A Comparison of Neuraxial and General Anesthesia for Thirty-Day Postoperative Outcomes in United States Veterans Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate which anesthetic technique is superior on 30-day outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in United States veteran patients. To our knowledge, this is the first account from the Veterans Health Administration comparing the effects of different anesthesia modalities in patients undergoing TKA.MethodsThe Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was utilized to analyze patients undergoing primary TKA during the period of 2008-2015. Subjects were divided into 2 cohorts based on the method of surgical anesthesia used: general anesthesia or neuraxial anesthesia. Propensity score matching was utilized to avoid possible selection bias between the 2 cohorts when assessing patient demographics and comorbidities. The 2 groups were analyzed for 30-day postoperative complications, using multivariable logistic regression techniques to evaluate independent associations between anesthetic method and postoperative outcomes.ResultsAll Veterans Affairs patients undergoing primary TKA under general anesthesia (n = 32,363) and neuraxial anesthesia (n = 14,395) within the study period were included in this study. Following propensity score matching, multivariable analysis revealed significantly lower risks of cardiovascular (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-0.88, P < .001), respiratory (AOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57-0.97, P = .03), and renal complications (AOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.4-0.9, P = .01) in patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia compared to those receiving general anesthesia. Neuraxial anesthesia was also associated with reduced hospital stay and lower odds of prolonged hospitalization (AOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.8-0.9, P < .001).ConclusionVeteran patients undergoing TKA under neuraxial anesthesia had reduced postoperative complications and decreased hospitalization stay compared to patients undergoing general anesthesia.     

Identifying Risk Factors for Complication and Readmission with Same-Day Discharge Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge of same-day discharge (SDD) for total joint arthroplasty. However, SDD may not be beneficial for all patients. Therefore, continued investigation into the safety of SDD is necessary as well as risk stratification for improved patient outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study examined 31,851 elective SDD hip and knee arthroplasties from 2016 to 2020 in a large national database. Logistic regression models were used to identify patient variables and preoperative comorbidities that contribute to postoperative complication or readmission with SDD. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.ResultsSDD increased from 1.4% in 2016 to 14.6% in 2020. SDD is associated with lower odds of readmission (AOR: 0.994, CI: 0.992-0.996) and postoperative complications (AOR: 0.998, CI: 0.997-1.000). Patients who have preoperative dyspnea (AOR: 1.03, CI: 1.02-1.04, P < .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AOR: 1.02, CI: 1.01-1.03, P = .002), and hypoalbuminemia (AOR: 1.02, CI: 1.00-1.03, P < .001), had higher odds of postoperative complications. Patients who had preoperative dyspnea (AOR: 1.02, CI: 1.01-1.03), hypertension (AOR: 1.01, CI: 1.01-1.03, P = .003), chronic corticosteroid use (AOR: 1.02, CI: 1.01-1.03, P < .001), bleeding disorder (AOR: 1.02; CI: 1.01-1.03, P < .001), and hypoalbuminemia (AOR: 1.01, CI: 1.00-1.02, P = .038), had higher odds of readmission.ConclusionSDD is safe with certain comorbidities. Preoperative screening for cardiopulmonary comorbidities (eg, dyspnea, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), chronic corticosteroid use, bleeding disorder, and hypoalbuminemia may improve SDD outcomes.     

General vs Spinal Anesthesia for Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: Do Complication Rates Differ?

BackgroundThe incidence of both primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and revision TKA is increasing. Data from primary arthroplasty patients suggest a risk reduction with the use of spinal anesthesia when compared with general anesthesia. However, the same relationship has not been examined in the revision knee arthroplasty patient.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement database. Patients undergoing revision TKA with either spinal or general anesthesia were identified from the database. Baseline characteristics were compared, and ultimately patients were matched using coarsened exact matching. Multivariate analysis was then performed on matched cohorts controlling for baseline patient and operative characteristics. This model was used to look for any differences in rates of complications, operative time, length of stay, and readmission.ResultsPatients undergoing revision TKA with general anesthesia had increased risk of several postoperative complications, even after controlling for baseline patient characteristics. Specifically, there were significantly increased rates of the following: unplanned readmission (OR = 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18-1.72, P < .001), nonhome discharge (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.46-1.76, P < .001), transfusion (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.41-1.88, P < .001), deep surgical site infection (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.01-2.03, P = .043), and extended length of stay (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.11-1.34, P < .001). General anesthesia was additionally associated with increased operative time.ConclusionGeneral anesthesia is associated with increased risk of numerous postoperative complications in patients undergoing revision TKA. This study is retrospective in nature, and while causality cannot be definitively determined, the results suggest that spinal anesthesia is preferential to general anesthesia in the revision TKA patient.     

