Surgeons Experience Greater Cardiorespiratory Strain and Stress During Total Hip Arthroplasty Than Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are physically demanding, with a high prevalence of work-related injuries among arthroplasty surgeons. It is unknown whether there are differences in cardiorespiratory output for surgeons while performing THA and TKA. The objective of this study is to characterize whether differences in surgeon physiological response exist while performing primary THA vs TKA.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study including 3 high-volume, fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons who wore a smart garment that recorded cardiorespiratory data on operative days during which they were performing primary conventional TKA and THA. Variables collected included patient body mass index (BMI), operative time (minutes), heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, minute ventilation, and energy expenditure (calories).ResultsSeventy-six consecutive cases (49 THAs and 27 TKAs) were studied. Patient BMI was similar between the 2 cohorts (P > .05), while operative time was significantly longer in TKAs (60.4 ± 12.0 vs 53.6 ± 11.8; P = .029). During THA, surgeons had a significantly higher heart rate (95.7 ± 9.1 vs 90.2 ± 8.9; P = .012), energy expenditure per minute (4.6 ± 1.23 vs 3.8 ± 1.2; P = .007), and minute ventilation (19.0 ± 3.0 vs 15.5 ± 3.3; P < .001) compared to TKA.ConclusionSurgeons experience significantly higher physiological strain and stress while performing THA. While scheduling THAs and TKAs, surgeons should consider the higher physical demand associated with THAs and ensure adequate personal preparation and sequence of cases.     

The Impact of Arthroplasty Fellowship Training on Total Joint Arthroplasty: Comparison of Peri-Operative Metrics between Fellowship-Trained Surgeons and Non-Fellowship-Trained Surgeons

BackgroundWe sought to identify differences between total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) performed by adult reconstruction fellowship-trained surgeons (FT) than non-fellowship-trained surgeons (NFT).MethodsA single-institution database was utilized to identify patients who underwent elective TJA between 2016 and 2019.ResultsIn total, 16,882 TJAs were identified: 9111 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and 7771 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Patients undergoing THA by FT surgeons were older (63.11 vs 61.84 years, P < .001), more likely to be white, insured by Medicare, and less likely to be active smokers (P < .0001). Both surgical time (90.03 vs 113.1 minutes, P < .0001) and mean length of stay (LOS) (1.85 vs 2.72 days, P < .0001) were significantly shorter for THAs performed by FT surgeons than NFT surgeons. A significantly greater percentage of patients were discharged home after THA by FT surgeons than NFT surgeons (88.7% vs 85.2%, P = .002). FT patients were quicker to mobilize with therapy and required 25% less opioids. TKAs performed by FT surgeons were associated with shorter surgical times (87.4 vs 94.92 minutes, P < .0001), LOS (2.62 vs 2.84 days, P < .0001), and nearly 19% less opioid requirement in the peri-operative period. In addition to higher Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care scores associated with FT surgeons after TKA, a significantly greater percentage of patients were discharged home after TKA by FT surgeons than NFT surgeons (83.97% vs 80.16%, P < .001).ConclusionFor both THA and TKA, patients had significantly shorter surgical times, LOS, and required less opioids when their procedure was performed by FT surgeons compared to NTF surgeons. Patients who had their TJA performed by a FT surgeon achieved higher Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care scores and were discharged home more often than NFT surgeons. In an era of value-based care, more attention should be paid to the patient outcomes and financial implications associated with arthroplasty fellowship training.Level III EvidenceRetrospective Cohort Study.     

Is primary total elbow arthroplasty appropriately compensated compared to other major total joint arthroplasty?

