Complications After Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Medicare Population

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and types of complications after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) within the first year, and determine the relative risk factors for these complications and of re-revision.

Outcomes of Same-Day Discharge After Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Medicare Population

BackgroundThere is an increasing utilization of same-day discharge total hip arthroplasty (SDD THA). As the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services considers removing THA from the inpatient-only list, there is likely to be a significant increase in the number of Medicare patients undergoing SDD THA. Thus, there is a need to report on outcomes of SDD THA in this population.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on 850 consecutive SDD THA patients including 161 Medicare patients. We compared failure to launch, complication, emergency department visit, and 90-day readmission rates between the Medicare and non-Medicare cohorts.ResultsThe Medicare group was older and had less variability in their admission diagnosis. There was no significant difference in failure to launch, complication, emergency department visit, or 90-day readmission rates between Medicare and non-Medicare groups.ConclusionThe benefits of SDD THA can be safely extended to the carefully indicated and motivated Medicare patient.     

Ceramic Insert Dislodgment After Revision Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty

We present a case of early ceramic insert dislodgment in a young patient with revision uncemented ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty. The presentation may be subtle and the dislodgment may go unnoticed. This incidence draws our attention to the need for careful intraoperative confirmation of the insert position and frequent serial radiographic monitoring. The case also draws speculation of possible design flaws in the locking mechanism predisposing for the insert dislodgment.     

Prevention of Dislocation After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

Prevention of dislocation after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) begins with patient preoperative assessment and planning.

Patient-Reported Outcomes After Revision of Metal-on-Metal Total Bearings in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

Failure of metal-on-metal (MOM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) bearings is often accompanied by an aggressive local reaction associated with destruction of bone, muscle, and other soft tissues around the hip. Little is known about whether patient-reported physical and mental function following revision THA in MOM patients is compromised by this soft tissue damage, and whether revision of MOM THA is comparable with revision of hard-on-soft bearings such as metal-on-polyethylene (MOP).

Chronic Thrombocytopenia and In-Hospital Outcomes After Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThere is a lack of data on the influence of chronic thrombocytopenia (cTCP) on clinical outcomes following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Limited studies mainly focused on postoperative heparin-induced TCP from single centers with small sample sizes. This study aims to describe the characteristics, trend, and outcomes of cTCP in patients undergoing THA and TKA from a nationally reprehensive perspective.MethodsWe identified THA and TKA patients with and without cTCP from the 2005 to 2015 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Annual percent changes were calculated to reflect cTCP trends. Multivariable regression and propensity score analyses were conducted to investigate the association of cTCP and mortality, preoperative complications, cost as well as length of stay.ResultsIn total, 578,278 and 1,237,331 patients underwent primary THA and TKA, respectively. Proportion of cTCP annually increased by 6.95% in THA and 6.66% in TKA. Patients with cTCP were associated with higher risk of medical (odds ratio [OR] 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.89-2.11) and surgical complications (OR 2.72, 95% CI 2.55-2.90) in THA, and higher risk of mortality (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.22-2.31), medical (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.85-2.03) and surgical complications (OR 2.55, 95% CI 2.38-2.73) in TKA. Additionally, higher cost and longer length of stay were observed in patients with cTCP for both surgical procedures.ConclusionPatients with cTCP had higher risk of mortality for TKA, more perioperative complications for both TKA and THA. Further studies are warranted to improve the preoperative management and to prevent worse outcomes associated with cTCP.     

Mortality After Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundIn counseling patients about the complications of revision total hip arthroplasty (revTHA), it is imperative that mortality be considered. The actual mortality rate by indication of revision is ill-defined. The purpose of this study is to determine the mortality rate after revTHA.MethodsAn institutional database identified 596 patients who had undergone revTHA between 2012 and 2018. Medical records, national, state, and local death indexes were queried for mortality status and indication for revTHA. For survivors, the last clinical visit date was used for censoring in the mortality analysis. Mortality rates were calculated for all clinical patients and then by specific indication for revision.ResultsThe overall 2-year mortality rate following revTHA was 19.5 deaths per 1000 or 1 in 51 patients. Patients presenting with a periprosthetic fracture had a significantly higher 2-year mortality rate of 74.5 deaths per 1000 or 1 in 13 patients (P < .001), while an indication of dislocation or instability had a slightly higher 2-year mortality rate of 50.3 per 1000 (1 in 20) but this difference was not significant (P = .531). Other indications such as mechanical loosening or infection did not have a significantly different mortality rate.ConclusionThe overall 2-year mortality rate following revTHA was 19.5 deaths per 1000 which was largely attributed to patients with a periprosthetic fracture (74.5 per 1000) with other indications not significantly impacting mortality. Mortality rates and specific rates by indication for revision should be considered when counseling patients prior to revTHA.     