The Impact of Pre-Operative Healthcare Utilization on Complications,Readmissions, and Post-Operative Healthcare Utilization Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundIdentifying risk factors for adverse outcomes and increased costs following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is needed to ensure quality. The interaction between pre-operative healthcare utilization (pre-HU) and outcomes following TJA has not been fully characterized.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective, primary total hip arthroplasty (THA, N = 1785) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA, N = 2159) between 2015 and 2019 at a single institution. Pre-HU and post-operative healthcare utilization (post-HU) included non-elective healthcare utilization in the 90 days prior to and following TJA, respectively (emergency department, urgent care, observation admission, inpatient admission). Multivariate regression models including age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists, Medicaid status, and body mass index were fit for 30-day readmission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS)-defined complications, length of stay, and post-HU.ResultsThe 30-day readmission rate was 3.2% and 3.4% and the CMS-defined complication rate was 3.8% and 2.9% for THA and TKA, respectively. Multivariate regression showed that for THA, presence of any pre-HU was associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission (odds ratio [OR] 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48-5.50, P = .002), CMS complications (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.27-4.59, P = .007), and post-HU (OR 3.65, 95% CI 2.54-5.26, P < .001). For TKA, ≥2 pre-HU events were associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.17-10.61, P = .026) and post-HU (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.29-5.40, P = .008). There were positive correlations for THA (any pre-HU) and TKA (≥2 pre-HU) with length of stay and number of post-HU events.ConclusionPatients who utilize non-elective healthcare in the 90 days prior to TJA are at increased risk of readmission, complications, and unplanned post-HU.Level of EvidenceLevel III.     

The Association of Preoperative Smoking With Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundPreoperative smoking is an easily modifiable risk factor and has associations with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. It is important to clarify these risks for specific procedures to provide improved and evidence-based quality of care. The purpose of the present study aims to identify the associations between preoperative smoking and 30-day postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.MethodsWe used R statistics to conduct a multivariable logistic regression analysis followed by a propensity score matching analysis to explore the association between preoperative smoking and postoperative outcomes.ResultsA final cohort of 67,897 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty was selected for analysis. After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of postoperative pulmonary complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.352; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.075-1.700; P = .01), infectious complications (OR, 1.310; 95% CI, 1.094-1.567; P = .003), and extended hospital stay (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.099-1.251; P < .001) were all significantly higher in the smoking population. After propensity matching these cohorts, both infectious complications (P = .017) and extended hospital stays (P = .001) were significantly higher in smoking patients.ConclusionsAfter controlling for potential confounding variables, our multivariable regression analysis revealed a significant increase in pulmonary and infectious complications as well as significantly longer hospital stays in our smoking population. When using a propensity score matching analysis, an increase in infectious complications as well as extended hospital stay was observed. Given the concerning prevalence of smoking in the United States, our data provide updated information toward a growing mass of literature supporting smoking cessation before surgical operations.     

