Cost Analysis,Complications, and Discharge Disposition Associated With Simultaneous vs Staged Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

Simultaneous vs staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) has long been debated. The primary objective of this study was to compare actual hospital costs and complication rates in patients undergoing simultaneous BTKA (simBTKA) and staged BTKA (staBTKA) at a single institution.

Outcomes of a First Total Knee Arthroplasty Are Associated With Outcomes of the Subsequent Contralateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundTo determine if preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes of a first total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were predictive of characteristics and outcomes of the subsequent contralateral TKA in the same patient.MethodsRetrospective administrative claims data from (SPARCS) database were analyzed for patients who underwent sequential TKAs from September 2015 to September 2017 (n = 5,331). Hierarchical multivariable Poisson regression (length of stay [LOS]) and multivariable logistic regression (all other outcomes), controlling for sex, age, and Elixhauser comorbidity scores were performed.ResultsThe cohort comprised 65% women, with an average age of 66 years and an average duration of 7.3 months between surgeries (SD: 4.7 months). LOS was significantly shorter for the second TKA (2.6 days) than for the first TKA (2.8 days; P < .001). Patients discharged to a facility after their first TKA had a probability of 76% of discharge to facility after the second TKA and were significantly more likely to be discharged to a facility compared with those discharged home after the first TKA (odds ratio [OR]: 63.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 52.1-77.8). The probability of a readmission at 30 and 90 days for the second TKA if the patient was readmitted for the first TKA was 1.0% (OR: 3.70; 95% CI: 0.98-14.0) and 6.4% (OR: 9; 95% CI: 5.1-16.0), respectively. Patients with complications after their first TKA had a 27% probability of a complication after the second TKA compared with a 1.6% probability if there was no complication during the first TKA (OR: 14.6; 95% CI: 7.8.1-27.2).ConclusionThe LOS, discharge disposition, 90-day readmission rate, and complication rate for a second contralateral TKA are strongly associated with the patient’s first TKA experience. The second surgery was found to be associated with an overall shorter LOS, fewer readmissions, and higher likelihood of home discharge.Level of EvidenceLevel 3-retrospective cohort study.     

Alcohol Withdrawal Is Associated With Worse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Primary Total Knee or Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundAlcohol withdrawal (AW) syndrome is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. This study aims to evaluate the influence of AW on perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent primary total knee (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsWe used the National Inpatient Sample database to identify patients undergoing TKA/THA from 2003 to 2014. The primary exposure of interest was AW. Multivariable adjusted models were used to evaluate the association of AW with in-hospital medical complications, surgical complications, mortality, cost, and length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing TKA/THA.ResultsThere were 2,971,539 adult hospitalizations for THAs and 6,367,713 hospitalizations for TKAs included in the present study, among which 0.14% of AW for THA patients and 0.10% of AW for TKA patients. Multivariable adjustment analysis suggested that AW was associated with an increased risk of medical complications (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79-2.42, P < .0001), surgical complications (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.51-2.03, P < .0001), and had 4.79 times increase of in-hospital mortality, 26% increase of total cost, and 53% increase of LOS in THA procedures. For TKA procedures, AW was also associated with increased risk of medical complications (OR 3.14, 95% CI 2.78-3.56, P < .0001), surgical complications (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.82-2.34, P < .0001) and 4.24 times increase of in-hospital mortality, 29% increase of total cost, and 58% increase of LOS after multivariable adjustment.ConclusionAW is associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality, medical and surgical complications. Proactive surveillance and management of AW may be important in improving outcomes in patients who underwent THA and TKA procedure.     

Inhospital Complications and Costs of Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: The Case for Selection and Potential Cost Savings

