Conversion Total Knee Arthroplasty Needs Its Own Diagnosis-Related Group Code

BackgroundConversion from a prior knee procedure has been demonstrated to require greater operative times and resources, but still lacks a separate procedural or facility code from primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study is to determine differences in facility costs between patients who underwent primary TKA and those who underwent conversion TKA.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients undergoing primary TKA at 2 hospitals from 2015 to 2017, comparing itemized facility costs between primary and conversion TKA patients. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for increased facility costs, the need for additional implants, length of stay, and discharge disposition.ResultsOf 2447 TKA procedures, 678 (27.7%) underwent conversion TKA, which was associated with greater implant costs ($3931.47 vs $2864.67, P = .0120) and total facility costs in a multivariate regression ($94.30 increase, P = .0316). When controlling for confounding variables, patients with a prior ligament reconstruction ($402 increase, P = .0002) and prior open reduction and internal fixation ($847 increase, P = .0020) had higher costs and were more likely to require stemmed implants (P < .05). There was an increase in TKA implant cost by $538 in patients with implants from a prior procedure (P < .0001).ConclusionConversion TKA is associated with greater implant and inpatient facility costs than primary TKA, particularly those who had a history of an open knee procedure. A separate diagnosis-related group should be created for conversion TKA given the increased cost and complexity of these procedures compared to primary TKA.     

A Nurse Navigator Program Is Effective in Reducing Episode-of-Care Costs Following Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundAlternative payment models for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have incentivized providers to deliver higher quality care at a lower cost, prompting some institutions to develop formal nurse navigation programs (NNPs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether a NNP for primary THA and TKA resulted in decreased episode-of-care (EOC) costs.MethodsWe reviewed a consecutive series of primary THA and TKA patients from 2015-2016 using claims data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Medicare Advantage patients from a private insurer. Three nurse navigators were hired to guide discharge disposition and home needs. Ninety-day EOC costs were collected before and after implementation of the NNP. To control for confounding variables, we performed a multivariate regression analysis to determine the independent effect of the NNP on EOC costs.ResultsDuring the study period, 5275 patients underwent primary TKA or THA. When compared with patients in the prenavigator group, the NNP group had reduced 90-day EOC costs ($19,116 vs $20,418 for Medicare and $35,378 vs $36,961 for private payer, P < .001 and P < .012, respectively). Controlling for confounding variables in the multivariate analysis, the NNP resulted in a $1575 per Medicare patient (P < .001) and a $1819 per private payer patient cost reduction (P = .005). This translates to a cost savings of at least $5,556,600 per year.ConclusionThe implementation of a NNP resulted in a marked reduction in EOC costs following primary THA and TKA. The cost savings significantly outweighs the added expense of the program. Providers participating in alternative payment models should consider using a NNP to provide quality arthroplasty care at a reduced cost.     

Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Provides Significantly Greater Improvement in Function than Total Knee Arthroplasty Despite Equivalent Satisfaction for Isolated Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis

BackgroundWhile some advocate for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA), others favor total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of UKA and TKA performed for patients with unicompartmental arthritis (OA).MethodsA study was performed on 133 patients that met strict criteria for UKA, but who underwent either medial UKA or TKA for isolated medial compartment OA based upon physician equipoise. The primary outcome—New Knee Society Score (KSS)—was assessed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. A propensity score weighted regression was used to balance the groups on several key covariates, including age, gender, body mass index, and baseline KSS.ResultsAfter propensity weighting, there were no significant differences between UKA and TKA in overall baseline KSS or KSS after 2 years postoperatively. While TKA patients had demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in the symptoms KSS subscale, UKA patients had a significantly greater improvement in the function subscale. Expectations were significantly more likely to be met after UKA, but there were no differences in patient satisfaction.ConclusionUKA and TKA are both highly successful options for treating patients with medial compartment OA, although functionality increased more, and expectations were more likely to be met, after UKA in this study. Given equivalent patient satisfaction after both TKA and UKA, surgeons should consider factors such as clinical experience, individual preference, cost of care, surgical risk, and recovery needs, when making treatment decisions regarding this clinical entity.     

