Comparison of the Efficacy Between Closed Incisional Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy and Conventional Wound Management After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundWound-related problems after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can cause periprosthetic joint infections. We sought to evaluate the effect of closed incisional negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) on wound complications, skin blisters, surgical site infections (SSIs), reoperations, and length of hospitalization (LOH).MethodsStudies comparing ciNPWT with conventional dressings following THA and TKA were systematically searched on MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Two reviewers performed the study selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction. Funnel plots were employed to evaluate publication bias and forest plots to analyze pooled data.ResultsTwelve studies were included herein. The odds ratios (ORs) for wound complications and SSIs indicated a lack of publication bias. ciNPWT showed significantly lower risks of wound complication (OR, 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.9; P = .027) and SSI (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.23-0.68; P < .001) than did conventional dressings. ciNPWT also yielded a significantly lower reoperation rate (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.21-0.69; P = .001) and shorter LOH (mean difference, 0.41 days; 95% CI, −0.51 to −0.32; P < .001). However, the rate of skin blisters was higher in ciNPWT (OR, 4.44; 95% CI, 2.24-8.79; P < .001).ConclusionAlthough skin blisters were more likely to develop in ciNPWT, the risks of wound complication, SSI, reoperation, and longer LOH decreased in ciNPWT compared with those in conventional dressings. This finding could alleviate the potential concerns regarding wound-related problems after THA and TKA.     

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy Effects on Postoperative Infection and Surgical Site Complication After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Background

The aim of this study is to determine whether negative pressure wound therapy, used prophylactically in clean surgical incisions, reduces surgical site infection, hematoma, and seroma after total joint replacement.

Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Devices Improve Short-Term Wound Complications,but Not Long-Term Infection Rate Following Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Background

The potential value of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) on lower extremity total joint arthroplasty (TJA) wound healing has been supported in a few retrospective studies. We performed this prospective, randomized, controlled trial to assess the impact of iNPWT on wound appearance, early complications, and late infection rates following hip and knee TJA compared with a standard surgical dressing.

Comparison of Surgical Site Complications With Negative Pressure Wound Therapy vs Silver Impregnated Dressing in High-Risk Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients: A Matched Cohort Study

BackgroundClosed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) may reduce surgical site complications following total joint arthroplasty. Although unlikely necessary for all patients, the criteria for utilizing ciNPWT in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remain poorly defined. This study’s purpose was to compare the incidence of incisional wound complications, non-incisional complications (ie, dressing reactions), reoperations, and periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) among a group of high-risk primary TKA patients treated with ciNPWT vs an occlusive silver impregnated dressing.MethodsOne hundred thirty high-risk primary TKA patients treated with ciNPWT were 1:1 propensity matched and compared to a historical control group treated with an occlusive silver impregnated dressing. High-risk criteria included the following: active tobacco use, diabetes mellitus, body mass index >35 kg/m², autoimmune disease, chronic kidney disease, Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization, and non-aspirin anticoagulation.ResultsAge, gender, and risk factor profile were comparable between cohorts. The ciNPWT cohort had significantly fewer incisional wound complications (6.9% vs 16.2%; P = .031) and significantly more non-incisional complications (16.9% vs 1.5%; P < .001). No dressing reactions required clinical intervention. There were no differences in reoperations or periprosthetic joint infections (P = 1.000). In multivariate analysis, occlusive silver impregnated dressings (odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.3-6.8, P = .012) and non-aspirin anticoagulation (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1-5.6, P = .028) were associated with the development of incisional wound complications.ConclusionAmong high-risk patients undergoing primary TKA, ciNPWT decreased incisional wound complications when compared to occlusive silver impregnated dressings, particularly among those receiving non-aspirin anticoagulation. Although an increase in dressing reactions was observed, the clinical impact was minimal.     

Use of Closed Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy After Revision Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Patients at High Risk for Infection: A Prospective,Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Continuous wound drainage after arthroplasty can lead to the development of a periprosthetic joint infection. Closed incisional negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) has been reported to help alleviate drainage and other wound complications. The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled trial is to compare the use of ciNPWT with our standard of care dressing in revision arthroplasty patients who were at high risk to develop wound complications.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intrawound Vancomycin in Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Continued Call for a Prospective Randomized Trial

