Risk factors and reasons for revision after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundAs the indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) continue to expand, the need for revision surgery after RSA will become more frequent. The objective of this study was to characterize patient-related risk factors for revision RSA and to compare reasons for early vs. late revision after RSA.MethodsPatients who underwent primary and revision RSA from 2015 to 2019 were identified in a national insurance database. Subgroups of early revision (defined as revision within 1 year postoperatively) and late revision (more than 1 year postoperatively) were also identified. The primary outcome of interest was patient-related risk factors for revision RSA. Secondary outcomes of interest were patient-related risk factors for early vs. late revision RSA and to compare surgical diagnoses for early vs. late revision RSA. Univariate analysis using chi-square tests was performed to analyze any differences in reasons for revision. Multivariate regression was subsequently utilized to control for any confounding variables when identifying risk factors for revision.ResultsA total of 28,880 patients were identified who underwent RSA, with 553 (1.9%) patients undergoing revision RSA. Three hundred eighty-five patients (69.6%) were classified as early revision (within one year), while 141 (30.4%) underwent late revision more than a year postoperatively. Risk factors for overall revisions included age <65 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23, P = .032), male sex (OR = 2.21, P < .001), type I diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.44, P = .039), congestive heart failure (CHF) (OR = 1.79, P < .001), and depression (OR = 1.33, P = .002) in addition to RSAs performed for fracture (OR = 1.63, P < .001) and glenohumeral instability (OR = 2.25, P < .001) compared to RSA performed for arthritis. Risk factors for early revision RSA included male sex (OR = 2.54, P < .001) and CHF (OR = 1.81, P < .001) in addition to RSAs performed for fracture (OR = 1.84, P < .001) and glenohumeral instability (OR = 2.44, P < .001). Risk factors for late revision RSA included male sex (OR = 1.62, P = .004), CHF (OR = 1.83, P = .005), steroid use (OR = 1.79, P = .036), human immunodeficiency virus (OR = 3.50, P = .038), and RSA performed for glenohumeral instability (OR = 1.92, P = .004). Early revision RSA was more commonly performed for instability (63.1% vs. 25.0%, P < .001) and stiffness (5.5% vs. 1.2%, P = .021) than late revisions.ConclusionRevision RSA is uncommon at early follow-up. Overall patient-related risk factors for revision include male sex, age <65 years, type I diabetes mellitus, CHF, and depression in addition to RSAs performed for fracture and glenohumeral instability. Instability and stiffness were more common indications for early compared to late revision. Instability remained the most common reason for overall revision followed by periprosthetic infection.     

Comparison of complication rates in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty performed for degenerative conditions versus proximal humerus fractures

BackgroundIndications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) have been expanding. In addition to degenerative joint disease (DJD), RTSA is now being used to treat proximal humerus fractures (PHF). The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative complications in RTSA performed for DJD versus PHF.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the PearlDiver National Database was performed. International Classification of Diseases 10 codes were used to identify RTSA patients from 2015-2018 and separate them into DJD and PHF cohorts. Demographics, comorbidities, and hospital data were identified and compared using a two-sample t-test and chi-squared test. Systemic complications at 90 days and surgical complications at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years were compared using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsFifteen thousand six hundred seventy eight patients (92.6% DJD, 7.4% PHF) were identified. PHF patients were more likely to be older (70.3 vs. 69.7 years, P = .026), female (83.5% vs. 62.2%, P < .001), and have more medical comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index 3.42 vs. 3.17, P = .006) than DJD patients. After controlling for patient factors, PHF patients were more likely than DJD patients to develop urinary tract infection (odds ratio [OR] 1.65, P < .001), deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.76, P = .024), and hematoma (OR 3.83, P < .001) within 90 days of RTSA. At 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively, RTSA for PHF patients were also more likely than RTSA for DJD patients to sustain a periprosthetic fracture (OR 2.57, P < .001) and instability (OR 2.02, P < .001).ConclusionsPatients with DJD and PHF undergoing RTSA represent different patient populations with distinct postoperative clinical outcomes. RTSA for PHF has inferior outcomes, which is significant in an era of bundled payments.     