BackgroundPublished comparisons between bilateral and unilateral total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) remain biased, as most patients undergoing bilateral TKA are prescreened and healthier than average patients having unilateral procedures. Our objectives were to compare postoperative complications and resource utilization of patients having simultaneous bilateral TKAs with similar patients having unilateral procedures.MethodsThe Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify patients undergoing primary elective TKA from 2002 to 2011. A total of 4,445,263 patients were identified. Of these, 190,783 (4%) were having same-day bilateral procedures. Patients with staged bilateral TKA during the same hospitalization were excluded. Complications and costs were compared to a matched cohort of patients having unilateral procedures. This cohort was matched based on age, gender, and 30 comorbid-defined elements in the NIS.ResultsA total of 172,366 (90%) simultaneous bilateral procedures were matched 1:1 to patients with unilateral procedures for the adjusted analysis. Patients with bilateral procedures were at an increased risk for many complications including postoperative anemia (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 2.2-2.3, P < .001), cardiac (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 2.0-2.3, P < .001), and inhospital mortality (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 2.6-4.3). These patients also incurred in higher hospital costs ($19,343 vs $12,852, P < .001) and were discharged more commonly to a rehabilitation facility (70% vs 32%, P < .001).ConclusionPatients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA are at an increased risk of developing important postoperative complications and mortality compared with unilateral cases. These data highlight the importance of patient selection and optimization for bilateral TKA and potential cost savings.     

Spinal Versus General Anesthesia in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Are There Differences in Complication and Readmission Rates?

BackgroundSpinal anesthesia (SP) utilization continues to expand in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, little is known regarding differences in complication rates between spinal and general anesthesia used for primary TKA. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the length of stay (LOS), operative time, and readmission and revision rates between patients who received spinal and general anesthesia during TKA.MethodsThe American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) was used to identify primary elective TKA patients from 2017 to 2020. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts, general (GN) and SP, based on the mode of anesthesia administered during the index surgery. In total, 270,251 TKAs were identified, of which 126,970 (47.0%) received general anesthesia and 143,281 (53.0%) received spinal anesthesia. Length of stay, operative time, 90-day readmission, and 90-day revisions were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for potential confounders.ResultsAfter accounting for confounding factors, SP was associated with a lower risk of having a LOS greater than 3 days (odds ratio [OR] 0.470, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.454-0.487, P < .0001), but a slightly higher likelihood of having a longer operative time (OR 1.075, 95% CI 1.056-1.094, P < .0001). SP was also linked to lower rates of 90-day readmission (OR 0.845, 95% CI 0.790-0.904, P < .0001) and lower risk of 90-day all-cause revision (OR 0.506, 95% CI 0.462-0.555, P < .0001).ConclusionSP was associated with a lower 90-day readmission rate and a lower risk of 90-day revision. These findings support the best practice guidelines of The Joint Commission to use spinal anesthesia when possible as part of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway.     

New-Onset Depression After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Consideration of the At-Risk Patient

BackgroundPostoperative new-onset depression (NOD) has gained recent attention as a previously unrecognized complication which may put patients at risk for poor outcomes after elective total hip arthroplasty. We aimed to investigate risk factors for the development of NOD after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and assess its association with postoperative complications.MethodsThis is a retrospective, population-level investigation of elective TKA patients. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of depression were excluded from this study. Two groups were compared: patients who were diagnosed with depression within one year after TKA (NOD) and those who did not (control). The association of both preoperative patient factors and postoperative surgical and medical complications with NOD was then determined using multivariate and univariate analyses.ResultsOf 196,728 unique TKA patients in our cohort, 5351 (2.72%) were diagnosed with NOD within one year of TKA. Age <54 year old, female gender, preoperative anxiety disorder, drug, alcohol, and/or tobacco use, multiple comorbidities, and opioid use before TKA were all associated with a diagnosis of NOD postoperatively (all P < .001). Postoperative NOD was associated with periprosthetic fracture (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.29-3.52; P = .033), aseptic failure (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.24-2.07; P = .020), prosthetic joint infection (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.30-1.85; P < .001), stroke (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.09-1.42; P = .006), and venous thromboembolism (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.12-1.37; P < .001).ConclusionPost-TKA NOD is common and is associated with poor outcomes. This may aid surgeons in developing both anticipatory measures and institute preventative measures for patients at risk for developing NOD.     