Revision of Ceramic Head Fracture After Third Generation Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty

We performed 24 revisions of fractures of third generation ceramic heads. The stem was not changed in 20 revisions; a new ceramic-on-ceramic bearing was used in four and a metal-on-polyethylene bearing in 16. The stem was changed in four revisions; a new ceramic-on-ceramic bearing was used in three and a metal-on-polyethylene bearing in one. During the follow-up of 57.5 months, complications occurred in five hips among the 20 stem retained revisions: a fracture of the new ceramic head in two, metallosis with pseudocyst in two, and femoral osteolysis with stem loosening in one. However, there were no complications in the four revisions where the stem was changed. Revision surgery after ceramic head fracture shows high rates of early complications. We recommend stem revision in cases of THA failure due to fracture of a modern ceramic head.     

Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty for Fractured Ceramic Bearings: A Review of Best Practices for Revision Cases

Background

Total hip arthroplasty revision for a fractured ceramic bearing is rare but offers unique challenges. The purpose of this review was to provide a summary of existing literature on fractured ceramic bearings.

Mortality Rate and Mid-Term Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Dual Mobility Cups for the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures in a Middle Eastern Population

Background

The dual mobility cups (DMCs) were shown to reduce dislocation rate following total hip arthroplasty for any etiology, including femoral neck fractures. No reported studies evaluating DMC results for femoral neck fracture in a Middle Eastern population were found in the literature.

Primary Musculoskeletal Mycobacterium Infection With Large Cystic Masses After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Primary mycobacterial infections in the musculoskeletal system are rare with a limited number of published case reports. This report describes a case involving a primary musculoskeletal tuberculous abscess. A 62-year-old male patient who had a right total hip arthroplasty performed 8 years earlier, using metal-on-metal articulation presented with a 1-year history of non-tender masses on his right thigh. Initially, it was assumed he had metallosis. Intraoperatively, an incision into the mass was conducted which resulted in draining of a whitish-grey pus like fluid. A diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed with both microscopic and histological examination. The patient was treated over a course of six months with an anti-tuberculosis medication regimen following the confirmation of a solitary soft tissue tuberculosis infection. At the 24 month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with no relapse of the mass.     

Super Obesity Is an Independent Risk Factor for Complications After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

Recent studies have reported higher postoperative complication rates in obese and morbidly obese patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Less data are available regarding super-obese (body mass index [BMI] >50 kg/m²) patients. This study aims to quantify the risk of complications after THA in super-obese patients on a national scale and to put these risks in context by comparing them to patients of other BMI classes as well as those undergoing revision THA.

Total Hip Arthroplasty After Hip Arthroscopy Has Increased Complications and Revision Risk