Hypogonadism Is Associated With Increased Risks of Postoperative Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundDespite being a relatively common problem among aging men, hypogonadism has not been previously studied as a potential risk factor for postoperative complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsIn total, 3903 male patients with a diagnosis of hypogonadism who underwent primary THA from 2006 to 2012 were identified using a national insurance database and compared to 20:1 matched male controls using a logistic regression analysis.ResultsHypogonadism was associated with an increased risk of major medical complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.24, P = .022), urinary tract infection (OR 1.43, P < .001), wound complications (OR 1.33, P = .011), deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.64, P < .001), emergency room visit (OR 1.24, P < .001), readmission (OR 1.14, P = .015), periprosthetic joint infection (OR 1.37 and 1.43, P < .05), dislocation (OR 1.51 and 1.48, P < .001), and revision (OR 1.54 and 1.56, P < .001) following THA. A preoperative diagnosis of hypogonadism was associated with increased total reimbursement and charges by $390 (P < .001) and $4514 (P < .001), respectively.ConclusionThe diagnosis of hypogonadism is associated with an elevated risk of postoperative complications and increased cost of care following primary THA. Data from this study should influence the discussion between the patient and the provider prior to undergoing joint replacement and serve as the basis for further research.     

Shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fracture is associated with increased postoperative complications and hospital burden

ObjectivesTo compare 30-day outcomes including complications, readmissions, discharge location, operative duration, and postoperative length of stay as a function of indication for shoulder arthroplasty (SA) – either osteoarthritis (OA), rotator cuff disease (RCD), or proximal humerus fracture (PHF). We hypothesize PHF patients will have increased morbidity after SA.MethodsThe American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program was queried from 2005 - 2015. Patients undergoing primary SA, including anatomic and reverse, were identified and the indication for procedure was identified using International Classification of Outcome variables were compared with bivariate analysis or multivariate binary logistic or linear regressions analysis that adjusted for differences in baseline patient characteristics.ResultsIn total, 8,083 patients undergoing SA were identified, with 6,806(84.2%) performed for OA, 898(11.1%) for RCD, and 379(4.8%) for PHF. Patients with PHF were the oldest, had the most medical comorbidities, dependent functional status, and ASA class. On multivariate analyses adjusting for these differences, patients with PHF had an increased rate of any complication (odds ratio [OR] = 2.07, P = 0.048), blood transfusion (OR = 4.66, P<0.001), and non-home discharge (OR = 3.06, P<0.001) relative to OA patients, as well as increased risk of blood transfusion (OR = 5.01, P<0.001) and non-home discharge (OR = 2.71, P<0.001) relative to RCD patients. Operative length was increased by 23 and 34 minutes and postoperative length of stay was increased by 1.4 and 1.2 days in PHF patients relative to OA and RCD patients, respectively.ConclusionsShoulder arthroplasty performed for PHF is associated with significantly increased postoperative morbidity and utilization of hospital resources. As bundled payment systems become more prevalent in orthopedics, these results will be helpful in determining appropriate payment bundles for shoulder arthroplasty.Level of EvidenceLevel III; Cohort Study     

The Impact of Epilepsy on Complication Rates After Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study

BackgroundIt is unclear how epilepsy may affect total joint arthroplasty outcomes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of epilepsy on prosthesis-related complications following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using a national database. Patients who have epilepsy underwent a primary THA (n = 6,981) and TKA (n = 4,987) and were matched 1:4 (THA, n = 27,924; TKA, n = 19,948). Rates of low-energy falls and prosthesis-related complications within 2 years postoperatively were compared for patients who did and did not have epilepsy with multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAfter primary TKA, patients who have epilepsy exhibited significantly higher rates of aseptic revision (4.3% versus 3.5%, odds ratio [OR] 1.21, P = .017) and revision for prosthetic joint infection (1.8% versus 1.3%, OR 1.29, P = .041). THA patients who have epilepsy exhibited significantly higher rates of prosthetic dislocation (3.2% versus 1.9%, OR 1.54, P < .001), periprosthetic fracture (2.2% versus 0.8%, OR 2.39, P < .001), and aseptic loosening (1.7% versus 1.1%, OR 1.40, P = .002). Rates of low-energy falls within 2 years after TKA (14.1% versus 6.4%, OR 2.19, P < .001) and THA (33.6% versus 7.5%, OR 5.95, P < .001) were also significantly higher for patients who have epilepsy.ConclusionEpilepsy was associated with significantly higher rates of falls (P < .001) and prosthesis-related complications after primary THA (P < .05) and TKA (P < .05). Precautions should be implemented in this population during intraoperative and perioperative decision-making to reduce complication risk.Level of EvidenceLevel III.     

