Do Patients With Psychological Distress Have Poorer Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BackgroundPatients with psychological distress are likely to have poorer short-term functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty. However, the influence of psychological distress on the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is relatively understudied. Previous studies also had short follow-ups of 1 year or less. We examined the influence of psychological distress on patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction, and analyzed the change in mental health after THA at a minimum of 2 years.MethodsProspectively collected data of 1384 patients undergoing primary THA in 2001-2015 were reviewed. Patients were assessed using the Oxford Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and 36-item Short-Form health survey Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Score (MCS). Patients were stratified into those with psychological distress (MCS < 50, n = 720) and those without (MCS ≥ 50, n = 664). Multiple regression analysis was used to control for age, gender, body mass index, and baseline scores. The rate of satisfaction and expectation fulfillment was also analyzed.ResultsDistressed patients had a poorer Physical Component Summary at 6 months. However, there was no difference in patient-reported outcomes at 2 years. A higher proportion of distressed patients attained the minimal clinically important difference for Oxford Hip Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, while 92.2% of distressed patients and 92.9% of nondistressed patients were satisfied at 2 years (P = .724). There was no difference in MCS after 6 months. The percentage of distressed patients also declined from 41.8% to 27.3%.ConclusionPatients with psychological distress achieved a comparable level of function, quality of life, and satisfaction 2 years after THA. Undergoing THA may also lead to mental health improvement in a subgroup of distressed patients.     

Dual Mobility hip replacement in hip fractures offer functional equivalence and a stability advantage - A case-controlled study.

BackgroundHip fracture is a common and serious injury in the elderly. Hip arthroplasty is the most frequently performed procedure for patients with an  intracapsular hip fracture. The majority of national guidelines recommend total hip arthroplasty (THA) for more active patients. Literature indicates significant stability advantages for dual mobility (DM) acetabular components in non-emergent scenarios. Evidence supporting the use of DM in hip fracture patients is limited.AimWe set out to ascertain if DM implants offer stability and/or functional advantages over standard THA in patients with hip fracture.MethodsWe utilised our local National Hip Fracture Database to identify all patients undergoing either a standard or DM THA for hip fracture (n=477) We matched cohorts based on age, AMTS, mobility status pre-operatively, gender, ASA and source of admission. Our primary outcome of interest was functional status using the oxford hip score (OHS). Secondary outcome measures included  dislocation, fracture and deep infection requiring further surgery.Results62 patient pairs were available for this study. Mean OHS for DM THA was 41.5 and for standard THA this was 42.7 (p=0.58). There were 4 dislocations in the standard THA group and 0 with DM THA. No difference was seen with infection or peri-prosthetic fracture.ConclusionThis study demonstrates functional equivalence between DM and standard THA. In addition it shows a trend towards less dislocation with DM THA. Cost savings from less instability may outweigh initial prosthesis costs. This study suggests a suitably powered RCT using instability as the primary outcome measure is indicated.     

A Preoperative Risk Prediction Tool for Discharge to a Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitation Facility After Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundDischarge to rehabilitation or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after total joint arthroplasty remains a primary driver of cost excess for bundled payments. An accurate preoperative risk prediction tool would help providers and health systems identify and modulate perioperative care for higher risk individuals and serve as a vital tool in preoperative clinic as part of shared decision-making regarding the risks/benefits of surgery.MethodsA total of 10,155 primary total knee (5,570, 55%) and hip (4,585, 45%) arthroplasties performed between June 2013 and January 2018 at a single institution were reviewed. The predictive ability of 45 variables for discharge location (SNF/rehab vs home) was tested, including preoperative sociodemographic factors, intraoperative metrics, postoperative labs, as well as 30 Elixhauser comorbidities. Parameters surviving selection were included in a multivariable logistic regression model, which was calibrated using 20,000 bootstrapped samples.ResultsA total of 1786 (17.6%) cases were discharged to a SNF/rehab, and a multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve: 0.824) despite requiring only 9 preoperative variables: age, partner status, the American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, gender, neurologic disease, electrolyte disorder, paralysis, and pulmonary circulation disorder. Notably, this model was independent of surgery (knee vs hip). Internal validation showed no loss of accuracy (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve: 0.8216, mean squared error: 0.0004) after bias correction for overfitting, and the model was incorporated into a readily available, online prediction tool for easy clinical use.ConclusionThis convenient, interactive tool for estimating likelihood of discharge to a SNF/rehab achieves excellent accuracy using exclusively preoperative factors. These should form the basis for improved reimbursement legislation adjusting for patient risk, ensuring no disparities in access arise for vulnerable populations.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Health-related quality-of-life improvement after hallux valgus corrective surgery