BackgroundPrimary total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is an uncommon operation and performed less frequently than total shoulder (TSA), knee (TKA), and hip (THA) arthroplasty. Despite lower implant survival rates and higher complications rates compared to TSA, TKA, and THA, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) have assigned similar work relative value unit (wRVU) allotments and estimated operative times across all 4 forms of major joint arthroplasty. In this study, we determine temporal trends in CMS wRVU allotments, and operative time estimates for these 4 surgeries and compare actual operative times and postoperative complication rates.MethodsCMS wRVU allotments and estimated operative times were collected from all publicly available CMS publications for primary TEA, TSA, TKA, and TSA. We used the National Quality Improvement Program database from 2010 to 2017 to determine actual operative times for these surgeries. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to compare wRVU/h amongst the 4 surgeries, controlling for patient demographics, comorbidity, and hospital setting. Thirty-day complication rates were also compared.ResultsFrom 2012 to 2017, Medicare observed a 13% decline in total TEA procedures performed in comparison to a 70% increase for TSA and 29% increase in THA. The number of unique providers performing TEA declined (−6%) in comparison to a growth in surgeons performing TSA, TKA, and THA. TEA was associated with the longest operative time (152 ± 57 minutes, P < .0001) and lowest wRVU/h (10.2, P < .0001). TKA and THA had the shortest operative time (90 ± 29 and 90 ± 32, respectively) with the greatest wRVU/h (15.78 and 15.71). TEA remained the lowest wRVU/h procedure even after controlling for patient age, sex, body mass index, hospital setting, and comorbidity (P < .0001). Thirty-day complication rates for all surgeries were low, but TEA had higher rates of wound dehiscence, deep infection, pneumonia, reintubation, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction (all P < .01).ConclusionDespite similar wRVU assignments and operative time estimates for primary TEA, TSA, TKA, and THA; TEA is on average a longer surgery and carries a greater 30-day postoperative risk profile. Although CMS has assessed primary TEA to have similar work and time requirements compared to its counterparts, this procedure may be under-valued in comparison to other forms of major joint arthroplasty.Level of EvidenceLevel III; Economics.     

Surgeons Experience More Physiologic Stress and Strain During Revision Than Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundRevision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) and total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) procedures are more complex than primary TKA and THA, but their physiologic burden to the surgeon has not been quantified. While rTKA and rTHA have longer operative times, it is unknown whether differences exist in stress and strain compared to primary TKA and primary THA. The study was conducted to elicit whether differences exist in surgeon physiological response while performing rTKA and rTKA compared to primary TKA and primary THA.MethodsWe evaluated a prospective cohort study of 70 consecutive cases (23 primary TKAs, 12 primary THAs, 16 rTKAs, and 19 rTHAs). Two high-volume fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons wore a smart vest that recorded cardiorespiratory data while performing primary THA, primary TKA, rTHA, and rTKA. Heart rate (beats/minute), stress index (correlates with sympathetic activation), respiratory rate (respirations/minute), minute ventilation (L/min), and energy expenditure (Calories) were collected for every case, along with patient body mass index (kilograms/meter²) and working operative time (minutes). T-tests were used to assess for differences between the two groups.ResultsCompared to primary TKA, performing rTKAs had a significantly higher surgeon stress index (17 versus 15; P = .035), heart rate (104 versus 99; P = .007), energy expenditure per case (409 versus 297; P = .002), and a significantly lower heart rate variability (11 versus 12; P = .006). Compared to primary THA, performing rTHA had a significantly higher energy expenditure per case (431 versus 307; P = .007) and trended towards having a higher surgeon stress index (16 versus 14; P = .272) and a lower heart rate variability (11 versus 12; P = .185), although it did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionSurgeons experience higher physiological stress and strain when performing rTKA and rTHA compared to primary TKA and primary THA. This study provides objective data on what many surgeons feel and should promote further research on the specific stress and strain felt by surgeons who perform revision arthroplasty procedures.     

Published Operative Times Do Not Reflect Surgeon Effort: A Novel Approach for Calculating Operative Times in Total Hip Arthroplasty to Better Quantify Surgeon Work

