Subsidence of collarless uncemented femoral stems in total hips replacements performed for trauma

IntroductionCollarless, uncemented, femoral stems give excellent results in elective hip replacements but few studies look at outcomes in trauma patients. The presence of osteoporosis and subsequent widened femoral canal may compromise the mechanical stability of uncemented femoral stems resulting in early subsidence. The aim of this study was to assess whether early subsidence occurred when collarless uncemented stems were used to treat trauma patients.Materials and methodsPost-operative radiographs of 46 patients, mean age 71, who underwent an uncemented, collarless, total hip replacement for trauma, were reviewed. The difference in distance from the calcar to the prosthesis tip between the immediate post operative radiograph and the subsequent follow-up radiograph was calculated and adjusted for magnification. The same procedure was performed on 36 age-matched patients, who underwent elective hip replacements for osteoarthritis. Hospital notes were reviewed to assess for complications and DEXA scans reviewed for trauma patients where available.ResultsThe mean femoral stem subsidence was significantly greater in the fracture cohort than in elective patients (p = 0.001) with mean subsidence of 4.27 mm (range 0.02–22.05 mm) and 1.57 mm (range 0–5.5 mm), respectively. In the fracture cohort there were 4 revisions within 6 months of surgery, 1 for infection and 3 for femoral stem subsidence leading to dislocation. There were no revisions in the elective cohort.Discussion and conclusionsThis study showed that collarless uncemented stems subsided significantly more when performed for fractures and had a high early revision rate. We recommend that uncemented collarless should not be used in trauma patients requiring total hip replacement.     

人退变腰椎间盘差异性表达microRNA的筛选及JNK通路参与椎间盘退变的探讨

 目的 筛选人退变腰椎间盘特异性表达microRNA的靶基因,并探讨JNK信号转导通路在椎间盘退变(intervertebral disc degeneration,IVDD)分子生物学机制中发挥的作用。方法 对获取的8份腰椎退行性疾病患者(男6例,女2例;44～68岁)手术髓核组织和3份腰椎骨折患者(男3例,17、18、22岁)正常髓核组织依次进行髓核细胞分离、培养、染色鉴定、提取标本总RNA;采用microRNA微阵列基因表达实验和分析技术筛选差异表达的microRNAs并采用实时qPCR技术对其中高表达者进行验证;综合MicroCosm v5、TargetScan 5.1和microRNA.org等三个数据库的靶基因信息,取交集分析预测靶基因,并分析与差异基因或靶基因功能显著相关的生物信号通路;定量PCR方法验证筛选结果。结果 退变组中microRNA-513a-5p和microRNA-494呈显著高表达,比值分别为2.222 2和2.948 5,并与验证结果相吻合;预测靶基因分别为MKK4和JunD,此两种靶基因分别位于JNK信号通路的上、下游,均参与JNK信号传导。结论 microRNA-513a-5p和microRNA-494在退变椎间盘中具有高表达,其对应的靶基因为MKK4和JunD。JNK信号传导通路在IVDD的发病机制中可能发挥重要正负反馈调节作用。     

Altered expression of microRNAs in patients with pouchitis after restorative proctocolectomy

Background and purpose

Pouchitis is the most common long-term complication of restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. We investigated alterations in the expression of microRNAs, noncoding RNAs that act as potent negative regulators of gene expression, in pouchitis.

Methods

The subjects of this study were 16 patients with diagnosed pouchitis and 48 patients without pouchitis after restorative proctocolectomy, performed for ulcerative colitis. Total RNA was extracted from biopsies and microRNAs were quantified using a real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The expression of microRNA 21 and 223 was higher, whereas that of microRNA 192 and 196a was lower, in the inflamed mucosa from the pouchitis patients than in the mucosa from the non-pouchitis patients. The levels of 14 microRNAs were significantly lower in the mucosa from the pouchitis patients, than in the non-inflamed proximal ileal mucosal samples. The expression of microRNA 192 was remarkably reduced in pouchitis. A significant negative correlation was found between microRNA 192 and interleukin 17 receptor A mRNA levels.

Conclusions

Significant alteration in miRNA expression in line with inflammatory bowel disease was evident in the mucosa from the pouchitis patients. Interleukin 17 receptor A may be involved in the pathogenesis of pouchitis through the downregulation of microRNA 192.