BackgroundHallux valgus is a common forefoot deformity that affects function of foot and quality of life (QoL). This study aims to identify factors associated with clinically important improvements in QoL after hallux valgus corrective surgery.MethodsA retrospective analysis on 591 cases of hallux valgus corrective surgery performed between 2007 and 2013 was conducted. Patients’ preoperative and 2-year postoperative Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) were compared to identify the presence of clinically significant improvements in patient-reported QoL. A multiple logistic regression model was developed through a stepwise variable-selection model building approach. Age, BMI, preoperative patient reported outcome score, PCS, MCS, pain score, gender, side of surgery, type of surgery, and presence of lesser toe deformities or metatarsalgia were considered.ResultsMedian PCS significantly improved from 49 to 53 (p < 0.001), and median MCS remained at 56 (p = 0.724). Age, preoperative MCS and PCS were independent predictors for significant improvements of PCS at 2-year postoperatively.ConclusionThree groups of patients were more likely to have significant QoL improvements after hallux valgus corrective surgery. These were the younger patients, those with better preoperative mental health or those with poorer preoperative physical health.Level of evidence: III.     

The weekend effect for hip fracture surgery

IntroductionIncreased mortality rates have been reported for emergency admissions during weekends and outside office hours. Research on the weekend effect in hip fracture patients is however limited and demonstrates conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of weekend admission and weekend surgery on 30-day and 1-year mortality following hip fracture surgery.Patients and methodsAll patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in our hospital between 2004 and 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patient characteristics including age, gender, fracture type, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and length of stay were collected. Information on admission and surgery date and time of day was recorded, as were in-hospital, 30-day and 1-year mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of 30-day and 1-year mortality.ResultsA total of 1803 patients were included, 546 patients (30.3%) were admitted during the weekend. Patient characteristics did not differ between weekday and weekend admissions. Surgical delay was less frequent in patients undergoing weekend surgery. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that older age, higher ASA score, higher NHFS and increased surgical delay were independently associated with 30-day mortality. One-year mortality was associated with age, gender, ASA score, CCI and surgical delay. Weekend admission and weekend surgery were not associated with increased 30-day or 1-year mortality.ConclusionsThere was no weekend effect for hip fracture patients in our study. These results indicate an adequate level of perioperative care outside weekday office hours within our health care system.     

Anatomic and Patient Risk Factors for Postoperative Periprosthetic Hip Fractures: A Case-Control Study

BackgroundPeriprosthetic fracture remains a major source of reoperation following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Within 90 days of surgery, fractures may occur spontaneously or with minor injury and are therefore more likely related to patient factors including anatomic variation.MethodsFrom 2008 to 2018, 16,254 primary THAs were performed at our institution; of those, 48 were revised for periprosthetic fracture within 90 days of surgery. A control group of 193 patients undergoing THA for hip osteoarthritis (OA) was randomly selected from the source population. We excluded patients with genetic bone disease and THA performed for hip fracture. We used logistic regression to analyze associations between patient factors (demographics, anatomical factors, comorbidities, surgical technique, and implants) and odds of 90-day periprosthetic fracture.ResultsIncreased age was significantly associated with fracture (P = .002), as was female gender (P = .046). After adjusting for age and gender, absence of contralateral OA was associated with increased odds of fracture relative to patients with contralateral OA (odds ratio [OR] 3.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60-9.29), as was having a contralateral THA in place (OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.59-8.60). The neck-shaft angle, femoral offset, and the Dorr classification were not associated with increased odds of fracture. Additionally, the distance from the tip of the trochanter to the top of the femoral head was associated with increased odds of fracture per half centimeter (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.14-1.93).ConclusionRisk of early postoperative periprosthetic fracture following THA is increased with age, female gender, and increasing distance from the greater trochanter to the top of the femoral head; and decreased in the setting of contralateral hip OA. The trochanter-head distance correlation with periprosthetic hip fracture indicates that the preoperative anatomy may influence PPF, particularly regarding how that anatomy is reconstructed.     