BackgroundPeriprosthetic joint injection (PJI) is a rare, but life-altering complication of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Though intrawound vancomycin powder (IVP) has been studied in other orthopedic subspecialties, its efficacy and safety in TJA has not been established.MethodsPubMed and MEDLINE databases were used to identify studies utilizing IVP in primary and revision total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). Postoperative PJI data were pooled using random effect models with results reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Studies were weighted by the inverse variance of their effect estimates.ResultsOverall, 16 of the 1871 studies identified were pooled for final analysis, yielding 33,731 patients totally. Of these, 17 164 received IVP. In aggregate, patients who received IVP had a decreased rate of PJI (OR 0.46, P < .05). Separately, TKA and THA patients who received IVP had lower rates of PJI (OR 0.41, P < .05 and OR 0.45, P < .05, respectively). Aggregate analysis of primary TKA and THA patients also revealed a decreased PJI rate (OR 0.44, P < .05). Pooled revision TKA and THA patients had a similar decrease in PJI rates (OR 0.30, P < .05). Although no publication bias was appreciated, these findings are limited by the low-quality evidence available.ConclusionWhile IVP may reduce the risk of PJI in primary and revision TJA, its widespread use cannot be recommended until higher-quality data, such as that obtained from randomized control trials, are available. This study underscores the continued need for more rigorous studies before general adoption of this practice by arthroplasty surgeons.     

Perioperative Systemic Dexamethasone Reduces Length of Stay in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BackgroundThe objective of this review is to examine the effect of perioperative systemic corticosteroids at varying doses and timings on early postoperative recovery outcomes following unilateral total knee and total hip arthroplasty. The primary outcome was length of stay (LOS).MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2020. Studies comparing the outcome of adult patients receiving a systemic steroid to patients who did not receive steroids were included.ResultsSeventeen studies were included, incorporating 1957 patients. Perioperative corticosteroids reduced hospital LOS (mean difference [MD] = ?0.39 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] ?0.61 to ?0.18). A subsequent dose of corticosteroid at 24 hours further reduced LOS (MD = ?0.33, 95% CI ?0.55 to ?0.11). Corticosteroids resulted in reduced levels of pain on postoperative day (POD) 0 (MD = ?1.99, 95% CI ?3.30 to ?0.69), POD1 (MD = ?1.47, 95% CI ?2.15 to ?0.79), and POD2. Higher doses were more effective in reducing pain with activity on POD0 (P = .006) and 1 (P = .023). Steroids reduced the incidence of PONV on POD1 (log odds ratio [OR] = ?1.05, 95% CI ?1.26 to ?0.84) and POD2, with greater effect at higher doses (P = .046). Corticosteroids did not increase the incidence of infection (P = 1.000), venous thromboembolism (P = 1.000), or gastrointestinal hemorrhage (P = 1.000) but were associated with an increase in blood glucose (MD = 5.30 mg/dL, 95% CI 2.69-7.90).ConclusionPerioperative corticosteroids are safe, facilitate earlier discharge, and improve patient recovery following unilateral total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. Higher doses (15-20 mg of dexamethasone) are associated with further reductions in dynamic pain and PONV, and repeat dosing may further reduce LOS.     

The Fragility of Statistically Significant Findings From Randomized Controlled Trials in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe Fragility Index (FI) is a method for evaluating the robustness of statistically significant findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) beyond the P value in trials with dichotomous outcomes. The FI is defined as the number of patients in one arm of a trial that would have to have a different outcome to change the results of the trial from statistically significant to nonsignificant. This review assessed the FI in arthroplasty RCTs.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for RCTs related to primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) from 2010 to 2020. Trials with a statistically significant dichotomous primary outcome were included. The FI was calculated using Fisher’s exact test to determine how many events would need to be reversed to change a study from statistically significant to nonsignificant.ResultsA total of 34 RCTs were included. The median sample size was 103 patients (range 24-791). The median FI was 1 (range 0-45), meaning that reversing the outcome of just one patient in either treatment group of each trial would change it from a significant to a nonsignificant result.ConclusionHip and knee arthroplasty RCTs with statistically significant dichotomous outcomes in TJA are fragile. The median FI in TJA is lower than the FI in any of the other previously reported orthopedic subspecialties. Fragility is another reason to be cautious when conducting or interpreting small trials, and to continue to strive toward large trials to answer important questions in TJA.Level of EvidenceLevel I.     

Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin and the Relative Risk of Surgical Site Bleeding Complications: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Venous Thromboprophylaxis in Patients After Total Joint Arthroplasty

Background

Venous thromboembolism causes significant morbidity and mortality in patients after total joint arthroplasty. Although network meta-analyses have demonstrated a benefit of various thromboprophylactic agents, there remains a concern in the surgical community regarding the resulting wound complications. There is currently no systematic review of the surgical site bleeding complications of thromboprophylactic agents. The aim of this study was to systematically review the surgical site bleeding outcomes of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in this population.

Tobacco Use and Risk of Wound Complications and Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty Procedures

Background

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the association between tobacco use and the risk of any wound complication and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after primary total hip and total knee arthroplasty procedures.