BackgroundThere has been an increase in hip arthroscopy (HA) over the last decade. After HA, some patients may ultimately require a total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, there is a scarcity of research investigating the outcomes in patients undergoing THA with a history of ipsilateral HA.MethodsThe PearlDiver research program (www.pearldiverinc.com) was queried to capture all patients undergoing THA between 2015 and 2020. Propensity matching was performed to match patients undergoing THA with and without a history of ipsilateral THA. Rates of 30-day medical complications, 1-year surgical complications, and THA revision were compared using multivariate logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to estimate survival probabilities of each of the groups with patients undergoing THA .ResultsAfter propensity matching, cohorts of 1940 patients undergoing THA without prior HA and 1940 patients undergoing a THA with prior HA were isolated for analysis. The mean time from HA to THA was 1127 days (standard deviation 858). Patients with a history of ipsilateral HA had an increased risk for dislocation (odds ratio [OR] 1.56, P = .03) and overall decreased implant survival within 4 years of undergoing THA (OR 1.53; P = .05). Furthermore, our data demonstrate the timing of previous HA to be associated with the risk of complications, as illustrated by the increased risk for dislocation (OR 1.75, P = .03), aseptic loosening (OR 2.18, P = .03), and revision surgery at 2 (OR 1.92, P = .02) and 4 years (OR 2.05, P = .01) in patients undergoing THA within 1 year of HA compared twitho patients undergoing THA more than 1 year after HA or with no previous history of HA.ConclusionPatients undergoing THA after HA are at an increased risk for surgical complications, as well as the need for revision surgery.     

Comparison of Postoperative Complications Following Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty With Other Hip Bearings in Medicare Population

Background

The use of metal-on-metal (MoM) hip bearings has declined in the recent years due to strong evidence of their high complication rates and early failure. Hip implants with highly cross-linked polyethylene liners and ceramic bearings have become the modern implants of choice. We sought to determine if MoM implants are associated with higher complication and revision rates when compared to other hip bearings in the Medicare population.

Mortality,Cost, and Downstream Disease of Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients in the Medicare Population

The purpose of this study is to compare the differences in downstream cost and health outcomes between Medicare hip OA patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) and those who do not. All OA patients in the Medicare 5% sample (1998–2009) were separated into non-THA and THA groups. Differences in costs and risk ratios for mortality and new disease diagnoses were adjusted using logistic regression for age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, region, and Charlson score. Mortality, heart failure, depression, and diabetes were all reduced in the THA group, though there was an increased risk for atherosclerosis in the short term. The potential for selection bias was investigated with two separate propensity score analyses. This study demonstrates the potential benefit of THA in reducing mortality and improving aspects of overall health in OA patients.     

Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension: High Perioperative Mortality and Medical Complications

BackgroundPerioperative medical management during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is continuously improving, allowing an increasing number of medically complex patients to undergo total joint arthroplasty. This study examined mortalities, medical complications, implant survivorships, and clinical outcomes of THA in patients who have pulmonary hypertension (HTN).MethodsWe identified 638 patients who had pulmonary HTN and underwent 508 primary THAs and 191 revision THAs from 2000 to 2016 at a tertiary care center. Patients were followed up at regular intervals until death, revision surgery, or last clinical follow-up. Perioperative medical complications were individually reviewed. The risk of death was examined by calculating standardized mortality ratios and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Cumulative incidence analyses were used for reporting mortality, reoperation, and revision with death as a competing risk.ResultsThe 90-day mortality was 1.8% and 3.1% for primary and revision THAs, respectively. The risk of death was approximately two-fold higher compared to primary (hazard ratio 2.69) and revision (hazard ratio 2.04) THA patients who did not have pulmonary HTN. Rate of medical complications within 90 days from surgery were 6.2% and 13.1% in primary and revision THAs, respectively. The 10-year cumulative incidence of any revision was 9% and 14% following primaries and revisions, respectively.ConclusionPatients who had pulmonary HTN undergoing primary and revision THAs had an increased risk of death and experienced a high rate of medical complications within 90 days of surgery. Counseling of risks, medical optimization, and referral to medical centers expert at managing complex medical problems should be considered.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.     

Operative Treatment of Early Peri-Prosthetic Femur Fractures Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

The risk factors for and results of operatively treated peri-prosthetic femoral fractures sustained within 90 days following primary THA were evaluated. 5,313 consecutive THAs were reviewed and 32 (0.60%) fractures were identified which included 9 A_g, 2 B₁, 18 B₂, 1 B₃, and 2 A_g/B₂ fractures. 19 (61%) patients sustained 23 complications including 9 greater trochanter non-unions, 2 femoral shaft non-unions, 3 patients with Brooker III HO, and 2 deep infections. 7 patients (23%) required a second operative procedure and one patient required a third. Peri-prosthetic fractures were associated with advancing age, female gender, developmental hip dysplasia, and cementless metaphyseal engaging components, particularly flat wedge tapers. Overall, operative treatment of acute peri-prosthetic fractures is associated with a high rate of complications (61%) and re-operation (23%).     