     

The role of microRNA profiling in prognosticating progression in Ta and T1 urinary bladder cancer

ObjectiveTo analyze microRNA profile in Ta and T1 urinary bladder cancers in combination and separately and to relate this to the risk of later developing higher-stage disease.Materials and methodsFormalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of 44 Ta and 42 T1 bladder cancers representing cases with and without stage progression during follow-up were collected and microRNA expression levels were measured by microarray analysis.ResultsIn a comparison between the progressors and controls, in the Ta/T1 group, miR-10a-5p and miR-31-5p were differentially expressed. miR-10a-5p was also correlated to time to progression (P = 0.00012). In the subgroup analysis, 3 microRNAs, miR-10a-5p, miR-31-5p, and miR-130a-3p, were differentially expressed among Ta tumors and had a fold change of more than 1.5 (P<0.038). The comparison concerning microRNA expression between the progressors and controls in category T1 cancers revealed no significant differences.ConclusionsProfiling revealed that certain microRNAs predicted the risk of developing higher-stage disease among patients with Ta cancers. Lower miR-10a-5p expression in Ta progressing tumors indicates that this microRNA could be important for later malignant potential among this group of patients.     

Effectiveness of hip or knee replacement surgery in terms of quality-adjusted life years and costs

Background?Concurrent head-to-head comparisons of healthcare interventions regarding cost-utility are rare. The concept of favorable cost-effectiveness of total hip or knee arthroplasty is thus inadequately verified.

Patients and methods?In a trial involving several thousand patients from 10 medical specialties, 223 patients who were enrolled for hip or knee replacement surgery were asked to fill in the 15D health-related quality of life (HRQoL) survey before and after operation.

Results?Mean (SD) HRQoL score (on a 0–1 scale) increased in primary hip replacement patients (n = 96) from 0.81 (0.084) preoperatively to 0.86 (0.12) at 12 months (p < 0.001). In revision hip replacement (n = 24) the corresponding scores were 0.81 (0.086) and 0.82 (0.097) respectively (p = 0.4), and in knee replacement (n = 103) the scores were 0.81 (0.093) and 0.84 (0.11) respectively (p < 0.001). Of 15 health dimensions, there were statistically significant improvements in moving, usual activities, discomfort and symptoms, distress, and vitality in both primary replacement groups. Mean cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained during a 1-year period was € 6,710 for primary hip replacement, € 52,274 for revision hip replacement, and € 13,995 for primary knee replacement.

Interpretation?Hip and knee replacement both improve HRQoL. The cost per QALY gained from knee replacement is twice that gained from hip replacement.     

C-reactive protein levels after 4 types of arthroplasty

Background and purpose Postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in serum appear to reflect surgical trauma. We examined CRP levels after 4 types of arthroplasty.

Material and methods We investigated 102 patients who had total knee arthroplasty (TKA), computer navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty (NAV-TKA), hip resurfacing arthroplasty (metal on metal, MMSA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA), respectively. CRP levels were estimated before surgery and postoperatively at 2 and 7 days.

Results Postoperatively, the peak CRP levels were highest on the second day after surgery in each of the groups. The peak CPR levels after hip resurfacing were lower than those after conventional primary THA. The peak CRP levels after computer navigation-assisted TKA were lower than those after conventional primary TKA.

Interpretation The extent of bone and bone marrow injury rather than the region of surgery or the amount of soft tissue damage appears to determine the extent of the postoperative CRP response.     

Total hip replacement for neck of femur fracture: Comparing outcomes with matched elective cohort