Hospital Frailty Risk Score Predicts Adverse Events in Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) is a validated geriatric comorbidity measure derived from routinely collected administrative data. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of the HFRS as a predictor for postoperative adverse events after primary total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty.MethodsIn a retrospective analysis of 8250 patients who had undergone THA or TKA between 2011 and 2019, the HFRS was calculated for each patient. Reoperation rates, readmission rates, complication rates, and transfusion rates were compared between patients with low and intermediate or high frailty risk. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the HFRS and postoperative adverse events.ResultsPatients with intermediate or high frailty risk showed a higher rate of reoperation (10.6% vs 4.1%, P < .001), readmission (9.6% vs 4.3%, P < .001), surgical complications (9.1% vs 1.8%, P < .001), internal complications (7.3% vs 1.1%, P < .001), other complications (24.4% vs 2.0%, P < .001), Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications (4.1% vs 1.5%, P < .001), and transfusion (10.4% vs 1.3%, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a high HFRS as independent risk factor for reoperation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-3.09; P < .001), readmission (OR = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.21-2.61; P = .003), internal complications (OR = 3.72; 95% CI, 2.28-6.08; P < .001), surgical complications (OR = 3.74; 95% CI, 2.41-5.82; P < .001), and other complications (OR = 9.00; 95% CI, 6.58-12.32; P < .001).ConclusionThe HFRS predicts adverse events after THA and TKA. As it derives from routinely collected data, the HFRS enables hospitals to identify at-risk patients without extra effort or expense.Level of EvidenceLevel III–retrospective cohort study.     

Revision Joint Arthroplasty and Renal Transplant: A Matched Control Cohort Study

BackgroundThere is little literature concerning clinical outcomes following revision joint arthroplasty in solid organ transplant recipients. The aims of this study are to (1) analyze postoperative outcomes and mortality following revision hip and knee arthroplasty in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) compared to non-RTRs and (2) characterize common indications and types of revision procedures among RTRs.MethodsA retrospective Medicare database review identified 1020 RTRs who underwent revision joint arthroplasty (359 revision total knee arthroplasty [TKA] and 661 revision total hip arthroplasty [THA]) from 2005 to 2014. RTRs were compared to their respective matched control groups of nontransplant revision arthroplasty patients for hospital length of stay, readmission, major medical complications, infections, septicemia, and mortality following revision.ResultsRenal transplantation was significantly associated with increased length of stay (6.12 ± 7.86 vs 4.33 ± 4.29, P < .001), septicemia (odds ratio [OR], 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-3.46; P < .001), and 1-year mortality (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.51-4.53; P < .001) following revision TKA. Among revision THA patients, RTR status was associated with increased hospital readmission (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03-1.47; P = .023), septicemia (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.41-2.34; P < .001), and 1-year mortality (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.88-3.66; P < .001). The most frequent primary diagnoses associated with revision TKA and THA among RTRs were mechanical complications of prosthetic implant.ConclusionPrior renal transplantation among revision joint arthroplasty patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality when compared to nontransplant recipients.     

Mepivacaine Versus Bupivacaine Spinal Anesthesia for Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundMepivacaine is an intermediate acting amide local anesthetic that can be used for neuraxial anesthesia in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) with a shorter duration of action (1.5-2 hours) compared to the more commonly used local anesthetic bupivacaine. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing bupivacaine and mepivacaine spinal anesthesia during elective TJA and the surgical outcomes of the time to full neurologic motor return, pain, mobility, length of stay (LOS), and complications including transient neurologic symptoms and urinary function.MethodsPubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid Embase were screened for “arthroplasty, spinal anesthesia, bupivacaine, and mepivacaine,” in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 159 studies were screened and 5 studies were evaluated. Data were compared regarding motor function return, mobility (distance ambulated), pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), LOS, and postoperative complications.ResultsFull-text screening yielded 5 studies (3 randomized controlled trials and 2 retrospective cohort studies), with a total of 1,550 patients. Mepivacaine spinals had an earlier return to motor function (154 minutes vs 170 minutes, 95% CI: [?31.6, ?0.9], P = .04), shorter LOS (25.95 hours vs 29.96 hours, 95% CI: [?6.8, ?1.2], P = .01), and decreased urinary retention (7.15% vs 10.58%, 95% CI: [?6.3%, ?0.6%], P = .02) with no differences in pain (VAS 3.57 vs 3.68, 95% CI: [?2.1, 1.9], P = .90) or distance ambulated (94.2 ft vs 89.1 ft, 95% CI: [?15, 25.2], P = .60) compared to bupivacaine spinal anesthesia.ConclusionsThe method of anesthesia administration has been an increasing area of focus for quicker and safer recovery to allow for early ambulation and facility discharge. The rapid recovery facilitated by mepivacaine may further enable outpatient TJA and enhance patient recovery.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Evaluation of Dislocation Risk Factors With Total Hip Arthroplasty in Developmental Hip Dysplasia Patients: A Multivariate Analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the risk factors for dislocation in patients diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) who underwent total hip arthroplasty.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 40 patients who developed dislocation and compared them with 400 patients in the control group without hip instability. Patients-, surgery-, and implant-related factors were investigated. Risk factors were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 32.3 months. The mean time to dislocation was 4.4 months. There were 7 men (17.5%) and 33 women (82.5%) in the dislocation group and 83 men (20.7%) and 317 women (79.3%) in the control group (P = .627). Diabetes mellitus (DM; P = .032) and history of previous hip surgery for DDH were associated with dislocation (P < .001). The subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (P = .001), acetabular inclination (P = .037), acetabular anteversion (P < .001), femoral head size (P < .001), and postoperative infection (P = .003) were associated with dislocation. Major predictors of hip dislocation after total hip arthroplasty in patients with DDH were previous hip surgery (odds ratio [OR], 6.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.86-24.6; P = .004), high hip center (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.31-6.38; P = .008), DM (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.06-6.80; P = .037), and acetabular inclination (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.09-6.26; P = .03).ConclusionPatients with DM and previous hip surgery should be informed about increased dislocation rates. Using a larger head diameter and restoration of the true hip rotation center are essential to prevent hip dislocation in these patients. Furthermore, accurate positioning of the acetabular inclination and anteversion are also important.     