Predictors of mortality and length of stay after hip fractures – A multicenter retrospective analysis

BackgroundThe ubiquity of hip fractures pose a substantial burden on public health services worldwide. There is widespread geographical variation in mortality rates and length of stay after hip fractures. The current study investigates both the predictors of; (1) one-year mortality and (2) length of hospital stay (LOS) in adults aged 60 years or older. We aim to identify the risk factors and quantify the extent of influence they have on both outcomes.MethodologyA retrospective multi-center cohort study identified consecutively documented hip fractures between January 2013 and September 2018. A multivariate regression analysis of 603 patients was performed to determine independent factors affecting mortality and total LOS.ResultsThe study sample included 603 patients with a total one-year mortality rate of 20.6% (n = 124). Predictors of mortality included; longer LOS, increasing age, inability to return to baseline mobility and comorbid burden. The mean overall LOS was 15.1 days, and 22.6 days in the mortality group. Predictors of increased LOS included; previous hip fractures, comorbid burden; diabetic, cerebrovascular disease and smokers. Return to baseline mobility status was associated with reduced LOS.ConclusionPatients with a longer length of stay, inability to return to baseline mobility status, higher ASA scores, previous hip fractures and longer time to surgery had a higher mortality rate. Determinants of a longer LOS include; increased time to surgery, impeded postoperative mobility status, fixation rather than joint replacement and comorbid burden. A multifaceted approach to preoperative optimization and postoperative recovery is crucial in order to address all possible modifiable factors.     

Patient-reported outcomes in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty after periacetabular osteotomy

Background

There has been constant discussion about whether the clinical outcome of THA after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is equivalent to that after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, there have been few reports about patient-reported outcomes (PRO) for those who undergo THA after PAO. We compared the pre- and postoperative PRO of patients who underwent THA after PAO and those who underwent primary THA alone.

Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Demonstrate a Temporal and Dose-Dependent Relationship with the Rate of Postoperative Infection Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundCorticosteroid injections (CSI) are commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip. There is concern, however, that these injections may increase the risk of postoperative infection if a subsequent total hip arthroplasty (THA) is performed. The purpose of the present investigation is to determine the relationship between CSI and the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and surgical site infections (SSIs) following THA.MethodsThe PearlDiver database was reviewed for patients undergoing THA from 2011 to 2018. Patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis who received an intra-articular hip CSI prior to ipsilateral THA were matched in a sequential 1:1 fashion based on age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index with THA patients who did not receive an injection in the preoperative period. PJI and SSI within 6 months of the surgical procedure were recorded. Statistical analysis included chi-squared test and multivariate logistic regression. Results were considered significant at P < .05.ResultsIn total, 29,058 patients underwent a hip CSI within 6 months prior to THA. CSI within 4 months of surgery was associated with a higher incidence of PJI at 6-month follow up (1.6% vs 1.1%, P = .040). An injection within 1 month of surgery corresponded to a higher odds of PJI (odds ratio [OR] 1.97) than an injection 4 months prior to surgery (OR 1.24). Furthermore, the quantity of CSI administered within the 3 months prior to THA demonstrated a dose-dependent relationship, with each subsequent injection increasing odds of PJI (OR 1.45-3.59). A similar relationship was observed for SSI.ConclusionThere appears to be both a time and dose-dependent association of hip CSI and PJI following THA. Surgeons should consider delaying elective THA if a CSI has been administered within the 4 months prior to the planned procedure.     