BackgroundCurrent estimates of operative time (OT) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) are reported as the mean OT across all procedures. This method does not reflect variability among surgeons and surgical settings and should not be used to infer individual surgeon work. We hypothesized that this method would underestimate the time it takes individual surgeons to perform THA. Therefore, we compared the mean OT for all THA cases (“overall OT”) with the mean OT for individual surgeons (“individual surgeon OT”) and examined which factors were associated with each.MethodsMean OT was calculated for 3972 primary THA cases (“overall OT”) by 41 surgeons from 2015 to 2018 in a single health system. The mean OT for each surgeon was determined (“individual surgeon OT”), averaged across surgeons, and compared with overall OT. Overall OT and individual surgeon OT were assessed for associations with surgeon-related (adult reconstruction fellowship training, THA volume, years’ experience), hospital-related (hospital type, trainee presence), and patient-related (age, body mass index category, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification) factors (alpha = 0.05).ResultsMean individual surgeon OT was significantly longer (106 ± 21 minutes) than overall OT (96 ± 28 minutes) (P = .03), with 73% of individual surgeon OTs being greater than overall OT. Although all surgeon-, hospital-, and patient-related factors were associated with significant differences in overall OT, only hospital type was associated with differences in individual surgeon OT.ConclusionIndividual surgeon OT was longer than overall OT for most surgeons and provides a better estimate of surgeon work.     

Improving core surgical training in a major trauma centre

IntroductionEnglish Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) were established in April 2012. Increased case volume and complexity has influenced trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) core surgical training in these centres.ObjectivesTo determine if T&O core surgical training in MTCs meets Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) quality indicators including performance of T&O operative procedures and consultant supervised session attendance.MethodsAn audit cycle assessing the impact of a weekly departmental core surgical trainee rota. The rota included allocated timetabled sessions that optimised clinical and surgical learning opportunities. Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) records for T&O core surgical trainees at a single MTC were analysed for 8 months pre and post rota introduction. Outcome measures were electronic surgical logbook evidence of leading T&O operative procedures and consultant validated work-based assessments (WBAs).ResultsNine core surgical trainees completed a 4 month MTC placement pre and post introduction of the core surgical trainee rota. Introduction of core surgical trainee rota significantly increased the mean number of T&O operative procedures led by a core surgical trainee during a 4 month MTC placement from 20.2 to 34.0 (p < 0.05).The mean number of hip hemiarthroplasty procedures led by a core surgical trainee during a 4 month MTC placement was significantly increased (0.3 vs 2.4 [p = 0.04]). Those of dynamic hip screw fixation (2.3 vs 3.6) and ankle fracture fixation (0.7 vs 1.6) were not. Introduction of a core surgical trainee rota significantly increased the mean number of consultant validated WBAs completed by a core surgical trainee during a 4 month MTC placement from 1.7 to 6.6 (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsIntroduction of a departmental core surgical trainee rota utilising a ‘problem-based’ model can significantly improve T&O core surgical training in MTCs.     

Operative Times Can Predict and Are Correlated With Lengths-of-Stay in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Nationwide Database Study

BackgroundThe specific influence of operative times on lengths-of-stay (LOS) has not been well assessed and is therefore an important topic of evaluation for multiple reasons, including potential economic implication. The purpose of this study is to (1) identify predictors of longer operative times; (2) identify predictors of longer LOS; and (3) evaluate the effects of operative times on LOS in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for primary TKAs performed between 2008 and 2016, yielding 225,344 cases. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the effect of operative times on LOS after adjusting for patient factors. Univariate analyses were performed with 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), linear regression, and independent sample t-tests where appropriate. Multivariate analysis was performed with a multiple linear regression model adjusted for patient age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).ResultsThe mean operative time was 93 ± 35 minutes and the mean LOS was 3 ± 3 days. Young age, male sex, and obesity were predictors of longer operative times (P < .001). Similarly, there were significant associations of age, sex, and BMI with LOS (P < .001). Increasing 30-minute operative time intervals were associated with increasing LOS (P < .001). Longer operative times had significant associations with longer LOS even after adjusting for patient factors (β = 0.076, SE < 0.001, P value < .001). Out of all study covariates, operative times had the greatest effect on LOS.ConclusionThis study provides unique insight by directly correlating operative times to LOS in over 200,000 TKAs. The results from this study indicate that there is a strong correlation between operative times and LOS, so that operative time had a greater association than age, sex, and BMI with postoperative TKA LOS.     