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Who Have Respiratory Disease Who use Supplemental Home Oxygen

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to investigate the association between supplemental home oxygen prior to surgery and both medical and surgical complications after primary elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients who have respiratory disease (RD).MethodsThe Mariner database was used to identify patients who have RD who received primary elective THA from 2010 to 2020. The THA patient cohorts consisted of 20,872 patients who had RD prescribed home oxygen and 69,520 patients who had RD without home oxygen. For patients who had a diagnosis of RD and were prescribed supplemental home oxygen (O2) and those who were not, the rates of postoperative medical and surgical complications, hospital readmissions, and emergency room visits were determined. Reimbursements and lengths of stay were also determined. Logistic regression analyses were utilized to compare both cohorts to matched cohorts without RD, as well as to each other directly.ResultsIn comparison to the matched control group, the RD with home oxygen group had a significantly higher rate of pneumonia (odds ratio [OR] 4.27, P < .0001), pulmonary embolism (OR 1.81, P < .0001), periprosthetic joint infection (OR 1.21, P < .0001), and periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.81, P = .001). The RD with home oxygen cohort also had a significantly higher incidence of pneumonia (OR 2.16, P < .0001), periprosthetic joint infection (OR 1.38, P < .0001), and periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.24, P = .009) compared to RD patients who did not have home oxygen.ConclusionSupplemental home oxygen use prior to surgery is associated with a significantly higher risk of postoperative medical and surgical complications after elective THA.     

Anatomic versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty for post-traumatic sequelae of operatively and nonoperatively treated proximal humerus fractures

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine whether there is a long-term difference in outcomes between anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) performed for proximal humerus fracture (PHF) sequelae. Hypotheses were as follows: (1) patients undergoing aTSA would have improved functional outcomes but a greater incidence of adverse events (AEs) and reoperation than those undergoing rTSA and (2) patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty after open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) would have worse outcomes with more AEs and reoperations than those undergoing shoulder arthroplasty for sequelae of nonoperatively managed PHF.MethodsA prospectively collected database was queried for patients with PHF sequelae undergoing aTSA or rTSA between 2007 and 2020 with minimum 2-year follow-up. Baseline demographics, perioperative data, postoperative AEs, functional outcomes, and range of motion (ROM) were compared between aTSA and rTSA groups. A secondary analysis was performed to compare patients treated with prior PHF ORIF vs. those treated nonoperatively.ResultsThere were 17 patients in the aTSA group and 83 patients in the rTSA group. Type I PHF sequelae predominated among patients who underwent aTSA (71% vs. 40%, P = .026). Incidence of total postoperative AEs was greater after aTSA than that after rTSA (12% vs. 5%, P = .277), with a significantly higher rate of glenoid aseptic loosening after aTSA (6% vs. 0%, P = .026). All AEs required reoperation except one in the rTSA group. The mean follow-up was 66 months for aTSA compared with 45 months for rTSA (P = .002). No differences in functional outcomes or ROM between aTSA and rTSA persisted beyond 3 months or at the final follow-up except external rotation, which favored aTSA for 3 years postoperatively. In the secondary analysis, there were 33 patients in the ORIF group and 67 in the non-ORIF group. One (3%) postoperative AE occurred in the ORIF group vs. five (7%) in the non-ORIF group (P = .385). At a mean follow-up of 4 years, there were no differences in functional outcome scores or ROM between ORIF and non-ORIF groups, except for patient-reported shoulder function (6.3 vs. 7.4, respectively, P = .037).ConclusionFor treatment of PHF sequelae, aTSA may result in a higher incidence of postoperative AEs and reoperation than rTSA, particularly due to glenoid aseptic loosening. No difference in functional outcome scores between aTSA and rTSA persists beyond 3 months or at the final follow-up. Although active external rotation is significantly improved after aTSA for the first 3 years postoperatively, no differences in ROM exist beyond 4 years at the final follow-up. Patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty for PHF sequelae have comparable outcomes regardless of prior ORIF or nonoperative management.Level of evidenceLevel III; Retrospective Cohort Design; Treatment Study     