Intraoperative Ketamine in Total Knee Arthroplasty Does Not Decrease Pain and Narcotic Consumption: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundMultiple studies have demonstrated that ketamine, a glutamate receptor blocker, may decrease postoperative pain in abdominal and orthopedic surgeries. However, its role with spinal anesthesia and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of subanesthetic dosing of ketamine during TKA on postoperative pain and narcotic consumption.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, we enrolled 91 patients undergoing primary TKA with spinal anesthesia in a single institution from 2017 to 2018. Patients were randomized to receive intraoperative ketamine infusion at a rate of 6 mcg/kg/min for 75 minutes or a saline placebo. All patients received spinal anesthesia and otherwise identical surgical approaches, pain management, and rehabilitation protocols. Patient-reported visual analog pain scores were calculated preoperatively, postoperative days (POD) 0-7, and 2 weeks. Narcotic consumption was evaluated on POD 0 and 1.ResultsThere was no difference in average pain between ketamine and placebo at all time points except for at PODs 1 (45 vs 56, P = .041) and 4 (39 vs 49, P = .040). For least pain experienced, patients administered with ketamine experienced a reduction in pain only at POD 4 (22 vs 35, P = .011). There was no difference in maximum pain cohorts at all time points of the study or in-hospital morphine equivalents between the 2 cohorts.ConclusionAs part of multimodal pain management protocol, intraoperative ketamine does not result in a clinically significant improvement in pain and narcotic consumption following TKA.     

Patella Resurfacing in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Series of 1280 Patients at Midterm Follow-Up

Background

The management of patella in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a controversial topic. The elevated risk of patellofemoral complications seems to support those who are not eager to perform such procedure. The aim of this study is to carry out a retrospective assessment of patients who underwent patellar resurfacing during TKA from 2004 to 2009.

The Economics of Antibiotic Cement in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Added Cost with No Reduction in Infection Rates

BackgroundTo reduce the substantial clinical and financial burden of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), some surgeons advocate for the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although its effectiveness continues to be debated in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the routine use of ALBC is cost-effective in reducing PJI after primary TKA.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients undergoing cemented primary TKA at two hospitals within our institution from 2015 to 2017. We compared demographics, comorbidities, costs, and PJI rates between patients receiving ALBC and plain cement. We performed a multivariate regression analysis to determine the independent effect of ALBC on PJI rate. We calculated readmission costs for PJI and reduction in PJI needed to justify the added cost of ALBC.ResultsOf 2511 patients, 1077 underwent TKA with ALBC (43%), with no difference in PJI rates (0.56% vs 0.14%, P = .0662) or complications (1.2% vs 1.6%, P = .3968) but higher cement costs ($416 vs $117, P < .0001) and overall procedure costs ($6445 vs $5.968, P < .0001). ALBC had no effect on infection rate (P = .0894). Patients readmitted with PJI had higher overall 90-day episode-of-care claims costs ($49,341 vs $19,032, P < .001). To justify additional costs, ALBC would need to prevent infection in one of every 101 patients.ConclusionRoutine use of ALBC in primary TKA is not cost-effective, adding $299 to the cost of episode of care without a reduction in PJI rate. Further study is needed to determine whether select use of ALBC would be justified in high-risk patients.     

International Rates of Patellar Resurfacing in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty, 2004-2014

Background

Patella resurfacing is performed in >80% of primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in the United States, yet far fewer patellae are resurfaced internationally. Recent registry data have begun to question the long-held belief that patellar resurfacing yields lower revision rates. Multiple current meta-analyses have not shown a difference in patient satisfaction, anterior knee pain, or knee society scores based on patellar resurfacing.

Conversion Total Knee Arthroplasty is Associated with Increased Post-Acute Care Costs

BackgroundAlternative payment models have been viewed as successfully decreasing costs following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) while maintaining quality. Concerns exist regarding access to care for patients who may utilize more resources in a bundled payment arrangement. The purpose of this study is to determine if patients undergoing conversion of prior surgery to TKA have increased costs compared to primary TKA patients.MethodsClaims from Medicare and a single private insurer were queried for all primary TKA patients at our institution from 2015 to 2016. Ninety-day post-acute care costs were compared between primary and conversion TKA. Secondary endpoints included discharge disposition, complications, and readmissions. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for increased post-acute care costs and short-term outcome metrics.ResultsOf 3999 primary TKA procedures, 948 patients (23%) underwent conversion TKA. Conversion TKA was associated with greater post-acute care costs in patients with commercial insurance ($4714 vs $3759, P = .034). Among Medicare beneficiaries, prior ligament reconstruction was associated with increased post-acute care costs ($1917 increase, P = .036), while prior fracture fixation approached statistical significance ($2402 increase, P = .055). Conversion TKA was an independent risk factor for readmissions (odds ratio 1.46, 95% confidence interval 1.00-2.17, P = .050), while patients with a prior open knee procedure had higher rates of complications (odds ratio 2.41, 95% confidence interval 1.004-5.778, P = .049).ConclusionOur data suggest that conversion from prior knee surgery to TKA is associated with increased 90-day post-acute care costs and resource utilization, particularly prior open procedures. Without appropriate risk adjustment in alternative payment models, surgeons may be financially deterred from providing quality arthroplasty care given the reduced net payment and surgical complexity of such cases.     