Mark-Up Trends in Contemporary Medicare Primary and Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundUnderstanding mark-up ratios (MRs), the ratio between a healthcare institution’s submitted charge and the Medicare payment received, for high-volume orthopaedic procedures is imperative to inform policy about price transparency and reducing surprise billing. This analysis examined the MRs for primary and revision total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) services to Medicare beneficiaries between 2013 and 2019 across healthcare settings and geographic regions.MethodsA large dataset was queried for all THA and TKA procedures performed by orthopaedic surgeons between 2013 and 2019, using Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes for the most frequently used services. Yearly MRs, service counts, average submitted charges, average allowed payments, and average Medicare payments were analyzed. Trends in MRs were assessed. We evaluated 9 THA HCPCS codes, averaging 159,297 procedures a year provided by a mean of 5,330 surgeons. We evaluated 6 TKA HCPCS codes, averaging 290,244 procedures a year provided by a mean of 7,308 surgeons.ResultsFor knee arthroplasty procedures, a decrease was noted for HCPCS code 27438 (patellar arthroplasty with prosthesis) over the study period (8.30 to 6.62; P = .016) and HCPCS code 27447 (TKA) had the highest median (interquartile range [IQR]) MR (4.73 [3.64 to 6.30]). For revision knee procedures, the highest median (IQR) MR was for HCPCS code 27488 (removal of knee prosthesis; 6.12 [3.83-8.22]). While no trends were noted for both primary and revision hip arthroplasty, median (IQR) MRs in 2019 for primary hip procedures ranged from 3.83 (hemiarthroplasty) to 5.06 (conversion of previous hip surgery to THA) and HCPCS code 27130 (total hip arthroplasty) had a median (IQR) MR of 4.66 (3.58-6.44). For revision hip procedures, MRs ranged from 3.79 (open treatment of femoral fracture or prosthetic arthroplasty) to 6.10 (revision of THA femoral component). Wisconsin had the highest median MR by state (>9) for primary knee, revision knee, and primary hip procedures.ConclusionThe MRs for primary and revision THA and TKA procedures were strikingly high, as compared to nonorthopaedic procedures. These findings represent high levels of excess charges billed, which may pose serious financial burdens to patients and must be taken into consideration in future policy discussions to avoid price inflation.     

What Factors Affect Whether Patients Return to the Same Surgeon to Replace the Contralateral Joint? A Study of Over 200,000 Patients

BackgroundPatients with hip and knee arthritis often undergo bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a staged or simultaneous fashion. However, when staged, the incidence and factors associated with having both procedures performed by the same surgeon or different surgeon are not well studied.MethodsAll patients undergoing nonsimultaneous bilateral THA or TKA for osteoarthritis were abstracted from the 2010 to 2020 PearlDiver Mariner administrative database. The National Provider Identifier number was used to determine whether the same surgeon performed both surgeries. Demographics, comorbidities, and 90-day complications after the first joint replacement were assessed as possible independent predictors of utilizing a different surgeon for the contralateral joint.ResultsOf 87,593 staged bilateral THAs, the same surgeon performed 40,707 (46.5%) arthroplasties. Of 147,938 staged bilateral TKAs, the same surgeon performed 77,072 (52.1%) arthroplasties. Notably, older cohorts of patients had independent, stepwise, and significantly greater odds of changing surgeons for the contralateral THA and TKA. Those patients who were insured by Medicare and Medicaid had significantly lower odds of changing surgeons. For both THA and TKA, surgical and implant-related adverse events (surgical site infection/periprosthetic joint infection, periprosthetic fracture, dislocation, manipulation) carried the greatest odds of undergoing the contralateral replacement with a different surgeon.ConclusionPatients covered by Medicaid and sicker patients were significancy less likely to switch surgeons for their contralateral THA or TKA. Additionally, patients experiencing a surgery-related adverse event within 90 days of their first THA or TKA had significantly, increased odds of switching surgeons for their subsequent TJA.     