Increased Revisions in Conversion Total Knee Arthroplasty After Periarticular Open Reduction Internal Fixation Compared With Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Matched Cohort Analysis

BackgroundPrior studies on conversion total knee arthroplasty (cTKA) have reported increased technical challenges and risk of complications compared with primary knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to compare two-year postoperative complication/revision rates between patients undergoing cTKA after prior periarticular open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and those undergoing primary TKA.MethodsPatients who underwent cTKA after prior periarticular ORIF of the ipsilateral knee were identified in a national all-payer claims database from 2010 to 2018. This ORIF-cTKA cohort was propensity matched to participants undergoing primary TKA based on age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, and obesity status. Univariate analysis was performed to analyze differences in two-year complication and revision rates.ResultsAfter propensity matching, 823 patients were included in the ORIF-cTKA cohort and 1640 patients in the primary TKA cohort. No differences in demographics or comorbidities existed between cohorts. Relative to the primary TKA cohort, the ORIF-cTKA cohort had significantly higher incidences of all-cause revision (5.47% vs 2.47%, P = .001), periprosthetic joint infection (PJI; 4.74% vs 1.34%, P < .001), and intraoperative or postoperative periprosthetic fracture (1.58% vs 0.55%, P = .01) at two years postoperatively. There was also a nonsignificant trend toward increased rates of aseptic loosening (1.82% vs 0.91%, P = .052) in the ORIF-cTKA.ConclusionRelative to primary TKA, cTKA after periarticular ORIF is associated with significantly increased rates of all-cause revision, PJI, and periprosthetic fracture at two years postoperatively. Surgeons should counsel these patients about the increased risks of these postoperative complications and consider treating them as high risk for PJI in the perioperative period.     

Iron Deficiency Anemia is Associated with Increased Early Postoperative Surgical and Medical Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a medical comorbidity commonly diagnosed in those undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The authors sought to evaluate IDA as a risk factor for early postoperative complications following discharge and describe the hospital resource utilization of this patient population.MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of IDA who underwent THA from 2005 to 2014 were identified in a national insurance database. The rates of postoperative medical complications and surgery-related complications, as well as hospital readmission, emergency department visits, and death were calculated. Additionally, 90-day and day of surgery cost and length of stay were calculated. IDA patients were then compared to a 4:1 matched control population without IDA using a logistic regression analysis to control for confounding factors.ResultsIn total, 98,681 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of IDA who underwent THA were identified and compared to 386,724 controls. IDA was associated with increased risk of 30-day emergency department visits (odds ratio [OR] 1.35, P < .001) and 30-day readmission (OR 1.49, P < .001). IDA was also associated with an increased 90-day medical complication rate (cerebrovascular accident OR 1.11, P = .003; urinary tract infection OR 1.14, P < .001; acute renal failure OR 1.24, P < .001; transfusion OR 1.40, P < .001), as well as 1-year periprosthetic joint infection (OR 1.27, P < .001), revision (OR 1.22, P < .001), dislocation (OR 1.25, P < .001), and fracture (OR 1.43, P < .001). Patients with IDA accrued higher hospital charges ($27,658.27 vs $16,709.18, P < .001) and lower hospital reimbursement ($5509.90 vs $3605.59, P < .001).ConclusionPatients with preoperative IDA undergoing THA are at greater risk of experiencing early postoperative complications and have greater utilization of hospital resources.     