Psoriasis and Post-Surgical Infections in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 10,727 Patients

BackgroundPsoriasis is a dermatologic condition characterized by erythematous plaques that may increase wound complications and deep infections following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There is a paucity of evidence concerning the association of this disease and complications after TKA. This study aimed to determine if patients who have psoriasis vs non-psoriatic patients have differences in demographics and various comorbidities as well as post-operative infections, specifically the following: (1) wound complications; (2) cellulitic episodes; and (3) deep surgical site infections (SSIs).MethodsWe identified 10,727 patients undergoing primary TKA utilizing an institutional database between January 1, 2017 and April 1, 2019. A total of 133 patients who had psoriasis (1.2%) were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes and compared to non-psoriatic patients. The rate of wound complications, cellulitic episodes, and deep SSIs were determined. After controlling for age and various comorbidities, multivariate analyses were performed to identify the associated risks for post-operative infections.ResultsPsoriasis patients showed an increased associated risk of deep SSIs (3.8%) compared to non-psoriasis patients (1.2%, P = .023). Multivariate analyses demonstrated a significant associated risk of deep SSIs (odds ratio 7.04, 95% confidence interval 2.38-20.9, P < .001) and wound complications (odds ratio 4.44, 95% confidence interval 1.02-19.2, P = .047).ConclusionPsoriasis is an inflammatory dermatologic condition that warrants increased pre-operative counseling, shared decision-making, and infectious precautions in the TKA population given the increased risk of wound complications and deep SSIs. Increased vigilance is required given the coexistence of certain comorbidities with this population, including depression, substance use disorder, smoking history, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.     

Are high‐risk patient and revision arthroplasty effective indications for closed‐incisional negative‐pressure wound therapy after total hip or knee arthroplasty? A systematic review and meta‐analysis

To determine the effective indications of closed‐incisional negative‐pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) following total hip or knee arthroplasty, this systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted. The systematic search was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library, and 11 studies were included. The studies comparing between ciNPWT and conventional dressings were categorised into following subgroups based on patient risk and revision procedures: routine vs high‐risk patient; primary vs revision arthroplasty. Pooled estimates were calculated for wound complication and surgical site infection (SSI) rates in the subgroup analyses using Review Manager. In high‐risk patients, the overall rates of wound complication (odds ratio [OR] = 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15‐0.93; P = .030) and SSI (OR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.09‐0.64; P = .005) were significantly lower in the ciNPWT; however, there were no differences in routine patients. In cases involving revision arthroplasties, the overall rates of wound complication (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.18‐0.62; P < .001) and SSI (OR = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.11‐0.66; P = .004) were significantly lower in the ciNPWT; however, there were no differences in cases involving primary arthroplasties. In summary, ciNPWT showed a positive effect in decreasing the rates of wound complication and SSI in high‐risk patients and in revision arthroplasties.     

Implementation of Preoperative Screening Criteria Lowers Infection and Complication Rates Following Elective Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Veteran Population

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are common procedures with a risk of complications. Attempting to minimize complications, our institution implemented preoperative screening criteria for patients undergoing elective total joint replacement. Our study aimed to determine if screening criteria lowered total complications and/or surgical site infections (SSI).

Effectiveness of Different Wound Dressings in the Reduction of Blisters and Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThe optimal type of dressing in the setting of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains uncertain. The aim of this network meta-analysis was to compare various wound dressings and identify the optimal type of dressings for blister reduction and prevention of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients after TJA.MethodsStudies comparing 2 or more dressing groups after TJA (hip or knee) were systematically searched on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Two authors performed the study selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction. Both outcomes were assessed using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and were ranked using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probabilities to determine a hierarchy of dressings. A sensitivity analysis was performed to reduce the effect of intransitivity between studies.ResultsA total of 21 studies, consisting of 12 dressing types in 7293 TJAs, were included in the final analysis. The highest incidence of blisters occurred when using negative-pressure wound therapy (OR 9.33, 95% CI 3.51-24.83, vs gauze). All dressings ranked better than gauze in infection rate except for hydrofiber (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.02-112.53) and fabric dressings (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.24-9.02). For blister reduction, alginate (SUCRA = 87.7%) and hydrofiber with hydrocolloid (SUCRA = 92.3%) were ranked as the optimal dressings before and after a sensitivity analysis, respectively. Antimicrobial dressing (SUCRA = 83.7%) demonstrated the most efficacy for preventing PJI.ConclusionBased on the evidence from our analysis, an antimicrobial dressing is the optimal dressing to prevent PJI. If negative-pressure wound therapy is used, surgeons should be aware of an increased incidence of blister formation. Further studies should focus on the alginate versus hydrofiber and hydrocolloid dressing to determine the optimal dressing to reduce blisters.     