Prior Nonarthroplasty Surgery Increases Risk of Complication in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPrior ipsilateral knee surgery may increase the risk for complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It remains unclear if the extent of previous surgery affects those risks disparately. The purpose of this study is to evaluate prior nonarthroplasty bony procedure (BP) and soft tissue only procedure (STP) as a potential risk factor for complications after TKA and determine the association with charges or reimbursement of the primary TKA.MethodsPatients who underwent primary TKA with previous knee surgery were identified using a national Medicare database and matched 1:5 to controls without prior knee surgery. Rates of postoperative medical and surgical complications were calculated in addition to hospital-associated charges and reimbursements. Logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounding factors.ResultsPatients who underwent BP (n = 835) had increased risk of readmission (58.6% vs 45.3%, odds ratio (OR) 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59-1.85, P < .001) and emergency room visits (14.5% vs 10.4%, OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.29-1.61, P = .001). Patients who underwent STP (n = 6766) had increased risk of readmission (58.1% vs 45.2%, OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.64-1.73, P < .001), emergency room visits (12.6% vs 0.7%, OR 1.33, 1.28-1.39, P < .001), revision (1.8% vs 1.4%, OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.21-1.47, P = .006), cerebrovascular accident (2.3% vs 1.7%, OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.22-1.46, P = .002), and venous thromboembolism (3.8% vs 3.2%, OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13-1.29, P = .009). Prior surgery was associated with increased charges and reimbursements.ConclusionPrior ipsilateral knee surgery is associated with significantly increased risks of postoperative complications after primary TKA. Interestingly, previous STP but not BP increased the risk of short-term revision and venous thromboembolism.     

Increased Medical Complications,Revisions, In-Hospital Lengths of Stay,and Cost in Patients With Hypogonadism Undergoing Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundResearch regarding the impact of hypogonadism following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether patients with hypogonadism undergoing primary TKA are at increased odds of (1) medical complications, (2) revisions, (3) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOSs), and (4) cost of care.MethodsA Humana patient population consisting of 8 million lives was retrospectively analyzed from 2007 to 2017 using International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision codes. Patients were filtered by male gender and patients with hypogonadism were matched to controls in a 1:4 ratio according to age and medical comorbidities. The query yielded 8393 patients with (n = 1681) and without (6712) hypogonadism undergoing primary TKA. Primary outcomes analyzed included medical complications, revision rates, in-hospital LOS, and cost of care. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) of 90-day medical complications and 2-year revisions. Welch’s t-test was used to test for significance in LOS and cost of care between cohorts. A P-value less than .05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsHypogonadal patients undergoing primary TKA were found to have increased incidence and odds (9.45% vs 4.67%; OR 2.12, P < .0001) of developing 90-day medical complications. Hypogonadal patients undergoing primary TKA were found to have a greater incidence and odds (3.99% vs 2.80%; OR 1.89, P < .0001) of 2-year revisions. Hypogonadal patients had a 6.11% longer LOS (3.47 vs 3.27 days, P = .02) compared to controls, and incurred greater 90-day costs ($15,564.31 vs $14,856.69, P = .018) compared to controls.ConclusionThis analysis of over 1600 patients demonstrates that patients with hypogonadism undergoing primary TKA have greater odds of postoperative medical complications, revisions, increased LOS, and cost of care.     

Fibromyalgia Increases the Risk of Surgical Complications Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Nationwide Database Study

BackgroundAlthough fibromyalgia is a common comorbidity with knee osteoarthritis, the orthopedic literature on this population is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess if fibromyalgia patients have a higher likelihood of developing surgical complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) than a matched control cohort.MethodsThe Medicare Standard Analytical Files of the PearlDiver supercomputer was utilized to identify patients who underwent a TKA between 2005 and 2014. Patients were 1:1 propensity score matched based on the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, age, gender, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index, yielding a total of 305,510 patients. Odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and P-values (<.05) were calculated to examine the likelihood of developing any surgical complication, as well as specific surgical complications.ResultsCompared to a matched cohort, fibromyalgia patients had increased odds of developing any surgical complication (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.51-1.60, P < .001), such as bearing wear (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.48-3.01, P < .0001) and periprosthetic osteolysis (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.10-2.66, P = .018). Furthermore, these patients had significantly greater odds of developing revision of tibial insert (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.14-2.05, P = .046), mechanical loosening (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.26-1.53, P < .0001), infection/inflammation (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.26-1.14, P < .0001), dislocations (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.21-1.47, P < .0001), as well as other complications (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.68-1.80, P < .0001).ConclusionThis analysis of over 300,000 patients identified that fibromyalgia patients can have a greater risk of developing certain surgical complications after TKA. Therefore, fibromyalgia patients must be made aware of the increased postoperative risks and surgeons should consider enhanced preoperative medical and surgical optimization.     