Revision of failed reverse shoulder arthroplasty to revision reverse shoulder arthroplasty leads to significant clinical and functional improvement

BackgroundReverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is rapidly growing in the United States. As the number of procedures increases, the number of complications and need for additional surgeries correspondingly continues to grow. The purpose of this study was to describe clinical and functional outcomes of revision of RSA to RSA.MethodsA retrospective review of 29 patients from 2 centers who underwent revision surgery following RSA to RSA from 2007 to 2017 was conducted. The reasons for revision were recorded. Clinical outcome measures including shoulder range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation score, simple shoulder test and Visual analog scale scores were collected for all patients at an average follow-up of 29 months. Postoperative complications were also recorded.ResultsA total of 29 patients were identified. The average time between index RSA and revision was 2.3 years (30 days – 7 years). Mean follow-up duration for clinical outcome measures was 29.1 months (12-114 months). The most common indication for revision surgery was aseptic loosening (13/29, 44.8%), followed by instability (7/29, 24.1%), fracture (5/29, 17.2%), and infection (4/29, 13.7%). The average Visual analog scale decreased from 7 to 3 (P< .001). American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score scores improved from a mean of 30 to 58 (P < .001). Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation score scores improved from 26 to 54 (P < .001), and Simple shoulder test improved from 2 to 6 (P = .001). Range of motion in both forward elevation from 76° to 131° (P < .001) and external rotation from 26 to 42 (P = .001). Complications were seen in 10 of 29 patients (34.5%).ConclusionA failed RSA can be managed with revision RSA with acceptable clinical outcomes although outcome is inferior to primary RSA with a high rate of complications.Level of EvidenceLevel IV; Retrospective Case Series     

Frailty defined by 19 items as a predictor of short-term functional recovery in patients with hip fracture

IntroductionMany hip fracture patients have decreased functional status inhibiting recovery to pre-fracture functional status. The prevalence of frailty in patients with hip fracture is high, but little is known how frailty is associated with functional recovery. The aim of this study was to determine whether frailty can predict functional recovery and clinical outcomes during the acute phase in hip fracture.Patients and MethodsThis study was retrospective observational study from two acute hospitals. Participants were recruited from hip fracture patients who underwent surgery. The main exposure was frailty defined using 19-item modified Frailty Index (mFI). The main outcome was functional recovery, evaluated by postoperative efficiency on the motor-Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complication and discharge disposition. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using each outcome as a dependent variable and mFI as an independent variable.ResultsSample included 274 patients (mean age 83.7 ± 7.4 years, female 80.7%). Patients with higher mFI exhibited lower functional recovery, defined by efficiency on the motor-FIM score, and tended to run into complications and not return home (P < .001). In multiple logistic regression analyses, higher mFI was significantly associated with increased likelihood of lower functional recovery (odds ratio [OR], 1.60; 95% CI, 1.32–1.93; P < .001), occurrence of postoperative complication (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.13–1.54; P < .001) and not returning home (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.38–2.26; P < .001).ConclusionsFrailty defined by 19-item mFI can predict short-term functional recovery during acute phase following hip fracture. Frailty is also associated with postoperative complication and discharge disposition.     

Compensated Cirrhosis Is Associated With Increased Risk of Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Large Medicare Database

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate medical and surgical complications of liver cirrhosis patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA), with attention to different etiologies of cirrhosis and their financial burden following THA.MethodsIn total, 18,321 cirrhotics and 722,757 non-cirrhotics who underwent primary elective THA between 2006 and 2013 were identified from a retrospective database review. This cohort was further subdivided into 2 major etiologies of cirrhosis (viral and alcoholic cirrhosis) and other cirrhotic etiology. Cirrhotics were compared to non-cirrhotics for hospital length of stay, 90-day mean total charges and reimbursement, hospital readmission, and major medical and arthroplasty-specific complications.ResultsCirrhosis was associated with increased rates of major medical complications (4.3% vs 2.4%; odds ratio [OR] 1.20, P < .001), minor medical complications, transfusion (3.4% vs 2.1%; OR 1.16, P = .001), encephalopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and readmission (13.5% vs 8.6%; OR 1.18, P < .001) within 90 days. Cirrhosis was associated with increased rates of revision, periprosthetic joint infection, hardware failure, and dislocation within 1 year postoperatively (3.1% vs 1.6%; OR 1.37, P < .001). Cirrhosis independently increased hospital length of stay by 0.14 days (P < .001), and it independently increased 90-day charges and reimbursements by $13,791 (P < .001) and $1707 (P < .001), respectively. Viral and alcoholic cirrhotics had higher rates of 90-day and 1-year complications compared to controls—other causes only had higher rates of 90-day medical complications, encephalopathy, readmission, and 1-year revision, hardware failure, and dislocation compared to controls.ConclusionCirrhosis, especially viral and alcoholic etiologies, is associated with higher risk of early postoperative complications and healthcare utilization following elective THA.     