Quality of Life and Cost-Effectiveness 1 Year After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Quality of life index (Quality Of Well-Being [QWB]) was used to calculate the costs per quality of well year (QWY) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and compare it to other interventions. Ninety-eight primary and/or revision THA were reviewed. Patients had minimum 1-year follow-up. Quality of life index was used to calculate the costs per QWY in primary and revision THA. Preoperative QWB for primary THA was 0.52 ± 0.06 SD; revision was 0.53 ± 0.07 SD. The QWB change at 1 year for primary THA was 0.08 ± 0.13 SD; revision THA was 0.06 ± 0.14 SD. Calculated costs per QWY were $5572 for primary procedures and $10?775 for revision procedures. Cost-effectiveness of THA compares favorably with other surgical and medical interventions such as epilepsy ablation surgery and gastric bypass surgery.     

Dual Mobility and Conventional Bearings Have Comparably Low Dislocation Rates for Anterior-Based Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundDual mobility (DM) bearings for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been proposed to reduce the risk of instability in select patients, especially those undergoing revision surgery. The use of DM bearings has not been studied as extensively for use in primary THA. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes following primary THA with anterior-based approaches between patients receiving DM bearings vs standard bearing hip implants.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients undergoing primary THA through an anterior-based approach. A 3:1 propensity score match was performed between the standard and DM bearing patients to control for possible risk factors for instability. Functional outcomes, dislocations, and aseptic revisions were identified for each patient. The effect of DM on postoperative outcomes was determined using univariate statistical analyses.ResultsIn total, 250 DM bearings were compared to 753 standard bearings. We found no difference in dislocation rate between single bearings and DM bearings (0.53% vs 0.4%). There was 1 DM dislocation occurring in a liner with outer diameter of 38 mm. There were no DM dislocations with outer diameter >38 mm. Aseptic revision surgery was more common in DM. This difference was driven by higher incidence of femoral periprosthetic fracture. There were no differences in functional outcomes.ConclusionDislocation rates are comparably low between DM bearings and standard bearings for THA done using an anterior approach to the hip. Further investigation is needed to determine if specific patient populations may benefit from DM implants for primary THA when an anterior approach to the hip is being used.     

A Comparison of Revision Rates for Dislocation and Aseptic Causes Between Dual Mobility and Large Femoral Head Bearings in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With Subanalysis by Acetabular Component Size: An Analysis of 106,163 Primary Total Hip Arthroplasties

BackgroundDual mobility (DM) and large femoral head bearings (≥36 mm) both decrease the risk of dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). There is limited comparable data in primary THA. This study compared the revision rates for dislocation and aseptic causes between DM and large femoral heads and subanalyzed by acetabular component size.MethodsData from the Australian Orthopedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry were analyzed for patients undergoing primary THA for osteoarthritis from January 2008 (the year of first recorded DM use) to December 2019. All DM and large femoral head bearings were identified. The primary outcome measure was the cumulative percent revision (CPR) for dislocation and for all aseptic causes. The results were adjusted by age, sex, and femoral fixation. A subanalysis was performed stratifying acetabular component diameter <58 m and ≥58 mm.ResultsThere were 4942 DM and 101,221 large femoral head bearings recorded. There was no difference in the CPR for dislocation (HR = 0.69 (95% CI 0.42, 1.13), P = .138) or aseptic causes (HR = 0.91 (95% CI 0.70, 1.18), P = .457). When stratified by acetabular component size, DM reduced the CPR for dislocation in acetabular component diameter <58 mm (HR = 0.55 (95% CI 0.30, 1.00), P = .049). There was no difference for diameter ≥58 mm. There was no difference in aseptic revision when stratified by acetabular component diameter.ConclusionThere is no difference in revision rates for dislocation or aseptic causes between DM and large femoral heads in primary THA. When stratified by acetabular component size, DM reduces dislocation for acetabular component diameter <58 mm.Level of EvidenceLevel III.