The Efficacy of Liposomal Bupivacaine Over Traditional Local Anesthetics in Periarticular Infiltration and Regional Anesthesia During Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundSince its Food and Drug Administration approval in 2011 as a local anesthetic for postsurgical analgesia, liposomal bupivacaine (LB) has been incorporated into the periarticular injection (PAI) of many knee surgeons. The slow release of this medication from vesicles should significantly extend the duration of its analgesic effect, but current evidence has not clearly demonstrated this benefit.MethodsWe systematically searched electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, as well as the Journal of Arthroplasty web page for relevant articles. All calculations were made using Review Manager 5.3.ResultsWe identified 42 studies that compared LB to an alternate analgesic modality. Seventeen of these studies were controlled trials that were included in meta-analysis. Significant differences were seen in pain scores with LB over a peripheral nerve block (mean difference = 0.45, P = .02) and LB over a traditional PAI (standard mean difference = ?0.08, P = .004).ConclusionWhile LB may offer a statistically significant benefit over a traditional PAI, the increase in pain control may not be clinically significant and it does not appear to offer a benefit in reducing opioid consumption. However, there is no standardization among current studies, as they vary greatly in design, infiltration technique, and outcome measurement, which precludes any reliable summarization of their results. Future independent studies using a standardized protocol are needed to provide clear unbiased evidence.     

A Novel,Synergistic Model in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Report of 2 Specialty Hospitals With Joint Ownership Between Physicians and Healthcare Systems

BackgroundIn 2010, the Affordable Care Act introduced new restrictions on the expansion of physician-owned hospitals (POHs) due to concerns over financial incentives and increased costs. The purpose of this study is to determine whether joint ventures between tertiary care and specialty hospitals (SHs) allowing physician ownership (POHs) have improved outcomes and lower cost following THA and TKA.MethodsAfter institutional review board approval, a retrospective review of consecutive series of primary THA and TKA patients from 2015 to 2016 across a single institution comprised of 14 full-service hospitals and 2 SHs owned as a joint venture between physicians and their health system partners. Ninety-day episode-of-care claims cost data from Medicare and a single private insurer were reviewed with the collection of the same demographic data, medical comorbidities, and readmission rates for both the SHs and non-SHs. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the independent effect of the SHs on episode-of-care costs.ResultsOf the 6537 patients in the study, 1936 patients underwent a total joint arthroplasty at an SH (29.6%). Patients undergoing a procedure at an SH had shorter lengths of stay (1.29 days vs 2.23 days for Medicare, 1.15 vs 1.86 for private payer, both P < .001), were less likely to be readmitted (4% vs 7% for Medicare, P = .001), and had lower mean 90-day episode-of-care costs ($16,661 vs $20,579 for Medicare, $26,166 vs $35,222 for private payers, both P < .001). When controlling for the medical comorbidities and demographic variables, undergoing THA or TKA at an SH was associated with a decrease in overall episode costs ($3266 for Medicare, $13,132 for private payer, both P < .001).ConclusionEven after adjusting for a healthier patient population, the joint venture partnership with health systems and physician-owned SHs demonstrated lower 90-day episode-of-care costs than non-SHs following THA and TKA. Policymakers and practices should consider these data when considering the current care pathways.     