IntroductionCurrent literature suggests that total hip replacement (THR) is superior to hemiarthroplasty (HA) for neck of femur fracture in selected group of patients. The outcomes of THR undertaken for trauma setting remain unclear when comparing with elective THR. We compared the outcomes of THR trauma cohort with best-matched elective cohort.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 102 patients that underwent THR due to trauma from 2011 to 2013. We had access to 90 cases with complete records. Another 90 matched elective cases were obtained from local arthroplasty database. The elective cases were matched for gender, surgical approaches, surgeon’s grade, types of implant, patient’s age at operation date of ±5 years and operation date of ±60 days. Subsequently, the selection criteria were relaxed to patient’s age at operation date of ±10 years and operation date of ±60 days. Unmatched cases were excluded. Complications and death rate were compared.ResultsThe average age for both cohorts was 70 years. The trauma cohort had statistically significant lower BMI and longer hospital stay (p = 0.001). The Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI) and Charlson Age Comorbidity Index (CACI) were the same for both cohorts, reflecting an active patient selection for THR in our centre. The trauma cohort had higher surgical complication rate (9% vs 4%), particularly higher dislocation rate (7% vs 1%); and higher medical complication rate (32% vs 6%). These were consistent with the literature. Contrary to literature, the trauma cohort had six dislocations that five of them were done via anterolateral approach. Among the eight trauma cases with surgical complications, six cases were performed by trainees. The cause of surgical complications remains unclear due to the nature of retrospective study. The trauma cohort had higher death rate than the elective cohort (14% vs 4%), with one post-operative cardiac arrest in the trauma cohort. The rest were non-orthopaedic related deaths, ranging between four months to four years.ConclusionA more robust way of selecting trauma patients for THR is warranted to reduce morbidity and mortality. Follow-up for the trauma cohort is warranted, as the patients are likely to outlive the implants.     

Difference between phenotypes of bone marrow and peripheral blood leukocytes indicate rheumatoid arthritis bone marrow as an important site for cell activation and proliferation

ObjectivesAlthough the pathogenesis of RA is still unknown, recent data suggest bone marrow compartment is an important site contributing to the initiation and perpetuation of chronic inflammation that may spread to the joint. The aim of the present study was to compare phenotypes of bone marrow and peripheral blood leukocytes isolated from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients that may indicate whether bone marrow is implicated in the activation and propagation of mature leukocytes.MethodsMononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients with RA and OA undergoing hip replacement. Sodium citrate was used as an anticoagulant. To assess cell phenotypes, specific monoclonal antibodies against: CD3, CD19, CD20, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD56, CD38, CD27, CD25, CD69, CD14, CD123, CD11c, HLA-DR, BDCA-1 and BDCA-2 were used for staining, followed by flow cytometric analysis.ResultsPreliminary results indicate that RA bone marrow compartment contained different proportions of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cell, B-cells, NK-cells and macrophages than paired peripheral blood. Unlike in peripheral blood from RA and OA, where relatively small differences in cell phenotypes were detected, composition of bone marrow mononuclear cells differed substantially between these two diseases.ConclusionsPhenotypic differences between leukocytes from bone marrow and peripheral blood indicate that in RA bone marrow microenvironment provides stronger signals leading to activation and maturation of leukocytes than in OA. Thus, these data support notion that bone marrow actively participates in the pathogenesis of RA.AcknowledgementsThis work was partially supported by funds from the European Community's FP6 Project 018661 Autocure.     

股骨头骨髓水肿综合征的诊治及其与股骨头缺血性坏死的鉴别诊断

目的：通过对股骨头骨髓水肿综合征诊治的观察,分析其疾病特点及其与股骨头缺血性坏死的异同。方法：自2004年1月,股骨头骨髓水肿综合征患者19例,男12例,女7例;平均年龄（46．7±10．36）岁。给予药物及物理治疗,治疗前后按照髋关节Harris评分系统进行评分。结果：治疗前平均（43．17±12．62）分,治疗后平均（86．73±14．29）分,治疗前、后评分差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：股骨头骨髓水肿综合征疾病特点不同于股骨头缺血性坏死,是一类独立的疾病。     

MicroRNA-21与骨质疏松症相关性的研究进展

骨质疏松症(osteoporosis,OP)是一种以易骨折为特点的全身代谢性骨骼疾病。在老龄化程度不断加剧的当今社会,其发病率逐年呈现显著上升趋势,尤其是骨质疏松性骨折导致的后遗症、副损伤给社会及患者带来极大的经济和生活负担。近年来诸多研究发现microRNA具有明确的抗骨质疏松作用,随着基因疗法应用的推广,microRNA在临床治疗骨质疏松起到了很好的靶向作用,同时相关文献阐释,尤其是其家族成员microRNA-21可通过调控成骨细胞和破骨细胞的分化与功能,在OP等骨疾病的发生发展过程中起着重要作用。本文将通过对microRNA-21在骨质疏松中的相关作用机制进行综述,旨在为OP靶向治疗及相关分子机制研究提供理论依据和新的思路。     

Determination of the median effective dose (ED50) of bupivacaine and ropivacaine unilateral spinal anesthesia

Background

Unilateral spinal anesthesia (USpA) has been reported to potentiate spinal anaesthesia and is used in geriatric patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the median effective dose (ED₅₀) of 0.5% hypobaric bupivacaine and 0.5% hypobaric ropivacaine USpA for geriatric patients (age ≥ 70 years) undergoing elective hip replacement surgery.