Acute Hematogenous Infection Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Forty consecutive patients (42 joints; 22 TKA, 20 THA) treated for acute hematogenous infections were reviewed. All patients underwent irrigation and debridement and exchange of the modular components. At a mean of 56 months (range, 25–124 months) recurrent infection, requiring surgery, developed in 9 of the 42 joints (21%); 8 of the 9 recurrent infections were in patients with a staphylococcal infection (P = 0.0004). Ten of the 40 patients (25%) died within 2 years of infection. Irrigation and debridement for the treatment of an acute hematogenous infection was successful in the majority of patients (76% survivorship at 2 years). Non-staphylococcal infections had a particularly low failure rate (96% survivorship at 2 years). The 2 year mortality rate among this subset of patients was strikingly high.     

Emergency Department Presentation After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

BackgroundRecent changes to payment models for elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have led to increased interest in postdischarge health care utilization. Although readmission has historically been of primary interest, emergency department (ED) presentation is increasingly a point of focus. The purpose of this review was to summarize the available literature pertaining to ED visits after total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty.MethodsPubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched. Clinical studies reporting rate, reasons, and/or risk factors associated with ED presentation after TJA were included. Pooled return to ED rates were calculated using weighted means.ResultsTwenty-seven studies (n = 1,484,043) were included. After TJA, the mean 30-day and 90-day rates of ED presentation were 8.1% and 10.3%, respectively. Rates were slightly higher in total knee arthroplasty vs total hip arthroplasty patients at 30 days (11.5% vs 6.5%) and 90 days (10.8% vs 9.7%). The most common reasons for ED presentation after TJA were pain (4.6%-35%), medical concerns (5.6%-24.5%), and swelling (1.4%-17.5%). Studies analyzing the timing of ED visits found that most occurred within the first 2 weeks postdischarge. Black race and Medicaid/Medicare insurance coverage were identified as risk factors associated with ED visits.ConclusionED visits present a high burden for the health care system, as upward of 1 in 10 patients will return to the ED within 90 days of TJA. Future efforts should be made to develop cost-effective and patient-centered interventions that reduce preventable ED visits after TJA. As well, these rates should be taken into consideration when allocating resources for the care of TJA patients.     

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intrawound Vancomycin in Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Call for a Prospective Randomized Trial

BackgroundTopical intrawound vancomycin has been used extensively in spine surgery to decrease surgical site infections. However, the efficacy of intrawound vancomycin in total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has not been established.MethodsThe PubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched to identify studies utilizing intrawound vancomycin in primary and revision THA and TKA. Data for postoperative infection were pooled using random effect models with results reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. Studies were weighted by the inverse variance of their effect estimates.ResultsOf the 91 studies identified, 6 low-quality retrospective studies (level III) were pooled for further analysis. A total of 3298 patients were assessed, 1801 of which were treated with intrawound vancomycin. Overall, patients who received vancomycin had a decreased rate of PJI (OR 0.2530, P < .0001). When analyzed separately, TKA patients and THA patients who received intrawound vancomycin had lower rates of PJI (OR 0.3467, P = .0005 and OR 0.3672, P = .0072, respectively). Pooled primary TKA and THA patients receiving vancomycin saw the rate of PJI decrease (OR 0.4435, P = .0046). Pooled revision TKA and THA patients saw a similar decrease in infection rates (OR 0.2818, P = .0013). No apparent publication bias was observed; however, the results from this analysis are limited by the low quality of evidence and inherent potential for bias.ConclusionIntrawound vancomycin may reduce the risk of PJI in primary and revision TKA and THA. However, only low-quality evidence exists, highlighting the need for randomized controlled trials before broad adoption of this practice can be recommended given the potential implications of widespread use of vancomycin in hip and knee arthroplasty.     

Factor Xa Inhibitors and Direct Thrombin Inhibitors Versus Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin for Thromboprophylaxis After Total Hip or Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The purpose of this study is to perform a meta-analysis to compare outcomes of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) vs other anticoagulants in patients who received total knee (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Allogeneic Blood Transfusion Is a Significant Risk Factor for Surgical-Site Infection Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Blood loss occurs significantly more frequently during total hip and knee arthroplasty than among any other type of orthopedic operation, which can sometimes lead to requiring a blood transfusion. Although allogeneic blood transfusion has been identified as a risk factor for postoperative surgical-site infection following arthroplasty, results are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic meta-analysis to investigate whether having an allogeneic blood transfusion significantly increases the risk for surgical-site infection, particularly after total hip and knee arthroplasty.

The Seasonal Variability of Surgical Site Infections in Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

Background

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after total knee (TKA) and total hip (THA) arthroplasty are devastating to patients and costly to healthcare systems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the seasonality of TKA and THA SSIs at a national level.