Is there a threshold of preoperative function that predicts failure to achieve clinically significant outcomes after total and reverse shoulder arthroplasty?

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine if there is a threshold of preoperative function that is predictive of postoperative outcomes and the likelihood of achieving clinically significant outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty (SA).MethodsWe retrospectively identified patients who underwent a primary SA at our institution. Patients with preoperative and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (ASES) were included in our analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was utilized to reach a preoperative ASES threshold correlated with achievement of the following clinically significant outcomes: minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptom state. This analysis was performed for our entire SA cohort and subanalyzed for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Fischer exact tests were used to analyze categorical data while continuous data were analyzed using t-tests. For the ROC, area under the curve (AUC) was calculated, along with bootstrap 95% confidence intervals and P values, with <0.05 as significant.ResultsA total of 516 patients were included (164 TSA and 352 RSA). ROC analysis yielded a preoperative ASES above 54 as predictive of failure to achieve MCID for all SAs (AUC, 0.77; P < .001), above 49 for TSA (AUC 0.74, P < .001), and above 56 for RSA (AUC 0.79, P < .001). Patients with preoperative ASES scores above 54 were significantly less likely to achieve MCID (odds ratio 5.1, P < .001) and SCB (odds ratio 7.2, P < .001); however, they had higher postoperative ASES scores (84 vs. 78, P < .001). A preoperative ASES score of 73 corresponded to a 50% chance of achieving MCID. ROC analysis also yielded a preoperative ASES score above 51 as predictive of failure to achieve SCB for all SA, TSA, and RSA (AUC: 0.79, 0.78, and 0.80, respectively, all P < .001). A preop ASES score of 52 corresponded to a 50% chance of achieving SCB.ConclusionPreoperative ASES scores above 49-56 are predictive of failure to achieve MCID and SCB following TSA and RSA. Although patients above these preoperative thresholds achieve higher absolute ASES scores at the final follow-up, they experienced less relative improvement from baseline. This will help surgeons counsel individual patients about appropriate expectations after arthroplasty.     

Is Conversion TKA a Primary or Revision? Clinical Course and Complication Risks Approximating Revision TKA Rather Than Primary TKA

BackgroundConversion total knee arthroplasty (convTKA) is associated with increased resource utilization and costs compared with primary TKA. The purpose of this study is to compare 1) surgical time, 2) hospitalization length (LOS), 3) complications, 4) infection, and 5) readmissions in patients undergoing convTKA to both primary TKA and revision TKA patients.MethodsThe American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database was queried from 2008 to 2018. Patients undergoing convTKA (n = 1,665, 0.5%) were defined by selecting Current Procedural Terminology codes 27,447 and 20,680. We compared the outcomes of interest to patients undergoing primary TKA (n = 348,624) and to patients undergoing aseptic revision TKA (n = 8213). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the relative risk of postoperative complications.ResultsCompared with patients undergoing primary TKA, convTKA patients were younger (P < .001), had lower body mass index (P < .001), and were less likely to be American Society of Anesthesiologist class III/IV (P < .001). These patients had significantly longer operative times (122.6 vs 90.3 min, P < .001), increased LOS (P < .001), increased risks for any complication (OR 1.94), surgical site infection (OR 1.84), reoperation (OR 2.18), and readmissions (OR 1.60) after controlling for confounders. Compared with aseptic TKA revisions, operative times were shorter (122.6 vs 148.2 min, P < .001), but LOS (2.91 vs 2.95 days, P = .698) was similar. Furthermore, relative risk for any complication (P = .350), surgical site infection (P = .964), reoperation (P = .296), and readmissions (P = .844) did not differ.ConclusionConversion TKA procedures share more similarities with revision TKA rather than primary TKA procedures. Without a distinct procedural and diagnosis-related group, there are financial disincentives to care for these complex patients.Level of EvidenceII.     