Methods

A total of 60 geriatric patients (age ≥ 70 years) undergoing elective hip replacement surgery were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomized into 2 groups to receive either intrathecal 0.5% hypobaric bupivacaine USpA (group B) or 0.5% hypobaric ropivacaine USpA (group R). Effective anesthesia was defined as a T10 sensory blockade level maintained for more than 60 min, and a Bromage score of 3 on the operation side within 10 min after injection with no additional epidural anesthetic required during surgery. The ED₅₀ of 0.5% hypobaric bupivacaine and 0.5% hypobaric ropivacaine was calculated using the Dixon and Massey formula.

Results

No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of demographic data. The ED₅₀ of 0.5% hypobaric bupivacaine USpA was 4.66 mg (95% confidence interval CI 4.69–4.63 mg) mg and that of 0.5% hypobaric ropivacaine USpA was 6.43 mg (95% CI 6.47–6.39 mg) for geriatric patients undergoing hip replacement surgery.

Conclusion

We find the ED₅₀ were lower, and the ED50 of 0.5% hypobaric bupivacaine and ropivacaine was 4.66 mg (95% CI 4.69–4.63 mg) and 6.43 mg (95% CI 6.47–6.39 mg), respectively, for USpA in geriatric patients (age ≥ 70 years) undergoing elective hip replacement surgery.

     

自体股骨头植骨结合全髋关节置换术治疗陈旧性髋关节中心性脱位16例

目的:观察自体股骨头植骨结合全髋关节置换术治疗陈旧性髋关节中心性脱位的疗效,评价髋臼骨缺损进行自体骨重建的优越性。方法:自2008年3月至2013年12月采用自体股骨头植骨结合全髋关节置换术治疗陈旧性髋关节中心性脱位16例(16髋),其中男11例,女5例;年龄41～72岁,平均56.3岁;病程3.6～37.2年;交通事故伤12例,坠落伤4例。所有患者进行系统跟踪随访,评定术后1个月髋关节疼痛指标、Harris评分及髋关节总活动度变化。结果:16例(16髋)均获随访,时间11～78个月,平均27.3个月。16例(16髋)术前髋关节总活动度(56.2±23.4)°,VAS评分86.3±7.2,Harris评分32.6±12.6;术后1个月髋关节总活动度(181.8±17.6)°,VAS评分11.1±2.6,Harris评分86.3±7.2,均较术前改善,术后解决了疼痛和髋关节功能受限,假体位置均完好。结论:自体股骨头植骨结合全髋关节置换术治疗陈旧性髋关节中心性脱位,髋臼的初始稳定性及远期稳定性均较好,自体骨植骨避免了异体骨的并发症,骨源合理利用,价格低廉,减轻了患者负担。     

The role of muscular trauma in the development of heterotopic ossification after hip surgery: An animal-model study in rats

BackgroundHeterotopic ossification (HO), the formation of bone in soft tissues, is a frequent complication after surgery of the hip and the pelvis. Although the pathophysiological entities responsible for the formation of HO remain largely unclear, muscle trauma is alleged to play a central role in the pathogenic mechanisms underlying HO. However, for this observation, made by many surgeons for decades, no objective evidence has been provided yet.MethodsFifty male Wistar rats were subjected to surgery of the right hip. The femoral canal was reamed in three steps up to 2 mm. Animals formed 2 groups: in group 1 (25 animals) every effort was taken not to injure the muscles. In contrast, in the rats of group 2 (25 animals), an additional muscle lesion was created. Twelve weeks after surgery, the amount of heterotopic bone was assessed using micro-computed tomography, and classified using a modified Brooker classification system. A chi-square test was used to assess the statistical hypothesis comparing both groups.ResultsA significant higher amount of heterotopic bone was observed in animals that underwent additional muscular trauma.ConclusionAccording to our data, muscle trauma seems to play an important role in the development of HO after hip surgery. Hence, during surgery, particular care not to injure the surrounding muscular tissue should be taken.     