Routine preoperative endoscopy in patients undergoing bariatric surgery

BackgroundThe role of routine preoperative endoscopy before primary weight loss surgery remains controversial.ObjectiveWe reviewed our experience to determine the frequency of abnormal findings in patients undergoing routine preoperative endoscopy before bariatric surgery.SettingA tertiary level, academic-affiliated bariatric surgery practice.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed between July 2014 and June 2016 of patients undergoing routine preoperative endoscopy before primary bariatric surgery. Variables evaluated included preendoscopy symptoms, planned bariatric surgical procedure, abnormal findings on endoscopy, and changes in planned bariatric surgical procedure after endoscopy.ResultsA total of 631 patients met inclusion criteria. Of patients, 72% (457) were female. The median age was 44 (interquartile range 36–55). The median body mass index was 46 (interquartile range 42–51). Most patients had no preendoscopy clinical symptoms (61.3%). The most frequent abnormal findings included esophagitis (26.5%), hiatal hernia (27.1%), gastric ulcer (4.9%), and biopsy-proven Barrett’s esophagus (4.6%). Although patients with preoperative symptoms were more likely to have abnormal findings on endoscopy, there were no significant differences in rates of Barrett’s esophagus in patients with (5.3%) or without (4.1%) symptoms. Of the total cohort, 18.4% had a change in their planned operation after endoscopy results.ConclusionThe findings in our large series suggest selective screening in symptomatic patients only may lead to failure of discovery of foregut pathology that should prompt consideration for changes in the planned bariatric surgical procedure. Further study is necessary to see if our findings have broad applicability.     

Predictors of mortality following primary hip and knee replacement in the aged: A single-center analysis of 1,998 primary hip and knee replacements for primary osteoarthritis

Background and purpose High age is associated with increased postoperative mortality, but the factors that predict mortality in older hip and knee replacement recipients are not known.

Methods Preoperative clinical and operative data on 1,998 primary total hip and knee replacements performed for osteoarthritis in patients aged ≥ 75 years in a single institution were collected from a joint replacement database and compoared with mortality data. Average follow-up was 4.2 (2.2–7.6) years for the patients who survived. Factors associated with mortality were analyzed using Cox regression analysis, with adjustment for age, sex, operated joint, laterality, and anesthesiological risk score.

Results Mortality was 0.15% at 30 days, 0.35% at 90 days, 1.60% at 1 year, 7.6% at 3 years, and 16% at 5 years, and was similar following hip and knee replacement. Higher age, male sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists risk score of > 2, use of walking aids, preoperative walking restriction (inability to walk or ability to walk indoors only, compared to ability to walk > 1 km), poor clinical condition preoperatively (based on clinical hip and knee scores or clinical severity of osteoarthritis), preoperative anemia, severe renal insufficiency, and use of blood transfusions were associated with higher mortality. High body mass index had a protective effect in patients after hip replacement.

Interpretation Postoperative mortality is low in healthy old joint replacement recipients. Comorbidities and functional limitations preoperatively are associated with higher mortality and warrant careful consideration before proceeding with joint replacement surgery.     

Retrospective Long-Term Follow-Up Survival Analysis of the Management of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head With Pedicled Vascularized Iliac Bone Graft Transfer

BackgroundOsteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) often affects young, active adults and leads to the destruction of the hip joint and disabling arthritis. Several procedures have been developed to prevent conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), especially in young patients who have a high rate of hip revision surgery. The aim of this long-term follow-up is to analyze the results of vascularized iliac bone flap transfer for ONFH treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 856 patients (1006 hips) who accepted hip-preserving surgery with vascularized iliac bone grafting due to ONFH (Ficat and Arlet stages II-IV) from January 1985 to December 2012 at our hospital. Radiographic assessment was performed with the Ficat and Arlet system, clinical assessment was performed with the Harris Hip Score system, and quality of life was evaluated with the 36-Item Short Form Survey. The hips included 575 stage II hips, 382 stage III hips, and 49 stage IV hips. We defined clinical failure as conversion to THA or any other hip-preserving surgery because of hip symptoms.ResultsA total of 856 patients (1006 hips) were eventually followed up with an average time of 15 years (range 5-25). In total, 75 patients were lost to follow-up, and 105 hips were converted to THA. The average Harris Hip Score was 87.43 ± 6.42 points at the last follow-up, representing a great improvement compared to the 66.42 ± 6.52 points obtained preoperatively. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no difference in the 15-year survival rate between patients with stages II and III disease (using THA as an end point). However, the survival rate was lower for patients with stage IV disease than that for patients with stages II and III disease. The survival rate for patients in the glucocorticoid group was lower than that for patients in the idiopathic, alcoholic, and trauma groups. The Physical Component Summary scores ranged from 78 ± 10 to 85 ± 14 postoperatively compared to 30 ± 14 to 55 ± 15 preoperatively, and the postoperative Mental Component Summary scores (range from 34 ± 11 to 59 ± 12) were significantly higher than the preoperative scores (range from 72 ± 11 to 90 ± 10), representing great improvement in patient quality of life. Postoperative complications occurred in 86 patients (4.5%) during the follow-up, including 23 patients with deep venous thrombosis, 16 patients with meralgia paresthetica (which resolved), and 47 patients with secondary wound healing.ConclusionThe vascularized iliac bone flap grafting technique yields significant improvement (particularly in the precollapse disease stages in young patients) for restoration of the biomechanical support of the collapsed femoral head and reconstruction of the blood supply to the osteonecrotic area. This procedure allows these patients to avoid or delay the need for THA surgery.     

EOS Imaging is Accurate and Reproducible for Preoperative Total Hip Arthroplasty Templating

BackgroundTemplating is a critical part of preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The accuracy of templating on images acquired with EOS is unknown. This study sought to compare the accuracy and reproducibility of templating for THA using EOS imaging to conventional digital radiographs.MethodsForty-three consecutive primary unilateral THAs were retrospectively templated, six months postoperatively, using preoperative 2D EOS imaging and conventional radiographs. Two blinded observers templated each case for acetabular and femoral component size and femoral offset. The retrospectively templated sizes were compared to the sizes selected during surgery. Interobserver agreement was calculated, and the influence of demographic variables was explored.ResultsEOS templating predicted the exact acetabular and femoral size in 71% and 66% of cases, respectively, and to within one size in 98% of cases. The acetabular and femoral component size was more likely to be templated to the exact size using EOS compared to conventional imaging (P < .05). The femoral component offset choice was accurately predicted in 83% of EOS cases compared to 80% of conventional templates (P = .341). Component size and offset were not influenced by patient age, gender, laterality, or BMI. Interobserver agreement was excellent for acetabular (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94) and femoral (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96) component size.ConclusionsPreoperative templating for THA using EOS imaging is accurate, with an excellent interobserver agreement. EOS exposes patients to less radiation than traditional radiographs, and its three-dimensional applications should be explored as they may further enhance preoperative plans.     

Incidence of preoperative instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) dependence and adverse outcomes in older surgical patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Study objectiveInstrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are essential to patient function and quality of life after surgery. In older surgical patients, the incidence of preoperative IADL dependence has not been well characterized in the literature. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependence and the associated adverse outcomes in the older surgical population.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.SettingMEDLINE, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print and In-Process, In-Data-Review & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Embase/Embase Classic, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ClinicalTrials.Gov, the WHO ICTRP (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were searched for relevant articles from 1969 to April 2022.PatientsPatients aged ≥60 years old undergoing surgery with preoperative IADL assessed by the Lawton IADL Scale.InterventionsPreoperative assessment.MeasurementThe primary outcome was the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependency. Additional outcomes included post-operative mortality, postoperative delirium [POD], functional status improvement, and discharge disposition.Main resultsTwenty-one studies (n = 5690) were included. In non-cardiac surgeries, the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependence was 37% (95% CI: 26.0%, 48.0%) among 2909 patients. Within cardiac surgeries, the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependence was 53% (95% CI: 24.0%, 82.0%) among 1074 patients. Preoperative IADL dependence was associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium than those without IADL dependence (44.9% vs 24.4, OR 2.26; 95% CI: 1.42, 3.59; I²: 0%; P = 0.0005).ConclusionsThere is a high incidence of IADL dependence in older surgical patients undergoing non-cardiac and cardiac surgery. Preoperative IADL dependence was associated with a two-fold risk of postoperative delirium. Further work is needed to determine the feasibility of using the IADL scale preoperatively as a predictive tool for postoperative adverse outcomes.     