Use of Supplemental Home Oxygen is Associated With Early Postoperative Complications Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe objective of this study is to evaluate preoperative supplemental home oxygen use as a potential risk factor for both medical and surgical complications following primary elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients who have respiratory disease (RD).MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of RD who underwent elective TKA from 2010 to 2020 were identified using a national database. The rates of postoperative medical and surgical complications, hospital readmissions, and emergency room visits were calculated for RD patients who used supplemental home oxygen and those who did not. Additionally, reimbursements and lengths of stay were determined. Both cohorts were then compared to matched cohorts who did not have RD using logistic regression analyses.ResultsA total of 41,418 patients who underwent TKA with RD on home oxygen and 138,635 patients who had RD without home oxygen use were compared with matched cohorts. The RD cohort with home oxygen use had a significantly higher incidence of periprosthetic joint infection (5.78% versus 2.69%, odds ratio [OR] 1.42, P < .0001), pneumonia (3.95% versus 0.69%, OR 4.44, P < .0001), venous thromboembolism (3.17% versus 2.10%, OR 1.12, P = .007), and periprosthetic fracture (0.82% versus 0.34%, OR 1.72, P < .0001) compared to the matched control cohort. Additionally, the RD with home oxygen cohort had a significantly higher incidence of periprosthetic joint infection (5.78% versus 3.77%, OR 1.15, P < .0001), pneumonia (3.95% versus 1.63%, OR 1.99, P < .0001), and several other medical complications compared to RD patients without home oxygen use.ConclusionPreoperative supplemental home oxygen use is associated with significantly increased risk of postoperative surgical and medical complications following elective TKA. This finding can help guide risk assessment and the informed consent process prior to surgery.     

Predicting Inpatient Status After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in Medicare-Aged Patients

BackgroundThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) removed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from its inpatient only (IPO) list as of January 1, 2018. The purpose of this study was to establish a risk-stratifying nomogram to aid in determining the need for inpatient admission among Medicare-aged patients undergoing primary TKA.MethodsThe American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify all patients aged ≥65 years who underwent primary TKA between 2006 and 2015. The primary outcome measure was inpatient admission, as defined by hospital length of stay longer than 2 days. Multiple demographic, comorbid, and perioperative variables were incorporated in a multivariate logistic regression model to yield a risk stratification nomogram.ResultsSixty-one thousand two hundred eighty-four inpatient and 26,066 outpatient admissions were analyzed. Age >80 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.27, P < .0001, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.13-2.42), simultaneous bilateral TKA (OR = 2.02, P < .0001, 95% CI = 1.77-2.30), dependent functional status (OR = 1.95, P < .0001, 95% CI = 1.62-2.35), metastatic cancer (OR = 1.91, P = .055, 95% CI = 0.99-3.73), and female gender (OR = 1.76, P < .0001, 95% CI = 1.70-1.82) were the greatest determinants of inpatient stay. The resulting predictive model demonstrated acceptable discrimination and excellent calibration.ConclusionOur model enabled a reliable and straightforward identification of the most suitable candidates for inpatient admission in Medicare aged–patients undergoing primary TKA. Larger multicenter studies are necessary to externally validate the proposed predictive nomogram.     

Socioeconomic Disparities in the Utilization of Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundDespite strong evidence supporting the efficacy of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), studies have shown significant socioeconomic disparities regarding who ultimately undergoes TKA. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate socioeconomic factors affecting whether a patient undergoes TKA after a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.MethodsFrom 2011 to 2018, claims for adult patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database were analyzed. International Classification of Diseases (ICD), 9/10 CM codes were used to identify the initial diagnosis for each patient. ICD 9/10 PCS codes were used to identify subsequent TKA. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of patient factors on the likelihood of having TKA.ResultsOf 313,794 osteoarthritis diagnoses, 33.3% proceeded to undergo TKA. Increased age (OR 1.007, P < .0001) and workers’ compensation relative to commercial insurance (OR 1.865, P < .0001) had increased odds of TKA. Compared to White race, Asian (OR 0.705, P < .0001), Black (OR 0.497, P < .0001), and “other” race (OR 0.563, P < .0001) had lower odds of TKA. Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.597, P < .0001) had lower odds of surgery. Compared to commercial insurance, Medicare (OR 0.876, P < .0001), Medicaid (OR 0.452, P < .0001), self-pay (OR 0.523, P < .0001), and “other” insurance (OR 0.819, P < .0001) had lower odds of TKA. Increased social deprivation (OR 0.987, P < .0001) had lower odds of TKA.ConclusionTKA is associated with disparities among race, ethnicity, primary insurance, and social deprivation. Additional research is necessary to identify the cause of these disparities to improve equity in orthopedic care.     