Anemia in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing systematic hemodialysis treatment

A study of 24 patients with chronic renal failure and varying degrees of uremia and clinical symptoms was carried out in order to assess the mechanisms of anemia developing in patients on systematic hemodialysis for chronic renal failure. Blood clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Sternal bone marrow puncture was performed to assess erythron status. Proliferative activity of bone marrow erythroid cells was assessed by autoradiography. Ineffective erythropoiesis was studied using MacManus' PAS test. The results of the study suggest that proliferative activity of bone-marrow erythroid cells is reduced while ineffective erythropoiesis is increased in patients with terminal chronic renal failure, treated by systematic hemodialysis, and largely explain the mechanism of anemia in these patients.     

Glucocorticoids impair bone formation of bone marrow stromal stem cells by reciprocally regulating microRNA-34a-5p

Summary

The inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) on bone marrow stromal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation are an important pathway through which GCs decrease bone formation. We found that microRNA-34a-5p was a critical player in dexamethasone (Dex)-inhibited BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. MicroRNA-34a-5p might be used as a therapeutic target for GC-impaired bone formation.

Introduction

The inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) on bone marrow stromal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation are an important pathway through which GCs decrease bone formation. The mechanisms of this process are still not completely understood. Recent studies implicated an important role of microRNAs in GC-mediated responses in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, we hypothesized that these regulatory molecules might be implicated in the process of GC-decreased BMSC proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation.

Methods

Western blot, quantitative real-time PCR, and cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation assays were employed to investigate the role of microRNAs in GC-inhibited BMSC proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation.

Results

We found that microRNA-34a-5p was reciprocally regulated by Dex during the process of BMSC proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation. Furthermore, we confirmed that microRNA-34a-5p was a critical player in Dex-inhibited BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Mechanistic studies showed that Dex inhibited BMSC proliferation by microRNA-34a-5p targeting cell cycle factors, including CDK4, CDK6, and Cyclin D1. Furthermore, downregulation of microRNA-34a-5p by Dex leads to Notch signaling activation, resulting in inhibition of BMSC osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusions

These results showed that microRNA-34a-5p, a crucial regulator for BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, might be used as a therapeutic target for GC-impaired bone formation.

     

Predictors of mortality following primary hip and knee replacement in the aged: A single-center analysis of 1,998 primary hip and knee replacements for primary osteoarthritis

Background and purpose High age is associated with increased postoperative mortality, but the factors that predict mortality in older hip and knee replacement recipients are not known.

Methods Preoperative clinical and operative data on 1,998 primary total hip and knee replacements performed for osteoarthritis in patients aged ≥ 75 years in a single institution were collected from a joint replacement database and compoared with mortality data. Average follow-up was 4.2 (2.2–7.6) years for the patients who survived. Factors associated with mortality were analyzed using Cox regression analysis, with adjustment for age, sex, operated joint, laterality, and anesthesiological risk score.

Results Mortality was 0.15% at 30 days, 0.35% at 90 days, 1.60% at 1 year, 7.6% at 3 years, and 16% at 5 years, and was similar following hip and knee replacement. Higher age, male sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists risk score of > 2, use of walking aids, preoperative walking restriction (inability to walk or ability to walk indoors only, compared to ability to walk > 1 km), poor clinical condition preoperatively (based on clinical hip and knee scores or clinical severity of osteoarthritis), preoperative anemia, severe renal insufficiency, and use of blood transfusions were associated with higher mortality. High body mass index had a protective effect in patients after hip replacement.

Interpretation Postoperative mortality is low in healthy old joint replacement recipients. Comorbidities and functional limitations preoperatively are associated with higher mortality and warrant careful consideration before proceeding with joint replacement surgery.     