Overlapping Surgery Increases Operating Room Efficiency Without Adversely Affecting Outcomes in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundSeveral recent studies have demonstrated that overlapping surgeries in total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty do not increase the rates of complications, but whether this practice is cost-effective has yet to be addressed in the literature. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of overlapping surgery on procedural costs and surgical productivity during THA and TKA.MethodsWe identified all patients undergoing primary THA or TKA from 2015 to 2018 by 18 surgeons at a single orthopedic specialty hospital. Procedural and personnel costs were calculated for each case using a time-driven activity-based costing algorithm. Overlap of surgical time by at least 30 minutes was used to define an overlapping procedure. We compared costs and outcomes between overlapping and nonoverlapping procedures, standardizing all costs to 8-hour time blocks. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine independent effect of overlapping procedures on costs and outcomes.ResultsOf the 4786 consecutive procedures, 968 (20.2%) overlapped by at least 30 minutes. Although overlapping rooms increased mean operative time by 8.3 minutes (P < .0001) and operating room personnel costs by $80 per case (<.0001), overlapping surgeons could perform significantly more procedures per 8 hours (7.6 vs 6.4; P < .0001), increasing total 8-hour profit margin by $1215 per procedure. There was no difference in 90-day readmission rate, length of stay, or rates of discharge home between the groups.ConclusionOverlapping noncritical portions of procedures in primary THA and TKA appear to be both a safe practice and an effective strategy.     

Length of Stay After Joint Arthroplasty is Less Than Predicted Using Two Risk Calculators

BackgroundPredicting the length of stay (LOS) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has become more important with their recent removal from inpatient-only designation. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program surgical risk calculator and the CMS’ diagnosis-related group (DRG) calculator are two common LOS predictors. The aim of our study was to determine how our actual LOS compared with those predicted by both the ACS and DRG.Methods99 consecutive TJA (49 hips and 50 knee procedures) were reviewed in Medicare-eligible patients from four fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons. Predicted LOS was calculated using the DRG and ACS risk calculators for each patient using demographics, medical histories, and comorbidities. LOS was compared between the predicted and the actual LOS for both total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using paired t-tests.ResultsActual LOS was shorter in the THA group vs the TKA group (1.29 days vs 1.46 days, P < .05). The actual LOS of patients at our institution was significantly shorter than both DRG and ACS predictions for both THA and TKA (P < .05). In both the THA and TKA patients, the actual LOS (1.29 and 1.46 day) was significantly shorter than the DRG-predicted LOS (2.15 and 2.15 days) which was significantly shorter than the ACS-predicted LOS (2.9 and 3.14 days).ConclusionWe found the actual LOS was significantly shorter than that predicted by both the DRG and ACS risk calculators. Current risk calculators may not be accurate for contemporary fast-track protocols and newer tools should be developed.     

Analysis of factors affecting operating time, postoperative complications, and length of stay for total knee arthroplasty: nationwide web-based survey

Background  This study aimed to clarify the impact of various factors on the operating time, postoperative complications, and length of stay (LOS) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods  We identified 3577 TKAs performed in 345 hospitals in Japan from November 2006 to March 2007. We examined the patient characteristics, surgical procedure details, hospital and surgeon volumes, and outcome variables (operating time, postoperative complications, LOS). Results  The average operating time was 127 ± 47 min. The rate of postoperative complications was 9.8%. The average LOS was 35.1 ± 15.9 days. In multivariate regression analyses, the average operating times were significantly shorter at hospitals with >10 cases per year compared to hospitals with <10 cases per year and for surgeons with ≥100 total cases compared to surgeons with <100 total cases. A longer operating time was associated with revision surgery and use of computer navigation. Significant predictors of postoperative complications were age, body mass index, and cerebrovascular disease. Shorter LOS was associated with higher hospital volume and use of a clinical pathway, whereas age, cardiovascular disease, and revision surgery increased the length of stay. Conclusions  Postoperative complications following TKA mainly depended on patient-based factors and were not significantly affected by the surgeon’s experience.     