Patients With Parkinson’s Disease Have Poorer Function and More Flexion Contractures After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) may negatively influence the rehabilitative course after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, functional outcomes in this select group remain poorly defined. We compared complication, mortality and revision rates, as well as patient-reported outcomes, and satisfaction between patients with PD and controls after TKA.MethodsPatients with PD who underwent primary unilateral TKA were identified and matched 1:1 with a control group using propensity scores adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, baseline range of motion, Knee Society Knee Score, Knee Society Function Score, Oxford Knee Score, and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey Mental and Physical Component Summary. Functional outcomes and patient satisfaction were assessed at 6 months and 2 years. Complications, survivorship, and all-cause mortality were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 114 patients were included. Majority of PD patients had Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 or 2 disease. Overall complication rate was 26.3% in the PD group and 10.5% in the control group (P = .030). There was no difference in transfusions, length of stay, and discharge to rehabilitation or readmissions. Patients with PD had more flexion contractures, poorer Knee Society Function Score and Oxford Knee Score at 2 years, and poorer 36-item Short-Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary at 6 months. 80.4% of patients with PD were satisfied compared with 85.5% of controls (P = .476). At follow-up of 8.5 ± 2.7 years, one TKA was revised in each group. All-cause mortality was higher in the PD group (15.8% vs 5.3%, P = .067).ConclusionAlthough patients with PD had relatively poorer knee function and quality of life, these patients still experienced significant functional gains compared with their preoperative status, and high satisfaction was achieved.Level of EvidenceIII.     

In the Era of Tranexamic Acid,are Type and Screens for Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty Obsolete?

BackgroundAdvances in technique and perioperative blood management have improved transfusion rates following unilateral primary total joint arthroplasty and led some centers to change their preoperative blood ordering protocols. The purpose of this study is to determine whether deleting type and screens (T&S) from preoperative order sets was safe for patients undergoing primary total knee (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to identify patients who required allogenic blood transfusion.MethodsProspectively collected data were reviewed to identify any patient with a hemoglobin (Hgb) drawn within 30 days of surgery who received a transfusion following a unilateral primary TKA or THA.ResultsA total of 1255 patients met inclusion criteria. Of the total, 682 (54%) were TKAs and 573 (46%) were THAs. The mean preoperative Hgb was 11.5 g/dL with an average delta Hgb of 3.6 g/dL on postoperative day 1. No patient required an intraoperative transfusion. Fourteen patients (mean age and body mass index, 67.9 and 29.0) required a transfusion (1.1%) for postoperative blood loss anemia. Of those transfused, 13 (93%) of the patients underwent THA with the mean estimated blood loss of 378.6 mL. The total cost for a patient obtaining a T&S is $191.27.ConclusionIn our series, the risk of blood transfusion was rare (1.1%) and occurred only secondary to postoperative blood loss anemia. There were no cases of intraoperative complication requiring urgent or emergent blood transfusion. Removing T&S from standard order sets for patients undergoing primary TKA or THA appears to be a safe and cost-effective practice.     

Evaluation of anesthetic technique on surgical site infections (SSIs) at a single institution

Study ObjectiveTo determine whether the previously published relationship between anesthetic technique and rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) was influenced by institution specific effects.DesignRetrospective Review of Quality Assurance and Hospital Epidemiology databases.SettingMetropolitan medical center.MeasurementsThe records of 7,751 patients who underwent knee or hip joint replacement from 2004 to 2010 were analyzed. Data regarding anesthetic technique, age, ASA status, gender, postoperative temperature, duration of anesthesia and type of surgery were from the department of anesthesiology quality assurance database and SSI cases were identified from the department of epidemiology database. The impact of anesthetic technique and other variables was assessed using bivariate and multivariate techniques.Main ResultsThere was no association of anesthetic technique on the rate of SSI. Duration of anesthesia and ASA status were associated with effects on the rate of SSI.ConclusionsThe impact of anesthetic technique on SSI following hip and knee replacement surgery may be site specific and using locally gathered quality data may assist in assessing specific institutional impact.     