Early Discharge After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty—An Observational Cohort Study Evaluating Safety in 330,000 Patients

BackgroundThere has been considerable interest in recent years for early discharge after arthroplasty. We endeavored to evaluate the safety of same-day discharge given the rapid uptake of this practice approach.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational cohort study of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry database. We included patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between 2015 and 2018. We categorized length of stay (LOS) as same-day discharge (LOS = 0 days), accelerated discharge (LOS = 1 day), and routine discharge (LOS = 2-3 days). For each LOS cohort, we determined the incidence of major complications within 30 days (surgical site infection [SSI], reoperation, readmission, deep vein thrombosis [DVT], and PE) and evaluated risk using multivariate logistic regression analysis if incidence was >1%. Patients undergoing THA and TKA were evaluated independently.ResultsThe final study cohort consisted of 333,212 patients, including 124,150 who underwent THA (37%) and 209,062 who had TKA (63%). In the THA same-day discharge cohort, the incidence of superficial SSI (0.2%), deep/organ space SSI (0.3%), DVT (0.2%), and PE (0.2%) was low. The risk of reoperation was comparable to routine discharge (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-1.09; P = .17) and readmission rate was significantly lower (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.48-0.76; P < .001). The risk of reoperation and readmission was also lower in the accelerated discharge cohort compared to routine discharge. In the TKA same-day discharge cohort, the risk of superficial SSI (0.3%), deep/organ space SSI (0.3%), reoperation (0.8%), DVT (0.4%), and PE (0.5%) was low. The risk of readmission after same-day discharge was comparable to routine discharge (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.71-1.01; P = .07). In the accelerated discharge cohort, there was a small reduction in readmission risk (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81-0.93; P < .001).ConclusionThis large, observational, real-world study suggests that same-day and accelerated discharge management is safe clinical practice for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, yielding a similar risk of major acute 30-day complications. Further clinical trials evaluating long-term major outcomes, including patient-reported outcomes and experiences, would offer further and definitive insight into this practice approach.     

Is it Safe to Continue Clopidogrel in Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty?