Can Total Hip Arthroplasty for Hip Fracture Be Safely Performed by Trainees? A Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundNo research is available comparing trainee and consultant outcomes for total hip arthroplasty (THA) for hip fracture. The aim of our study is to determine whether trainee-performed and consultant-performed THA produced equivalent radiological outcomes and complication rates for this patient cohort.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study at our institution, with inclusion of patients who underwent a primary THA for hip fracture between March 30, 2017 and February 07, 2019. Relevant perioperative and outcome data were collected through electronic records. Radiological outcomes were assessed by 2 independent reviewers. Follow-up was performed until August 07, 2019.ResultsEighty-seven patients were included in the study. The mean length of follow-up was 13 months (range, 6-29). Forty-three patients underwent consultant-led operations and 44 underwent trainee-performed (ST3-ST8) operations under consultant supervision. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding complication risk (no recorded dislocation, infection requiring reoperation, revision or 30-day mortality in either group). There were also no significant differences between trainees and consultants regarding the radiological outcomes of mean acetabular component inclination (37.2° vs 36.7°, respectively, P = .74); offset difference (+7.1 mm vs +7.2 mm, respectively, P = .91); leg length difference (+6.4 mm vs +5.7 mm, respectively, P = .56); and barrack grade for femoral cement mantle.ConclusionThis study suggests that radiological and safety outcomes for trainees performing THA for hip fracture with appropriate supervision are equivalent to consultant surgeons. However, given the low event rate of complications, a larger study is required to determine whether there is any statistically significant difference.     

Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Era of Bundled Care Payments: Impacts on Costs of Care

BackgroundConversion hip arthroplasty is defined as a patient who has had prior open or arthroscopic hip surgery with or without retained hardware that is removed and replaced with arthroplasty components. Currently, it is classified under the same diagnosis-related group as primary total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, it frequently requires a higher cost of care.MethodsA retrospective study of 228 conversion THA procedures in an orthopaedic specialty hospital was performed. Propensity score matching was used to compare the study group to a cohort of 510 primary THA patients by age, body mass index, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. These matched groups were compared based on total costs, implants used, operative times, length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and complications.ResultsConversion THA incurred 25% more mean total costs compared to primary THA (P < .05), longer lengths of surgery (154 versus 122 minutes), and hospital LOS (2.1 versus 1.56 days). A subgroup analysis showed a 57% increased cost for cephalomedullary nail conversion, 34% increased cost for sliding hip screw, 33% for acetabular open reduction and internal fixation conversion, and 10% increased costs in closed reduction and percutaneous pinning conversions (all P < .05). There were 5 intraoperative complications in the conversion group versus none in the primary THA group (P < .01), with no statistically significant difference in readmissions.ConclusionConversion THA is significantly more costly than primary THA and has longer surgical times and greater LOS. Specifically, conversion THA with retained implants had the greatest impact on cost.     

What Are the Frequency,Related Mortality,and Factors Associated with Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome in Arthroplasty Surgery?