隐性失血对全髋关节置换术后功能恢复影响的临床观察

目的：探讨隐性失血对髋关节功能恢复的影响及治疗对策。方法：利用Harris髋关节评分系统对2008年5月至2009年7月行单侧全髋关节置换术的71例患者进行随访（男47例,女24例;年龄48～75岁,平均68.3岁）,结合患者术中隐性失血量,分析髋关节功能恢复与隐性失血之间的相关性。结果：全髋关节置换术组患者的实际失血总量平均为1473ml,隐性失血为545ml,占总量的37%。隐性失血与患者术后功能恢复有关（P=0.001）,而与患者的体质量指数、年龄、性别、手术肢体无关（P=0.067,0.527,0.926,0.072）。结论：隐性失血量的多少对全髋关节置换术后功能恢复有一定影响,隐性失血量可以作为关节置换术后功能恢复的一项参考指标。     

Measuring improvement following total hip and knee arthroplasty using patient-based measures of outcome

BACKGROUND: Patient-derived outcome scales have become increasingly important to physicians and clinical researchers for measuring improvement in function after surgery. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the ability of health-status instruments to measure early functional recovery after total hip and total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Four hundred and six patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and 266 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty completed health-status questionnaires preoperatively and six months postoperatively to determine the standardized response mean. In the second phase of the study, a group of patients undergoing knee and hip arthroplasty were evaluated with several instruments before and after surgery to test for postoperative ceiling effects. RESULTS: The standardized response mean at six months was 1.7 for the MODEMS Hip Core, 1.2 for the MODEMS Knee Core, and 1.5 and 1.1 for the Physical Component Summary of the SF-36 for patients managed with hip and knee replacement, respectively. A standardized response mean of 1.0 is generally satisfactory for measuring improvement in orthopaedic surgery. In Phase 2 of the study, the vast majority of patients who had a score of 95 to 100 (that is, a maximum or near-maximum score) on the joint-specific scales generally believed that the hip or knee was normal and could not be better. CONCLUSIONS: The MODEMS, Oxford, and WOMAC scales all demonstrated a ceiling effect following total knee and total hip arthroplasty. These scores likely reflected the patients' perception of the status of the knee or hip rather than an inability to measure their improvement beyond the highest possible score. The Physical Component Summary score of the SF-36 had similar standardized response means when compared with hip and knee-specific instruments, and, therefore, consideration should be given to using this scale without a joint-specific scale for the measurement of improvement following total knee and total hip replacement, as a way to decrease responder burden (that is, the time required to complete the questionnaires).     

Perioperative Complications Stratified by Body Mass Index for the Direct Anterior Approach to Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundPrevious studies have addressed the increased risk of perioperative complications in the obese and morbidly obese populations undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Over the last 15 years, the direct anterior approach has increased in popularity. The purpose of this study is to compare the 90-day perioperative complication rate of total hip arthroplasty performed through the direct anterior approach stratified by body mass index (BMI).MethodsPerioperative complications both intraoperative and up to 90 days postoperative were identified in a case series of 1808 primary total hip arthroplasties performed through a direct anterior approach. The patients were stratified according to BMI. Demographics of age, side, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were recorded. Medical and surgical complications including National Surgical Quality Improvement Program complications, length of stay, reoperation rate, readmission rate, and length of operation were recorded. Bivariate analysis and analysis of variance were performed.ResultsMorbidly obese patients (BMI > 40) demonstrated increased American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, increased surgical times with statistically significant increase in number of patients with surgical complications, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program complications, deep infection, and wound breakdown. Grading the severity of complications also demonstrated the morbidly obese had a higher risk of experiencing more severe complications. Underweight patients (BMI < 18.5) demonstrated a statistically significant readmission rate.ConclusionIn stratifying patients undergoing the direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty by BMI, a greater rate of surgical complications both in number and in severity occurs with the morbidly obese undergoing total hip arthroplasty through a direct anterior approach.