Transient epiphyseal lesion of the femoral head after traumatic hip dislocation: A case report

IntroductionWe experienced a rare case in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a transient epiphyseal lesion of the femoral head four months after traumatic hip dislocation. To our knowledge, there have been no previously published reports on the development of such transient lesions after traumatic hip dislocation involving no abnormalities just after dislocation.Presentation of caseWe report a 22-year-old man who showed a transient epiphyseal lesion of the femoral head after traumatic hip dislocation. On MRI performed two days after dislocation, no bony injuries were observed around the hip joint. Four months after dislocation, the patient suddenly experienced right hip pain without any new trauma or injury. A low-intensity band convex to the articular surface was apparent above the epiphyseal scar on T1-weighted imaging, and bone marrow edema was observed around the band lesion on short-tau inversion recovery imaging. Following a two-month period of non-surgical conservative therapy, the patient’s hip pain resolved and the low-intensity band was no longer observed on follow-up MRI.DiscussionAlthough the detailed pathogenesis of this transient changes was unclear, we speculate that prolonged rest after traumatic hip dislocation may contribute to bone insufficiency, resulting in an insufficiency fracture of the femoral head.ConclusionThis study suggests that transient epiphyseal lesions of the femoral head may occur in patients with a history of traumatic hip dislocation associated with an adapted long-term rest.     

Body mass index and risk of perioperative cardiovascular adverse events and mortality in 34,744 Danish patients undergoing hip or knee replacement

Background and purpose — Obesity is a risk factor for osteoarthritis in the lower limb, yet the cardiovascular risks associated with obesity in hip or knee replacement surgery are unknown. We examined associations between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE: ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, or cardiovascular death) or the risk of all-cause mortality in a nationwide Danish cohort of patients who underwent primary hip or knee replacement surgery.

Methods — Using Danish nationwide registries, we identified 34,744 patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent elective primary hip or knee replacement surgery between 2005 and 2011. We used multivariable Cox regression models to calculate the 30-day risks of MACE and mortality associated with 5 BMI groups (underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (18.5–24 kg/m²), overweight (25–29 kg/m²), obese 1 (30–34 kg/m²), and obese 2 (≥ 35 kg/m²)).

Results — In total, 232 patients (0.7%) had a MACE and 111 (0.3%) died. Compared with overweight, adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.2 (95% CI: 0.4–3.3), 1.3 (0.95–1.8), 1.6 (1.1–2.2), and 1.0 (0.6–1.9) for underweight, normal weight, obese 1, and obese 2 regarding MACE. Regarding mortality, the corresponding HRs were 7.0 (2.8–15), 2.0 (1.2–3.2), 1.5 (0.9–2.7), and 1.9 (0.9–4.2). Cubic splines suggested a significant U-shaped relationship between BMI and risks with nadir around 27–28.

Interpretation — In an unselected cohort of patients undergoing elective primary hip or knee replacement surgery, U-shaped risks of perioperative MACE and mortality were found in relation to BMI. Patients within the extreme ranges of BMI may warrant further attention.     

Clinical and Budget Impact of Treating Preoperative Anemia in Major Orthopedic Surgery—A Retrospective Observational Study

BackgroundPreoperative anemia (POA) in elective surgery is associated with worse outcome. In this retrospective study, in elective hip and knee arthroplasties, the prevalence of POA and its associations with outcome were analyzed, followed by a model estimating the budget impact of screening and treatment of POA.MethodsAll elective hip/knee arthroplasties performed during the period 2016-2018 were included. Patients with normal hemoglobin and patients with POA (hemoglobin < 13.0 g/dL in men and <12.0 g/dL in women) were compared. Outcome measures were allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT), length of stay (LOS), complications, mortality, and costs. The budget impact of screening for POA and treatment with intravenous iron when relevant was modeled based on the results of the costs related to POA.ResultsIn 881 procedures, the prevalence of POA was 21.5%. POA independently predicted increased risks of ABT (odds ratio [OR]_adj, 9.5 [confidence interval—CI, 6.4-13.9]), prolonged LOS (OR_adj, 2.8 [CI, 1.8-4.2]), and was associated with increased complications (OR_adj, 1.9 [CI, 0.7-4.9]) and mortality (OR_adj, 3.2 [CI, 0.8-13.5]). POA resulted in increased costs per patient (P < .001). The budget impact model showed a cost reduction of 254 euros per patient based on the assumption that patients screened and treated for iron-deficient anemia would have the same outcome as non-POA.ConclusionThe prevalence of POA in elective orthopedic surgery in Sweden is at the same level as previously reported by others. Screening and treatment of POA would reduce costs based on less ABT and decreased LOS and may reduce complications in elective major orthopedic surgery.