BackgroundBone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is characterized by hypoxia, hypotension, and the loss of consciousness during cemented arthroplasty; it may result in death. Its incidence has only been explored for hemiarthroplasty and THA after fracture or cancer. To our knowledge, there are no studies that comprehensively explore and compare the incidence of BCIS in other arthroplasty procedures.Questions/purposes(1) To report the incidence of BCIS in TKA, unicondylar knee arthroplasty, hip hemiarthroplasty, THA, shoulder arthroplasty, TKA, and revision THA and TKA; (2) to determine whether severe BCIS is associated with an increased risk of death within 30 days of surgery; and (3) to identify factors associated with the development of severe BCIS.MethodsAll patients undergoing cemented arthroplasty for any reason (TKA [11% cemented, 766 of 7293], unicondylar knee arthroplasty [100% cemented, 562 procedures], hip hemiarthroplasty for femur fractures [100% cemented, 969 procedures], THA [8% cemented, 683 of 8447], shoulder arthroplasty [84% cemented, 185 of 219], and revision arthroplasty of the hip and knee [36% cemented, 240 of 660]) between January 2008 and August 2019 were considered for inclusion in the current retrospective observational study. Fixation choice was dependent on surgeon preference (THA and TKA), prosthesis design (shoulder arthroplasty), or bone quality (revision arthroplasty). The following procedures were excluded because of insufficient data: < 1% (1 of 766) of TKAs, 1% (4 of 562) of unicondylar knee arthroplasties, 6% (54 of 969) of hip hemiarthroplasties, 1% (6 of 683) of THAs, 6% (12 of 185) of shoulder arthroplasties, and 14% (34 of 240) of revision procedures. This resulted in a final inclusion of 3294 procedures (765 TKAs [23%], 558 unicondylar knee arthroplasties [17%], 915 hip hemiarthroplasties [28%], 677 THA [21%], 173 shoulder arthroplasties [5%], and 206 revision arthroplasties [6%]), of which 28% (930 of 3294) had an emergent indication for surgery. Of the patients, 68% (2240 of 3294) were females, with a mean age of 75 ± 11 years. All anesthetic records were extracted from our hospital’s database, and the severity of BCIS was retrospectively scored (Grade 0 [no BCIS], Grade 1 [O₂% < 94% or fall in systolic blood pressure of 20% to 40%], Grade 2 [O₂% < 88% or fall in systolic blood pressure of > 40%], and Grade 3 [cardiovascular collapse requiring CPR]). Procedures were dichotomized into no or moderate BCIS (Grades 0 and 1) and severe BCIS (Grades 2 and 3). The adjusted 30-day mortality of patients with severe BCIS was assessed with a multivariate Cox regression analysis. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the development of severe BCIS.ResultsBCIS occurred in 26% (845 of 3294) of arthoplasty procedures. The incidence was 31% (282 of 915) in hip hemiarthroplasty, 28% (210 of 765) in TKA, 24% (165 of 677) in THA, 23% (47 of 206) in revision arthroplasty, 20% (113 of 558) in unicondylar knee arthroplasty, and 16% (28 of 173) in shoulder arthroplasty. Patients with severe BCIS were more likely (hazard ratio 3.46 [95% confidence interval 2.07 to 5.77]; p < 0.001) to die within 30 days of the index procedure than were patients with less severe or no BCIS. Factors independently associated with the development of severe BCIS were age older than 75 years (odds ratio 1.57 [95% CI 1.09 to 2.27]; p = 0.02), American Society of Anesthesiologists Class III or IV (OR 1.58 [95% CI 1.09 to 2.30]; p = 0.02), and renal impairment (OR 3.32 [95% CI 1.45 to 7.46]; p = 0.004).ConclusionBCIS is common during cemented arthroplasty; severe BCIS is uncommon, but it is associated with an increased risk of death within 30 days of surgery. Medically complex patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty may be at particular risk. Patients at high risk for severe BCIS (renal impairment, ASA III/IV, and age older than 75 years) should be identified and preventive measures such as medullary lavage before cementation, femoral venting, and avoidance of excessive pressurization of implants should be taken to reduce the likelihood and consequences of BCIS. Because of the increased risk of periprosthetic fractures in uncemented hip stems, factors associated with the development of BCIS should be weighed against the risk factors for sustaining periprosthetic fractures (poor bone quality, female sex) to balance the risks of fixation method against those of BCIS for each patient.Level of EvidenceLevel III, therapeutic study.     

Sodium Abnormalities Are an Independent Predictor of Complications in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Cautionary Tale!

BackgroundElectrolyte levels are commonly obtained as part of the preoperative workup for total joint arthroplasty, but limited information exists on the interplay between electrolyte abnormalities and outcomes.MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for primary, elective total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) performed between 2011 and 2017. Three patient groups were compared: normal (control), hypernatremia, and hyponatremia. The primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and 30-day adverse events: complications, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality.ResultsA total of 244,538 TKAs and 145,134 THAs were analyzed. The prevalence of hyponatremia and hypernatremia was 6.9% and 1.0%, respectively. After controlling for any baseline differences, hypernatremia was an independent predictor of ventilation >48 hours (THA, odds ratio [OR] 3.53), unplanned intubation (THA, OR 3.14), cardiac arrest (THA, OR 2.42), pneumonia (THA, OR 2.16), Clostridium difficile infection (OR 4.66 and 3.25 for THA and TKA, respectively), LOS >2 days (THA, OR 1.16), and mortality (THA, OR 4.69). Similarly, hyponatremia was an independent predictor of LOS >2 days (TKA, OR 1.21), readmission (TKA, OR 1.40), reoperation (OR 1.32 and 1.47 for THA and TKA, respectively), surgical site infections (OR 1.39 and 1.54 for THA and TKA, respectively), and transfusion (OR 1.13 and 1.20 for THA and TKA, respectively).ConclusionAs the focus of total joint arthroplasty continues to shift toward value-based payment models and outpatient surgery, caution should be exercised in patients with abnormal preoperative sodium levels, particularly hypernatremia, because of significantly increased risk of prolonged LOS and 30-day adverse events.     