Comparison of Expectations and Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis Versus Osteoarthritis Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundWe hypothesized that patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) would have different preoperative expectations compared to osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and that postoperative satisfaction would correlate with specific postoperative pain and functional domains.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of RA patients matched based on age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score 1:2 with OA patients (76 RA, 152 OA) who underwent primary TKA. The Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Replacement Expectations Survey, Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) were compared at baseline and at 2 years postoperatively. Minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) were calculated for KOOS and SF-12 subdomains.ResultsPreoperatively, RA patients had lower expectations, worse VAS Pain, and worse KOOS Pain, Symptoms, and Activities of Daily Living (P < .05). However, at 2 years, RA patients had significantly larger improvements in VAS (P = .01) and these 3 KOOS subdomains (P < .05), achieving comparable absolute scores to OA patients. Overall, 86.1% of RA and 87.1% of OA patients were either somewhat or very satisfied with their TKA. Patient satisfaction correlated with VAS Pain and KOOS outcome scores in both groups. RA and OA patients had high rates of achieving MCID in SF-12 physical component scores and all 5 KOOS subdomains. A higher proportion of RA patients achieved MCID in KOOS Symptoms (98.4% vs 77.2%, P < .001).ConclusionRA patients had lower baseline expectations compared to OA patients. However, RA patients had greater improvements in KOOS and SF-12 subdomains, and there was no difference in satisfaction compared to OA patients after TKA.     

Total Hip Arthroplasty and the Medicare Inpatient-Only List: An Analysis of Complications in Medicare-Aged Patients Undergoing Outpatient Surgery

BackgroundThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has solicited public comments for the 2019 Proposed Rule to remove total hip arthroplasty (THA) from the inpatient-only list. Concerns exist regarding the safety of discharging higher risk Medicare patients as an outpatient and whether hospitals may still be reimbursed for an inpatient procedure. The purpose of this study is to determine whether Medicare-aged patients undergoing outpatient THA have higher complication rates than patients who underwent inpatient THA. We also sought to identify characteristics of Medicare-aged patients that are associated with increased risk of complications or longer stay following short-stay THA.MethodsWe queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for patients over age 65 who underwent primary THA between 2015 and 2016. We compared demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day complication, reoperation, and readmission rates among outpatient, short-stay, and inpatient groups. A multivariate regression analysis identified patients who are at an increased risk for complications and a longer inpatient stay following short-stay THA.ResultsOf the 34,416 Medicare-aged patients who underwent THA, 310 (1%) were discharged on postoperative day 0, 5698 (16.5%) on postoperative day 1, and 28,408 (82.5%) were inpatients. The outpatient and short-stay patients had lower 30-day complication and readmission rates than the inpatient group. Independent risk factors for developing a complication or requiring an inpatient stay included general anesthesia, body mass index >35 kg/m², diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, malnutrition, female gender, age >75 years, minority ethnicity, and an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 4 (all P < .05).ConclusionOutpatient and short-stay THA appears to be safe in a small subset of Medicare-aged patients. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should allow surgeons flexibility in determining admission status based on each patient’s risk profile.     

Adding Patella Resurfacing After Circumpatellar Electrocautery Did Not Improve the Clinical Outcome in Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty in Chinese Population: A Prospective Randomized Study

Background

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), handling of the patella surface is still quite controversial. We carried out a prospective randomized study to compare circumpatellar electrocautery plus patella resurfacing vs circumpatellar electrocautery only in the single-staged bilateral TKA in Chinese population.

Outcomes of Superficial and Deep Irrigation and Debridement in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundFollowing total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty, wound-related problems and deep periprosthetic joint infection may present in a similar fashion. Irrigation and debridement (I&D) has a great role in management of patients with early infection. The question that often arises is how to tell the difference between superficial and deep infection. This study evaluated the role and outcomes of both superficial and deep I&D in patients with wound-related issues and/or suspected periprosthetic joint infection.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted evaluating patients who underwent I&D within 28 days of total joint arthroplasty. A total of 176 cases with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were identified, and clinical records were reviewed in detail. Reoperations included superficial (fascia not opened) or deep (fascia opened) I&D. Failure was defined as the need for further surgical intervention within 1 year of initial I&D.ResultsThe overall success for superficial I&D was 84.28% vs 68.86% for deep I&D. The success of both deep and superficial I&D was higher if the I&D was performed closer to the index surgery. Superficial I&D in patients with a positive joint aspiration or evidence of intraoperative purulence or those in whom had no subcutaneous fluid had higher failure rates.ConclusionSuperficial I&D is a viable option in patients with wound-related issues as long as joint aspiration is performed to rule out infection involving the prosthesis. If there are findings of no fluid or purulence, fascia may need to be opened and the deeper tissues explored.     