Postoperative complication rates following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) vs. reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA): A nationwide analysis

BackgroundHistorically, anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has been the gold-standard of care for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis refractory to nonoperative treatment. With expanding indications, utilization of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been rapidly increasing. The purpose of this study was to use a nationwide patient database with contemporary data to identify and compare joint and systemic complication rates following primary TSA and RSA.MethodsPatients records of patients receiving TSA or RSA were queried from PearlDiver (Fort Wayne, IN), a commercially available administrative claims database, using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision (ICD-9/ICD-10) and Current Procedural Technology (CPT) codes. Incidences of postoperative joint complications were measured at 90-days and 1-year post-discharge. Incidences of systemic complications were measured at 90-days post-discharge. Complication rates were compared using logistic regression. Demographic data was also compared using chi-square analysis.ResultsFrom 2007 to 2017, a total of 17,681 patients received primary total shoulder arthroplasty: 8,846 (50%) received TSA and 8,835 (50%) received RSA. A greater proportion of patients that underwent RSA were female (p < 0.001), over the age of 80 (p < 0.001), and had a higher average Charlson comorbidity index (2.49 vs. 1.99, p < 0.001). At 90-days post-discharge, patients that received RSA were more likely to have prosthetic joint infection (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.30–2.70), periprosthetic fracture (OR 4.01; 95% CI 3.32–4.87), prosthetic dislocation (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.57–2.85), and adjacent local scapular/acromion fractures (OR 3.58; 95% CI 2.05–6.71). At 1-year, these patients still had a higher association with periprosthetic fracture (OR 3.66; 95% CI 3.08–4.38), prosthetic dislocation (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.12–1.75), and local fractures (OR 3.10; 95% CI 2.10–4.73). Patients that underwent TSA were more likely to have prosthetic loosening (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.45–0.90) and prosthetic stiffness (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.84–0.99). Additionally, patients that underwent RSA exhibited higher rates of DVT (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.03–1.62), anemia (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.25–1.62), acute renal failure (ARF) (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.13–1.61), pneumonia (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.02–1.48), and respiratory failure (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.46–2.26).ConclusionPatients undergoing RSA exhibited higher rates of joint complications at both 90-days and 1-year post-discharge. These patients also experienced higher rates of systemic complications in the 90-day postoperative period, likely due to overall poorer health status.Level of evidenceLevel III; Treatment Study     

Surgical treatment for acute and displaced proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients: hemiarthroplasty vs. reverse shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundProximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are the third most common fractures in elderly patients. The best treatment option on this population is still a topic of discussion. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has increased popularity as a viable treatment option for these fractures. Yet, few studies demonstrate the risk factors for mortality after this procedure.MethodsThe authors present a retrospective study including patients older than 75 y with acute and displaced PHFs primarily treated with RSA or hemiarthroplasty in a public hospital between January 2004 and January 2020. The exclusion criteria were pathologic fractures and more than 6 weeks to surgery. Survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test was performed to compare survival rates.ResultsA total of 73 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at the time of fracture and surgery was 78 y old, 10 males and 63 females, with a median clinical follow-up of 64 months (standard deviation 34). Forty-one patients (56%) had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 2. Twenty-eight patients were submitted to hemiarthroplasty and 45 to RSA. Regarding hemiarthroplasty, only one patient with hemiarthroplasty died within a year, and the 5 y survival rate was 70%. Concerning to RSA group, five patients died within a year, and the survival rate at 5 y was 66.2 %. The American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P < .001) was the only risk factor identified for mortality at 5 y. Hemiarthroplasties had more prosthetic loosening compared with RSA (P = .024). Three hemiarthroplasties were converted to RSA, and we verified 1 RSA infection. In the group of hemiarthroplasties, 56% returned to their normal daily living activities, while in the RSA 92% did that, representing a significant difference (P = .007).ConclusionRSA as a primary treatment for displaced PHFs had a high survival rate (88.9% at 1 year and 66.2% at 5 y) and better functional results comparing to patients treated with hemiarthroplasty. With proper patient selection, RSA is a safe procedure for the treatment of PHF, especially in an elderly population.     