Lysis of Adhesion for Arthrofibrosis After Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With Increased Risk of Subsequent Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to determine incidence of lysis of adhesion (LOA) for postoperative arthrofibrosis following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patient factors associated with LOA, and impact of LOA on revision TKA.MethodsPatients who underwent primary TKA were identified in the Humana and Medicare databases. Patients who underwent LOA within 1 year after TKA were defined as the “LOA” cohort. Multiple binomial logistic regression analyses were performed to identify patient factors associated with undergoing LOA within 1 year after index TKA, and identify risk factors including LOA on risk for revision TKA within 2 years of index TKA.ResultsIn total, 58,538 and 48,336 patients underwent primary TKA in the Medicare and Humana databases, respectively. Incidence of LOA within 1 year after TKA was 0.56% in both databases. Age <75 years was a significant predictor of LOA in both databases (P < .05 for both). Incidence of revision TKA was significantly higher for the “LOA” cohort when compared to the “TKA Only” cohort in both databases (P < .0001 for both). LOA was the strongest predictor of revision TKA within 2 years after index TKA in both databases (P < .0001 for both). Additionally, age <65 years, male gender, obesity, fibromyalgia, smoking, alcohol abuse, and history of anxiety or depression were independently associated with increased odds of revision TKA within 2 years after index TKA (P < .05 for all).ConclusionIncidence of LOA after primary TKA is low, with younger age being the strongest predictor for requiring LOA. Patients who undergo LOA for arthrofibrosis within 1 year after primary TKA have a substantially high risk for subsequent early revision TKA.Level of EvidenceIII, Retrospective Cohort Study.     

Enhanced Selection of Candidates for Same-Day and Outpatient Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundMedicare removed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from its inpatient-only list and private insurers created ambulatory surgical codes; these changes bring about logistical challenges for TKA episode planning. We identified preoperatively determined factors associated with hospital length of stay for (1) same-day discharge (SDD) and (2) inpatient TKA defined by Medicare’s 2-midnight rule benchmark.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 325 consecutive unilateral primary TKAs performed on patients completing the Perioperative Surgical Home preoperative optimization pathway within a single hospital system. Stepwise logistic regression modeling was performed to identify preoperatively determined factors associated with (1) SDD and (2) inpatient TKA. We compared these models’ ability to discern the length of stay category to the Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) score alone.ResultsThe cohort included 32 (10%) SDD, 189 (58%) next-day discharges, and 104 (32%) inpatients. Lower body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85-0.1.0; P = .04) and fewer self-reported allergies (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46-0.95; P = .03) were associated with SDD. The SDD model outperformed the RAPT alone (C-statistic, 0.73 vs 0.52; P < .01). Older age (OR, 0.96; P = .04), higher BMI (OR, 0.93; P 0.01), lower RAPT score (OR, 1.2; P = .04), and later surgery start time (OR, 0.80; P < .01) were associated with inpatient discharge. The inpatient model outperformed the RAPT alone (C-statistic, 0.74 vs 0.62; P < .01).ConclusionWe identified preoperatively determined factors associated with (1) SDD as BMI and allergies and (2) inpatient TKA as age, BMI, RAPT score, and surgery start time. Hospitals, providers, patients, families, and payers can use this information for TKA episode planning.     

