Abstract Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents substantial clinical and economic burdens. This study evaluated patient and procedure characteristics and resource utilization associated with ...revision arthroplasty for PJI. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (Q4 2005–2010) was analyzed for 235,857 revision THA (RTHA) and 301,718 revision TKA (RTKA) procedures. PJI was the most common indication for RTKA, and the third most common reason for RTHA. PJI was most commonly associated with major severity of illness (SOI) in RTHA, and with moderate SOI in RTKA. RTHA and RTKA for PJI had the longest length of stay. Costs were higher for RTHA/RTKA for PJI than for any other diagnosis except periprosthetic fracture. Epidemiologic differences exist in the rank, severity and populations for RTHA and RTKA for PJI.
Abstract Background Understanding the socioeconomic factors that influence hospitalization and post-discharge metrics after joint replacement is important for identifying key areas of improvement in ...the delivery of orthopaedic care. Methods An institutional administrative data set of 2869 patients from an academic arthroplasty referral center was analyzed to quantify the relationship between socioeconomic factors and post-acute rehabilitation care received, length of stay, and cost of care. The study used International Classification of Disease, ninth edition coding in order to identify cohorts of patients who received joint arthroplasty of the knee and hip between January 2007 and May 2015. Results The study found that females (odds ratio OR, 2.07; 95% confidence interval CI, 1.74-2.46), minorities (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.78-2.51), and non-private insurance holders (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.26-1.94) were more likely to be assigned to institutional care after discharge. The study also found that minorities (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.24-1.70) and non-private insurance holders (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.16-1.77) are more likely to exhibit longer length of stay. Mean charges were higher for males when compared to females ($80,010 vs $74,855; P < .001), as well as total costs ($19,910 vs $18,613; P = .001). Conclusions Socioeconomic factors such as gender, race, and insurance status should be further explored with respect to healthcare policies seeking to influence quality of care and health outcomes.
Abstract Health care reform is directing clinical practice towards improving outcomes and minimizing complications. Preoperative identification of high-risk patients and modifiable risk factors ...present opportunity for clinical research. A total of 49,475 total hip arthroplasty patients were identified from National Surgical Quality Improvement Program between 2006 and 2013. We compared morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 ) and non-morbidly obese patients (BMI 18.5–40 kg/m2 ). We also compared patients with hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL) against those with normal albumin. Our study demonstrates that hypoalbuminemia is a significant risk factor for mortality and major morbidity among total hip arthroplasty patients, while morbid obesity was only associated with an increased risk of superficial surgical site infection. Impressively, hypoalbuminemia patients carried a 5.94-fold risk of 30-day mortality.
Abstract The goal of alternative payment models (APMs), particularly bundling of payments in total joint arthroplasty (TJA), is to incentivize physicians, hospitals, and payers to deliver quality ...care at lower cost. To study the effect of APMs on the field of adult reconstruction, we conducted a survey of AAHKS members using an electronic questionnaire format. Of the respondents, 61% are planning to or participate in an APM. 45% of respondents feel that a bundled payment system will be the most effective model to improve quality and to reduce costs. Common concerns were disincentives to operate on high-risk patients (94%) and uncertainty about revenue sharing (79%). While many members feel that APMs may improve value in TJA, surgeons continue to have reservations about implementation.
Abstract Background Initiatives led by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) have indicated a number of clinical risk factors ...associated with total joint arthroplasty that might reflect the complexity of contemporary hip and knee care. This study sought to examine the prevalence of specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9), coding with respect to an AAHKS-endorsed list of comorbidity codes. Methods An administrative data set from an academic arthroplasty referral center was analyzed in an attempt to measure the prevalence of clinical risk factors (ICD-9) endorsed by AAHKS. Total, partial, and revision joint arthroplasty procedures from January 1, 2012, to April 27, 2015, were included. Demographic data, along with diagnosis and procedural coding data, were collected and analyzed. Results Results analysis found a number of poorly coded variables. The following variables were omitted in the data: narcotic use, worker's compensation status, previous intra-articular infection, previous open reduction and internal fixation knee, and depression/psychiatric disease. Likewise, there was a discrepancy between the rate of ICD coding for obesity and body mass index measurements and categorization recorded in the clinic. Conclusion From this single-center study, there remain opportunities for coding to adequately reflect the comorbidities and complexities of patients undergoing arthroplasty.
Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the results of modular unlinked bicompartmental knee arthroplasty (BiKA) for medial (or lateral) and patellofemoral arthritis. Twenty-nine modular ...BiKAs were followed prospectively, for a mean of 31 months (range, 24–46 months). Outcome measures included Knee Society Knee and Function Scores, KOOS, SF-12, and WOMAC, as well as radiographic assessments and implant survivorship. Two tail paired Student's t test was used to determine statistical differences between preoperative and postoperative scores. Mean range of motion (ROM) improved from 122° to 133° ( P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant improvement across all functional scores. One patient underwent conversion to total knee arthroplasty at 3 years for knee instability. There were no cases of patellar instability, implant loosening or wear, or progressive arthritis.
Abstract Patients with spasticity and hip arthritis can present challenges to treatment. This investigation evaluated the effectiveness and safety of THA in patients with upper motor neuron disease. ...Twenty-seven consecutive patients with history of cerebral palsy (CP) or acquired spasticity (AS) underwent 30 THAs for treatment of hip arthritis. They were followed for an average 2.5 years (range 2.1–12.1). Patients with CP were more likely to require hip adductor release and hip flexor lengthening at the time of THA. Statistically significant improvements were made in Harris Hip Scores, pain scores, range of motion, ambulatory status, and the use ambulatory-assistive devices. There were no dislocations in this group. Patients with spasticity can benefit from THA in terms of pain relief and improved mobility with relatively low complications.
Abstract Although low-sensitivity CRP (Ls-CRP) is an important tool for evaluating infected orthopedic prostheses, no clinical studies have evaluated whether Hs-CRP is a suitable surrogate for Ls-CRP ...or other traditional infection biomarkers. The laboratory data of 98 arthroplasty patients with suspected prosthetic infection were reviewed. Hs-CRP was highly correlated with Ls-CRP ( R = 0.93). ROC analysis generated 100% sensitivity and 97% specificity for both Hs-CRP and Ls-CRP at optimal cutoffs of 28.6 and 2.6 mg/dL, respectively. Both CRP tests were more accurate than serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophil differential, and white blood cell count. Hs-CRP was no different from Ls-CRP after unit conversion, and regression analyses suggested conversion factors that approximated 10. Hs-CRP and Ls-CRP have equivalent utility in the diagnosis of infected joint arthroplasty.
Abstract Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not commonly performed in adolescents. However, it may be the only option for pain control with continued mobility for advanced disease. We report our ...experience with modern alternative-bearing THA in patients younger than 21 years. Twenty-one THAs (18 patients) were followed. Preoperative and postoperative Harris hip scores were recorded, and radiographs were reviewed. Average follow-up was 49 months (range, 25-89). Underlying etiology was chemotherapy-induced osteonecrosis (33%), steroid-induced osteonecrosis (29%), sickle cell disease (24%), and chronic dislocation (14%). Articulation bearings were ceramic/ceramic (67%), metal/highly cross-linked polyethylene (29%), and metal resurfacing (5%). Mean age was 18 years (range, 13–20). Harris hip scores improved from 43.6 to 83.6 ( P < .001). At final follow-up, there was no radiographic loosening; 1 THA was revised for a cracked ceramic liner. At intermediate-term follow-up, clinical and radiographic results are favorable after alternative-bearing THA in patients younger than 21 years.
Abstract Trochlear morphology impacts component position in patellofemoral arthroplasty. We devised a measurement of the trochlear inclination angle (TIA) and determined the average TIA in normal and ...dysplastic knees. Three hundred twenty-nine consecutive magnetic resonance imagings of normal and dysplastic knees were evaluated. The TIA was measured by 2 reviewers. The Student t test was used, and intraobserver reliability measurements were made. The mean TIA in normal and dysplastic knees was internally rotated 11.4° (range, 6°-20°) and 9.4° (range, 4°-15°), respectively. The mean TIA did not differ significantly by sex or age. Trochlear inclination angles in both normal and dysplastic knees tend toward internal rotation. Positioning a trochlear patellofemoral arthroplasty component flush with the articular surface of the native trochlea would result in internal rotation malposition.
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