BackgroundNo evidence-based guidelines exist for the perioperative use of clopidogrel in elective hip and knee arthroplasty patients. This study compares the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes of total hip and knee arthroplasty in patients maintained on clopidogrel and with patients whose clopidogrel was held before surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 158 patients taking clopidogrel before undergoing elective total hip or knee arthroplasty. Patients were stratified for having clopidogrel held or continued, based on the interval between latest dose and date of surgery. The primary end points were receipt of transfusion and readmission within 90 days of surgery. Secondary end points were the incidence of complications such as bleeding, infection, re-operation, and major cardiac or neurologic events such as myocardial infarction or stroke during the 90-day postoperative period.ResultsThe two cohorts had similar demographics. Patients who continued clopidogrel were more likely to receive a blood transfusion postoperatively (9.1% vs 0%, P = .005), but there was no difference in wound drainage (P = .65), wound infection (P = .24), readmission (P = .74), major complications (P = .64), length of stay (P = .70), or mortality (P = .42). Patients who continued clopidogrel before surgery were more likely to have received general anesthesia (P < .001) per anesthesia protocol, however, three such patients did receive spinal anesthesia without any complications. With cementless implants, blood loss was not different between clopidogrel groups.ConclusionPatients undergoing elective total hip and knee arthroplasty may be safely maintained on clopidogrel without an increased risk of wound complications, infections, length of stay, readmission, reoperation, major medical complications, or mortality. Further prospective research is warranted to confirm the effects of continuing clopidogrel in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty.     

Neuraxial Anesthesia Significantly Reduces 30-Day Venous Thromboembolism Rate and Length of Hospital Stay in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Stratified Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Analysis

BackgroundGeneral anesthesia (GA) has been the commonly used protocol for total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, neuraxial anesthesia (NA) has been increasingly performed. Our purpose was to compare NA and GA for 30-day postoperative outcomes in United States veterans undergoing primary THA.MethodsA large veteran’s database was utilized to identify patients undergoing primary THA between 1999 and 2019. A total of 56,244 patients had undergone THA and were included in our study. Of these, 44,780 (79.6%) had received GA, and 10,788 (19.2%) had received NA. Patients receiving NA or GA were compared for 30-day mortalities, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal complications, and wound infections and hospital lengths of stay (LOS). Propensity score matching, multivariate regression analyses, and subgroup analyses by American Society of Anesthesiology classification were performed to control for selection bias and patient baseline characteristics.ResultsUpon propensity-adjusted multivariate analyses, NA was associated with decreased risks for deep venous thrombosis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.4-0.9; P = .02), any respiratory complication (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.5-0.9; P = .003), unplanned reintubation (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.3-0.9; P = .009), and prolonged LOS (OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.72-0.84; P < .001). Subgroup analyses by American Society of Anesthesiology classes showed NA decreased 30-day venous thromboembolism rate in low-risk (class I/II) patients and decreased respiratory complications in high-risk (class III/IV) patients.ConclusionUsing a patient cohort obtained from a large national database, NA was associated with reduced risk of 30-day adverse events compared to GA in patients undergoing THA. Postoperative adverse events were decreased with NA administration with similar decreases observed across all patient preoperative risk levels. NA was also associated with a significant decrease in hospital LOS.     

General Anesthesia Leads to Increased Adverse Events Compared With Spinal Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe volume of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has increased dramatically in recent years with good reported long-term outcomes. UKA can be performed under general or neuraxial (ie, spinal) anesthesia; however, little is known as to whether there is a difference in outcomes based on anesthesia type. The purpose of the present study is to compare perioperative outcomes between anesthesia types for patients undergoing primary elective UKA.MethodsPatients who underwent primary elective UKA from 2007 to 2017 were identified from the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database. Operating room times, length of stay (LOS), 30-day adverse events, and readmission rates were compared between patients who received general anesthesia and those who received spinal anesthesia. Propensity-adjusted multivariate analysis was used to control for selection bias and baseline patient characteristics.ResultsA total of 8639 patients underwent UKA and met the inclusion criteria for this study. Of these, 4728 patients (54.7%) received general anesthesia and 3911 patients (45.3%) received spinal anesthesia. On propensity-adjusted multivariate analyses, general anesthesia was associated with increased operative time (P < .001) and the occurrence of any severe adverse event (odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.04-1.84; P = .024). In addition, general anesthesia was associated with higher rates of deep venous thrombosis (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.11-4.6; P = .024) and superficial surgical site infection (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.6-1.81; P < .001). Finally, general anesthesia was also associated with a reduced likelihood of discharge to home (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59-0.88; P < .001). No difference existed in postoperative hospital LOS or readmission rates among cohorts.ConclusionGeneral anesthesia was associated with an increased rate of adverse events and increased operating room times as well as a reduced likelihood of discharge to home. There was no difference in hospital LOS or postoperative readmission rates between anesthesia types.     