Do Patient Point of Entry and Medicaid Status Affect Quality Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BackgroundThe effect of surgeon practice and patient care setting have not been studied in the Medicaid population undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aims to evaluate whether point of entry and Medicaid status affect outcomes following TKA.MethodsThe electronic medical record at our urban, academic, tertiary care hospital system was retrospectively reviewed for all primary, unilateral TKA during January 2016 and January 2018. Outpatient visits within the 6-month preoperative period categorized TKA recipients as either Hospital Ambulatory Clinic Centers patients with Medicaid insurance or private office patients with non-Medicaid insurers.ResultsThere were 174 Medicaid patients and 317 non-Medicaid patients for 491 total patients. Medicaid patients were significantly younger (62.6 ± 1.6 vs 65.4 ± 1.1 years, P < .01), of “other’ ethnicity (43.1% vs 25.6%, P < .01), and to be a current smoker (9.3% vs 6.6%, P = .02). There was no difference in gender, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. After controlling for patient factors, the Medicaid effect was insignificant for surgical time (exponentiated β 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-1.01, P = .076) and facility discharge (odds ratio 1.58, 95% CI 0.71-3.51, P = .262). Medicaid status had a significant effect on length of stay (LOS) (rate ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.02-1.43, P = .026).ConclusionMultivariable analysis controlling for patient factors demonstrated that Medicaid coverage had minimal effect on surgical time and facility discharge. Medicaid patients had significantly longer LOS by one-half day. These results indicate that comparable outcomes can be achieved for Medicaid patients following TKA provided that the surgeon and care setting are similar. However, increased care coordination and preoperative education may be necessary to normalize disparities in hospital LOS.Level of EvidenceIII, retrospective observational analysis;     

Are Patients Being Appropriately Selected for Same-Day Discharge Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BackgroundDecreased cost associated with same-day discharge (SDD) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has led to an increased interest in this topic. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a population of TKA patients in which SDD has similar rates of 30-day complications compared to patients discharged on postoperative day 1 or 2.MethodsUsing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2012 to 2018, 6,327 TKA patients who had a SDD (length of stay [LOS] = 0) were matched to TKA patients who had an LOS of 1 or 2 days. All SDD patients were successfully matched 1:1 using the morbidity probability variable (a composite variable of demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory values). Patients were divided into quartiles based on their morbidity probability. Bivariate logistic regressions were then used to compare any complication and major complication rates in the SDD quartiles to the corresponding quartiles with an LOS of 1 or 2 days.ResultsWhen comparing the 1st quartiles (healthiest), there was no difference between the cohorts in any complication (odds ratio [OR] = 0.960, 95% CI 0.552-1.670, P = .866) and major complications (OR = 0.999, 95% CI = 0.448-2.231, P = .999). The same was observed in quartile 2 (any complications: OR = 1.161, 95% CI = 0.720-1.874, P = .540). Comparing the third quartiles, there was an increase in all complications with SDD (OR = 1.784, 95% CI = 1.125-2.829, P = .014), but no difference in major complications (OR = 1.635, 95% CI = 0.874-3.061, P = .124). Comparing the fourth quartiles (least healthy), there was an increase in all complications (OR = 1.384, 95% CI = 1.013-1.892, P = .042) and major complications (OR = 1.711, 95% CI = 1.048-2.793, P = .032) with SDD.ConclusionThe unhealthiest 50% of patients in this study who underwent SDD TKA were at an increased risk of having any complication, calling into question the current state of patient selection for SDD TKA.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Is Associated With Higher Rates of Venous Thromboemboli Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThere is discordance in the literature regarding the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the development of venous thromboemboli (VTEs). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether COPD patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have higher rates of (1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); (2) readmissions; (3) VTEs; and (4) costs of care.MethodsCOPD patients undergoing primary TKA were identified and matched to controls in a 1:5 ratio by age, gender, and medical comorbidities. Patients with a history of VTEs or hypercoagulable states were excluded. The query yielded 211,378 patients in the study (n = 35,230) and control (n = 176,148) cohorts. Outcomes analyzed included in-hospital LOS, readmission rates, VTEs, and costs of care. A P-value less than .01 was considered statistically significant.ResultsCOPD patients were found to have significantly longer in-hospital LOS (4 vs 3 days, P < .0001). Study group patients were also found to have significantly higher incidence and odds ratio (OR) of readmission rates (20.9% vs 16.3%; OR 1.36, P < .0001) and VTEs (1.75 vs .93; OR 1.18, P < .0001). Additionally, the study demonstrated that COPD patients incurred higher 90-day episode-of-care costs ($15,626.85 vs $14,471.29, P < .0001).ConclusionAfter adjusting for confounding variables, our study found an association between COPD and higher rates of developing VTEs following primary TKA. The study can be used by orthopedic surgeons to adequately counsel and educate these patients of the potential complications which may arise following their TKA.     