Does racial background influence outcomes following total joint arthroplasty?

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to assess whether racial differences influence patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following primary total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent primary THA or TKA from 2016 to 2020 with available PROMs. Both THA and TKA patients were separated into three groups based on their ethnicity: Caucasian, African-American, and other races. Patient demographics, clinical data, and PROMs at various time-periods were collected and compared. Demographic differences were assessed using chi-square and ANOVA. Univariate ANCOVA was utilized to compare outcomes and PROMs while accounting for demographic differences.ResultsThis study included 1999 THA patients and 1375 TKA patients. In the THA cohort, 1636 (82%) were Caucasian, 177 (9%) were African-American, and 186 (9%) were of other races. In the TKA cohort, 864 (63%) were Caucasian, 236 (17%) were African-American, and 275 (20%) were of other races. Surgical-time significantly differed between the groups that underwent THA (88.4vs.100.5vs.96.1; p < 0.001) with African-Americans requiring the longest operative time. Length-of-stay significantly differed in both THA (1.5vs.1.9vs.1.8; p < 0.001) and TKA (2.1vs.2.5vs.2.3; p < 0.001) cohorts, with African-Americans having the longest stay. Caucasians reported significantly higher PROM scores compared to non-Caucasians in both cohorts. All-cause emergency-department (ED) visits, 90-day postoperative events (readmissions&revisions), and discharge-disposition did not statistically differ in both cohorts.ConclusionNon-Caucasian patients demonstrated lower PROM scores when compared to Caucasian patients following TJA although the differences may not be clinically relevant. LOS was significantly longer for African-Americans in both THA and TKA cohorts. Further investigation identifying racial disparity interventions is warranted.Level of evidencePrognostic Level III     

Are primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty appropriately reimbursed based on relative value units?

BackgroundThe number of primary and revision shoulder arthroplasties performed each year continues to increase. Relative value units (RVUs) are currently used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to determine physician reimbursement based on time, effort, and complexity of services rendered. Compared to primary shoulder arthroplasty, revision shoulder arthroplasties are often more technically challenging, have longer operative times, and pose a greater risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications. This study aims to compare surgeon reimbursement between primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty.MethodsUtilizing a single institution shoulder arthroplasty database, we identified patients who underwent primary or revision shoulder arthroplasty between February 2011 and December 2013 by a single shoulder and elbow fellowship trained surgeon with over 20 years of experience at the time of data collection. The RVUs for primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty were obtained from the CMS Physician Fee schedule. Physician reimbursement for primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty was calculated using the CMS RVU to dollar conversion factor of $34.8921 per RVU. The RVU was divided by operative time to calculate an RVU/min for primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty. Monetary reimbursement per minute, case, day, and year was subsequently calculated.ResultsA total of 190 primary and 100 revision shoulder arthroplasties were performed during the study period. Mean RVU for primary shoulder arthroplasty was 22.13 ± 0.00 vs. 26.24 ± 1.10 for revision shoulder arthroplasty (P < .001). Mean operative time for primary shoulder arthroplasty was 111.17 ± 29.26 minutes vs. 145.12 ± 38.56 minutes for revision shoulder arthroplasty (P <.001). The RVU per minute for primary shoulder arthroplasty was 0.21 ± 0.05 and revision shoulder arthroplasty was 0.19 ± 0.04 (P < .001). The reimbursement for primary shoulder arthroplasty was $7.39/min ($772.16/case) and revision shoulder arthroplasty was $6.69/min ($915.92/case). With an estimated surgeon volume of 6 primary shoulder arthroplasties or 4 revision shoulder arthroplasties per day, reimbursement favors primary shoulder arthroplasty by a difference of $969.29 per day or $155,086.15 per year.ConclusionWhile the RVU/case is higher for revision shoulder arthroplasty, the difference does not account for the additional operative time and complexity compared to primary shoulder arthroplasty. In light of this data, the current RVU reimbursement model should be reevaluated to account for these differences between primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty.Level of EvidenceLevel III; Retrospective Comparative Study