Rural Hospital Designation Is Associated With Increased Complications and Resource Utilization After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Matched Case-Control Study

BackgroundAs the prevalence of hip osteoarthritis increases, the demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has grown. It is known that patients in rural and urban geographic locations undergo THA at similar rates. This study explores the relationship between geographic location and postoperative outcomes.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, the Truven MarketScan database was used to identify patients who underwent primary THA between January 2010 and December 2018. Patients with prior hip fracture, infection, and/or avascular necrosis were excluded. Two cohorts were created based on geographic locations: urban vs rural (rural denotes any incorporated place with fewer than 2500 inhabitants). Age, gender, and obesity were used for one-to-one matching between cohorts. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, postoperative complications, and resource utilization were statistically compared between the cohorts using multivariate conditional logistic regression.ResultsIn total, 18,712 patients were included for analysis (9356 per cohort). After matching, there were no significant differences in comorbidities between cohorts. The following were more common in rural patients: dislocation within 1 year (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.41, P < .001), revision within 1 year (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05-1.32, P = .027), and prosthetic joint infection (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.34, P = .033). Similarly, rural patients had higher odds of 30-day readmission (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09-1.56, P = .041), 90-day readmission (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.26-1.71, P = .023), and extended length of stay (≥3 days; OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.22-1.81, P < .001).ConclusionTHA in rural patients is associated with increased cost, healthcare utilization, and complications compared to urban patients. Standardization between geographic areas could reduce this discrepancy.     

Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes for Femoral Neck Fractures in Transplant Patients

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the short-term complications between transplant and nontransplant patients who undergo hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures (FNFs). Additionally, we sought to further compare the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus hemiarthroplasty (HA) within the transplant group.MethodsThis was a retrospective review utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Transplant patients were identified and stratified based on transplant type: kidney, liver, or other (heart, lung, bone marrow, and pancreas). Outcomes of interest included index hospitalization mortality, perioperative complications, length of stay, costs, hospital readmission, and surgical complications within 90 days of discharge.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2018, a total of 881,061 patients underwent THA or HA for FNFs, of which 2163 (0.2%) were transplant patients. When compared with nontransplant patients, all transplant patients had an increased risk of requiring blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR] = 1.51, P = .001), acute kidney injury (OR = 2.02, P < .001), and discharge to facility (OR = 1.67, P = .001) while having increased index hospitalization length of stay and costs. Liver and other transplant patients had an increased risk of readmission within 90 days (OR = 1.82, P < .001 and OR = 1.60, P = .014 respectively). Subgroup analysis for transplant patients comparing HA with THA demonstrated no differences in perioperative complication rates and decreased hospitalization length of stay and cost associated with THA.ConclusionIn this retrospective cohort study, transplant patients had an increased risk of requiring blood transfusions and acute kidney injury after hip arthroplasty for FNFs. There were no differences in short-term complications between transplant patients treated with HA versus THA.Level of evidence3 (Retrospective cohort study).     

General vs Spinal Anesthesia for Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Single-Institution Observational Review

BackgroundTotal joint arthroplasty (TJA) can be successfully carried out under general (GA) or spinal anesthesia (SA). The existing literature does not adequately illustrate which technique is optimal. The purpose of this study is to prospectively compare the effects of anesthesia technique on TJA outcomes.MethodsThis 2-year, prospective, observational study was conducted at a single institution where patients receiving primary TJA were consecutively enrolled. Patients were contacted postoperatively to assess for any 90-day complications. The primary outcome of the study was the overall complication rate.ResultsA total of 2242 patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (n = 656; 29.26%) or total knee arthroplasty (n = 1586; 70.74%) between 2015 and 2017. Of these procedures, 1325 (59.10%) were carried out under SA and 917 (40.90%) were carried out under GA. Patients in the GA cohort had higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (0.05 SA vs 0.09 GA; P < .05) and higher average body mass index (29.35 SA vs 30.24 GA; P < .05). On multivariate analysis, patients in the SA cohort had a significantly lower overall complication rate relative to their GA counterparts (7.02% vs 10.14%; odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.90; P < .05). In addition, length of stay in the GA cohort was significantly longer (2.43 [SD, 1.62] vs 2.18 [SD, 0.88] days; P < .01) and a larger percentage of GA patients were discharged to a nursing facility (32.28% vs 25.06%; odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.70; P < .05).ConclusionOur study demonstrates that SA for TJA is associated with a decrease in overall complications and healthcare resource utilization.     