Higher Rate of Early Revision Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Under Age 55: A Cautionary Tale

BackgroundThere has been an increased number of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) performed in young and active patients. Although improved materials have decreased the likelihood of early catastrophic wear, concerns remain with the performance and survivorship of TKA implants in this patient population. The purpose this study is to evaluate perioperative complications, patient-reported outcomes, and implant survivorship of TKAs performed in patients under age 55.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 4259 primary TKAs performed over a 4-year period. There were 741 TKAs in patients under age 55. The primary outcome of interest was rate of revision at 30 days, 1, 2, and 5-year time points. Secondary outcomes included postoperative transfusion rate, length of stay, rate of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, need for manipulation under anesthesia, readmission and reoperation within 30 days, as well as patient-reported outcomes.ResultsThere were 3518 patients over 55 years and 741 patients under 55 years. Overall, 175 patients required revision (4.1%). Patients under 55 years had significantly higher cumulative revision rate at 1 (3.4% vs 1.8%, P < .001), 2 (5.0% vs 2.4%, P < .001), and 5 years (7.3% vs 3.7%, P < .001). Patients under 55 years had a higher rate of early reoperation. Patients over 55 years required more transfusions and suffered a higher rate of early deep vein thrombosis. Patients over 55 years had significantly greater improvements in Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Global 10 Physical scores at 6 months postoperatively compared to patients under 55 years.ConclusionsDespite improvements in TKA implants, young and active patients remained at higher risk of early revision compared to older patients. The data should be used to counsel young prospective TKA patients about the early risk of reoperation and non–wear-related complications.     

Bundled Payments Are Effective in Reducing Costs Following Bilateral Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundAlternative payment models such the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative have been effective in reducing costs following unilateral total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA), but few studies exist on bilateral arthroplasty. This study aimed to determine whether the BPCI program for bilateral THA and TKA reduced episode-of-care costs.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral primary THA and TKA between 2015 and 2016. We recorded demographic variables, comorbidities, readmissions, and calculated 90-day episode-of-care costs based on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services claims data. We compared data from patients before and after the start of our BPCI program, and performed a multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors for increased costs.ResultsOf 319 patients, 38 underwent bilateral THA (12%) while 287 underwent bilateral TKA (88%). There were 239 patients (74%) in the bundled payment group. Although there was no change in readmission rate (9% vs 8%), the post-BPCI group demonstrated reduced hospital costs ($21,251 vs $18,783), post–acute care costs ($15,488 vs $12,439), and overall 90-day episode-of-care costs ($39,733 vs $34,305). When controlling for demographics, procedure, and comorbidities, our BPCI model demonstrated a per-patient reduction of $5811 in overall claims costs. Additional risk factors for increased episode-of-care costs included age ($516/y increase) and cardiac disease ($5916).ConclusionOur bundled payment program for bilateral THA and TKA was successful with reduction in 90-day episode-of-care costs without placing the patient at higher risk of readmission. Older Medicare beneficiaries and those with cardiac disease should likely not undergo a simultaneous bilateral procedure due to concerns about increased costs.     

Unrecognized Osteoporosis Is Common in Patients With a Well-Functioning Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPeri-prosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are associated with poorer outcomes and high costs. We hypothesize that osteoporosis is under-recognized in the TKA population. The purpose of this study is to report osteoporosis prevalence in a healthy cohort of patients with well-functioning TKA and to compare prevalence between males and females.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study of 30 adults (15 males/15 females) aged 59-80 years without known bone health issues who volunteered to undergo routine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry 2-5 years (average 3.2 ± 0.8) after primary unilateral TKA. These data plus clinical risk factors were used to estimate fracture risk via the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool and skeletal status (normal, osteopenic, osteoporotic) was determined based on the World Health Organization definition. The National Osteoporosis Foundation criteria for treatment were applied to all patients.ResultsSix of 30 (20%) patients had T-score ≤ ?2.5. Eighteen of 30 (60%) patients had T-score between ?1 and ?2.5 and 6 (20%) patients had T-score ≥ ?1. Five patients with normal or osteopenic bone mineral density (BMD) had occult vertebral fractures. Eleven of 30 (36.7%) patients met National Osteoporosis Foundation criteria for pharmacologic treatment.ConclusionThe prevalence of occult osteoporosis meeting treatment guidelines after TKA is substantial in this sample (36.7%). BMD and osteoporosis prevalence are similar between men and women. This underappreciated prevalence of osteoporosis may contribute to peri-prosthetic fracture risk. Arthroplasty surgeons and bone health specialists must be aware of post-operative changes in bone density. These data support the further study of post-operative osteoporosis and consideration of routine BMD screening after TKA.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Two-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Joint Infection: The Rate and Reason for the Attrition After the First Stage