The Potential Value of Performing Preoperative Urinalysis Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundAlthough the practice of checking a urinalysis prior to elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is relatively common, very little has been reported on the association between a preoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) and adverse events in primary TKA. The goal of this study is to investigate the risk of postoperative complication following TKA as it relates to preoperative UTI.MethodsPatients undergoing TKA were queried in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Morbid events were classified as minor (transfusion, pneumonia, wound dehiscence, UTI, and renal insufficiency) and serious (wound infection, thromboembolic event, renal failure, myocardial infarction, prolonged ventilation, unplanned intubation, sepsis, and death). Risk factors for adverse events were analyzed in both univariate and multivariate fashion.ResultsA total of 203,851 patients undergoing TKA met inclusion criteria and 507 patients had a UTI present at time of surgery (UTI PATOS). A propensity matched analysis controlling for age, gender, body mass index, operative year, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score identified 507 patients without a UTI PATOS to serve as the control group. Following adjustment for baseline characteristics, operative year, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score, UTI PATOS was associated with increased risk for serious adverse events (odds ratio [OR] 2.746, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.546-4.878, P = .0006), occurrence of any morbid event (OR 1.894, 95% CI 1.299-2.761, P = .0009), and reoperation (OR 4, 95% CI 2.592-6.169, P < .0001).ConclusionThis study suggests that a UTI present at time of TKA increases the risk of multiple postoperative complications and reoperation.     

Patients With Multiple Sclerosis are at Increased Risk for Postoperative Complications Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. Patients with MS are living longer due to improved medical therapy and thus the demand for arthroplasty in this population will increase. The objective of this study is to evaluate MS as a potential risk factor for postoperative complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of MS who underwent THA or TKA from 2005 to 2014 were identified in a national insurance database. Rates of death, hospital readmission, emergency room visits, infection, revision, and dislocation (for THA) or stiffness (for TKA) were calculated, in addition to cost and length of stay. MS patients were then compared to a matched control population.ResultsIn total, 3360 patients who underwent THA and 6436 patients who underwent TKA with a history of MS were identified and compared with 10:1 matched control cohorts without MS. The MS group for both TKA and THA had significantly higher incidences of hospital readmission (THA odds ratio [OR] 2.05, P < .001; TKA OR 1.99, P < .001), emergency room visits (THA OR 1.41, P < .001; TKA OR 1.66, P < .001), and infection (THA OR 1.35, P = .001; TKA OR 1.32, P < .001). MS patients who underwent THA had significantly higher rates of revision (OR 1.35, P = .001) and dislocation (OR 1.52, P < .001). Diagnosis of MS was also associated with significantly higher costs and hospital length of stay for patients undergoing both TKA and THA.ConclusionA diagnosis of MS is associated with increased risk of postoperative complications and higher costs following both THA and TKA.     

Same-Day Discharge Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Trends,Complications, and Readmission Rates

BackgroundAlthough total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are transitioning to surgery centers, there remain limited data on trends, comorbidities, and complications in patients discharged the same day of surgery. In addition, many studies are limited to the Medicare population, excluding a large proportion of outpatient surgery patients.MethodsPrimary, elective THA/TKA cases between 2010 and 2017 were retrospectively identified using the PearlDiver All-Payer Database and separated based on surgery as well as same-day discharge (SDD) or non-SDD. Data were collected on demographics, rates, comorbidities, and complications. Multivariable logistic regression determined adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for 90-day complications requiring readmission for each group.ResultsIn total, 1,789,601 (68.8% TKA, 31.2% THA) patients were identified where 2.9% of TKAs and 2.2% of THAs were SDD. Annual SDD rates are increasing, with a 15.8% mean annual change for SDD-THA and 11.1% for SDD-TKA (P < .001). SDD patients were younger with fewer comorbidities (P < .001). Regression analysis showed an overall slightly higher OR of complications requiring readmission for SDD-TKA vs non-SDD-TKA (OR 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.21, P < .001). There was no significant difference for SDD-THA vs non-SDD-THA (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.94-1.13, P = .49). In univariate analysis, SDD-THA vs SDD-TKA had more mechanical complications (P < .001), but less pulmonary embolisms (P < .001). Regression analysis showed a slightly higher risk of complications for SDD-THA vs SDD-TKA (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.99-1.44, P = .05).ConclusionThe prevalence of SDD is rising. SDD-THA is increasing more rapidly than SDD-TKA. SDD patients are generally younger with fewer comorbidities. SDD-TKA has slightly higher odds of complications requiring readmission than non-SDD-TKA. SDD-THA and SDD-TKA have different complication profiles.