Systematic review of contemporary outcomes of endovascular and open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to provide a systematic review of the literature reporting the contemporary early outcomes after endovascular and open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs).MethodsMEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies from January 2006 to March 2018 that reported either endovascular (using branched or fenestrated endografts) or open repair of TAAA in at least 10 patients. Outcomes of interest included perioperative mortality, spinal cord injury (SCI), renal failure requiring dialysis, and stroke. Pooled proportions were determined using a random-effects model.ResultsThe analysis included 71 studies, of which 24 and 47 reported outcomes after endovascular and open TAAA repair, respectively. Endovascular cohort patients were older and had higher rates of coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. Endovascular repair was associated with higher rates of SCI (13.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.5%-16.7%) compared with open repair (7.4%; 95% CI, 6.2%-8.7%; P < .01) but similar rates of permanent paralysis (5.2% [95% CI, 3.8%-6.7%] vs 4.4% [95% CI, 3.3%-5.6%]; P = .39), lower rates of postoperative dialysis (6.4% [95% CI, 3.2%-9.5%] vs 12.0% [95% CI, 8.2%-16.3%]; P = .03) but similar rates of being discharged on permanent dialysis (3.7% [95% CI, 2.0%-5.9%] vs 3.8% [95% CI, 2.9%-5.3%]; P = .93), a trend to lower stroke (2.7% [95% CI, 1.9%-3.6%] vs 3.9% [95% CI, 3.0%-4.9%]; P = .06), and similar perioperative mortality (7.4% [95% CI, 5.9%-9.1%] vs 8.9% [95% CI, 7.2%-10.9%]; P = .21).ConclusionsThis systematic review summarizes the contemporary literature results of endovascular and open TAAA repair. Endovascular repair studies included patients with more comorbidities and were associated with higher rates of SCI but similar rates of permanent paraplegia, whereas open repair studies had higher rates of postoperative dialysis but similar rates of being discharged on permanent dialysis. Perioperative mortality rates were similar. Universally adopted reporting standards for patient characteristics, outcomes, and the conduct of contemporary comparative studies will allow better assessment and comparisons of the risks associated with the two surgical treatment options for TAAA.     

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.     

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.     

Is Aspirin as Effective as the Newer Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty? An Analysis From the National Joint Registry for England,Wales, Northern Ireland,and the Isle of Man

BackgroundFew studies have compared aspirin with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) (DOACs = direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We assessed the efficacy and safety of aspirin compared with DOACs for VTE prophylaxis after THA and TKA using the world's largest joint arthroplasty registry.MethodsWe studied the National Joint Registry linked to English hospital inpatient episodes for 218,650 THA and TKA patients. Patients receiving aspirin were matched separately to patients receiving direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors using propensity scores. Outcomes assessed at 90 days included VTE, length of stay, and adverse events.ResultsAfter THA, there was a significantly lower risk of VTE associated with the use of direct thrombin inhibitors (0.44%; odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.55-0.87; P = .002) and factor Xa inhibitors (0.37%; OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.85; P = .003) compared with aspirin (0.63%). After THA, direct thrombin inhibitors (coefficient, −0.37 days; 95% CI, −0.43 to −0.31; P < .001) and factor Xa inhibitors (coefficient, −0.80 days; 95% CI, −0.87 to −0.74; P < .001) were associated with a reduced length of stay compared with aspirin. Similar findings for both outcomes were observed after TKA. Compared with aspirin, DOACs were not associated with an increase in the risk of short-term revision surgery, reoperation, major hemorrhage, wound disruption, surgical site infection, and mortality.ConclusionAfter THA and TKA, DOACs were associated with a reduced risk of VTE compared with aspirin. DOACs were associated with a reduced length of stay, and DOACs were not associated with an increase in the risk of further surgery, wound problems, bleeding complications, or mortality compared with aspirin.