and 18.7%, respectively. 19.7% of patients suffered an injury to the genitourinary system, and 32.4% of females sustained a vaginal laceration.
Discussion
OPFs have the potential for extremely high morbidity and mortality. While much research has been done to prevent early mortality from hemorrhage, there is comparatively little research into late mortality stemming from infection and sepsis. Intravenous antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, and local antibiotics usage has been encouraged. In patients with a vaginal laceration, it is important to provide antibiotic coverage for vaginal flora.
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