BackgroundTwo-stage exchange arthroplasty remains a popular surgical treatment for patients with chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Patients who do not receive reimplantation were largely overlooked in the current literature. We aimed at investigating the clinical outcomes of these patients.MethodsOur institutional PJI database was retrospectively reviewed to identify 616 patients (237 hips, 379 knees) who were treated with an intended 2-stage exchange. Of them, 111 (18%) did not receive reimplantation within a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Chart review and targeted interviews were performed to elucidate the cause of attrition. Patients were considered to have failed treatment in the absence of reimplantation if they remained medically unfit for reimplantation, underwent a salvage procedure, or died during the study period.ResultsOf the 111 patients without reimplantation, 29 (26.1%) did well with their retained spacer and were unwilling to proceed with reimplantation, 23 (20.7%) underwent salvage procedures, and the remaining 59 (53.2%) were considered medically unfit for reimplantation, with 34 of them dying within 1 year of initial spacer insertion. The overall success rate for 2-stage exchange cohort at 2 years was 65.7% when treatment failure without reimplantation was taken into account. Several factors associated with increased risk of treatment failure without reimplantation were identified using a multivariate regression model.ConclusionAlmost 1 in 5 patients may never receive the intended reimplantation. Among many reasons for attrition, mortality appears to be a relatively common event. The current definition of treatment success does not take into account the attrition group and thus inflates the relative success of 2-stage exchange arthroplasty.     

Quantifying the Perioperative Work Associated With Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: The Burden Has Increased With Contemporary Care Pathways

BackgroundRecently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has labeled the procedural codes for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) as potentially misvalued and has asked the American Medical Association (AMA) and its Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) to review this. To assess the validity of this claim, we aimed to catalog the specific service tasks and duration of time required for each task associated with the perioperative care of the patient who underwent primary THA and TKA.MethodsWe prospectively timed preservice and immediate postservice activities performed outside of the operating room (OR) by 7 arthroplasty surgeons over a four-week period. Specific timing data for preservice activities performed in the OR were obtained retrospectively from our institutional electronic medical record for 500 patients undergoing THA and 500 undergoing TKA. Results were compared with the current approved values reviewed by the RUC in 2013 and converted to work relative value units (wRVUs) based on the intensity coefficients used by the RUC.ResultsThe average total preservice evaluation time was 42.2 minutes. The average time from the patient entering the OR to incision was 40.8 ± 25.4 minute. Immediate postservice tasks took 30.0 minutes. Compared with the 2013 RUC weighted wRVU value of 1.394 for preservice and 0.560 for immediate postservice activities, we found that surgeons actually perform 1.567 wRVUs of preservice and 0.672 of immediate postservice activities.ConclusionPolicymakers should consider these findings when reviewing the time and intensity spent on perioperative care for patients undergoing THA and TKA.     

Total Hip Arthroplasty Through the Direct Anterior Approach Using a Bikini Incision Can Be Safely Performed in Obese Patients

BackgroundDirect anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty can be performed through a traditional vertical incision or a horizontal (bikini) incision. The purpose of this study is to compare the 2 approaches, performed by a single surgeon past the learning curve, in terms of (1) overall wound complications and (2) patient-reported esthetics at the 6-month follow-up.MethodsA case-control retrospective study was conducted. Eighty-six bikini DAA patients were matched 3:1 to 230 conventional DAA patients for gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Outcomes evaluated included wound complications, acute periprosthetic joint infection, transfusion, length of surgery, and dysesthesia. A subgroup analysis was also performed on obese patients, BMI greater than 30 kg/m². Furthermore, the patients rated cosmesis of the incision at 6 months using a Patient Scar Assessment Scale and the Vancouver Scar Assessment Scale.ResultsBikini patients had lower rates of delayed wound healing compared to conventional incision (2.3% vs 6.1%, P = .087). This difference was statistically significant (0% vs 16.6%, P < .05) in obese patients. There was no difference in terms of incision cosmesis between the 2 incision types.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that the DAA total hip arthroplasty can be performed safely through an alternative horizontal bikini incision with complication rates equivalent to conventional incision DAA and to those in other approaches when performed by surgeons in a high volume, efficient hip replacement institution. In patients whose BMI is >30, a potential benefit of the horizontal incision may be lower wound complications. This study design should be performed at other institutions and ideally at a multi-institution level to evaluate if results can be corroborated. Our opinion is that the horizontal bikini incision should be utilized but only after mastery of the DAA approach using the conventional vertical incision.