How does gout impact outcomes following primary shoulder arthroplasty?: Gout and shoulder arthroplasty

IntroductionStudies have shown that the overall prevalence of gout has increased. Data shows that patients with gout have worse outcomes following total joint arthroplasty, however studies investigating the effects of gout following primary total shoulder (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are limited. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients with and without gout undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty, evaluating (1) in-hospital length of stay (LOS); (2) medical complications; (3) cost of care.MethodsA retrospective query using a nationwide administrative claims database was performed from January 2005 to March 2014 for all patients who underwent primary TSA and RSA for the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, yielding a total of 11,414 patients to be included. For the TSA cohort, 7702 patients were identified within the study (n = 1,185) and control (n = 6417) cohorts. Similarly, 3712 patients were identified within the RSA cohorts (gout n = 621 and control n = 3,091). Primary endpoints were in-hospital LOS, 90-day medical complications, and total global 90-day episode of care (EOC) costs. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds (OR) of medical complications, whereas Welch's t-tests were used to compare LOS and costs of care. A P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsPatients with gout undergoing primary TSA (3- vs. 2-days, P < .0001) and RSA (3- vs. 2-days, P < .0001) had significantly longer in-hospital LOS. Gout patients undergoing either TSA (41.2 vs. 11.3%; OR: 3.30, P < .0001) or RSA had significantly higher incidence and odds (50.6 vs. 17.9%; OR: 2.10, P < .0001) of developing 90-day medical complications compared to their counterparts. Study group patients incurred significantly higher total global 90-day episode of care costs following both TSA ($15,007.84 vs. $13,447.06, P < .0001) and RSA ($19,659.27 vs. $16,783.70, P< .0001).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that patients with gout undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty have longer in-hospital LOS, in addition to higher rates of complications, and increased costs of care. The study can be used by orthopedic surgeons to educate patients who have gout on complications which may occur following their surgical procedure.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective comparative study.     

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.     

Effects of chronic kidney disease on perioperative and 180-day complication rates after total shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased risk of complications in total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Despite this known association, there are little data regarding the effect of outcomes in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of CKD on patient outcomes after TSA.MethodsThe National Readmissions Database was queried from 2010 to 2017 to identify all primary TSA patients (n = 62,455). CKD was identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes. Chi-squared analysis and multivariate regression were used to analyze differences in outcomes and the impact of CKD stage.ResultsCKD patients had higher rates of 180-day readmissions, 180-day mortality, acute renal failure (ARF), transfusions, urinary tract infections (UTI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, and gastrointestinal (GI) complications. Stage 3 CKD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.378; P = .002), stage 4 CKD (OR = 1.805; P = .027), and unspecified CKD stage (OR = 1.787; P < .001) were at increased odds of 180-day readmission. Stage 4 CKD (OR = 10.647; P = .034) was associated with increased odds of 180-day mortality. Stage 2 CKD had increased odds of GI complications (OR = 8.365; P = .004). Both stage 3 CKD (OR = 1.463; P = .038) and stage 4 CKD (OR = 2.465; P = .033) had increased odds of UTI. Stage 5 CKD (OR = 36.143; P < .001) had increased odds of ARDS. Stage 2 CKD had increased odds of thrombosis (OR = 7.869; P = .007). Stage 2 (OR = 4.826; P < .001), stage 3 (OR = 5.724; P < .001), stage 4 (OR = 11.162; P < .001), stage 5 (OR = 31.328; P < .001), and unspecified CKD stage (OR = 4.801; P < .001) were associated with increased odds of ARF. Stage 2 CKD (OR = 12.809; P = .014), stage 3 (OR = 7.351; P = .001), and stage 4 (OR = 39.684; P < .001) were associated with increased odds of transfusions.ConclusionCKD is associated with increased risk of complications, including postoperative ARF, transfusions, UTI, ARDS, pneumonia, and GI complications. Patients with CKD also have increased 180-day readmission rates and 180-day mortality rates. Increasing stage of CKD is associated with increasing odds of 180-day readmission, postoperative ARF, and transfusions. Surgeons should consider these increased risks in the decision-making process during preoperative evaluation. These complications would likely increase cost, which raises the need for further evaluation and stratification of risk in patients who use bundled payment systems.Level of evidenceLevel III; Case-Control Study     

Preoperative Patient Factors and Postoperative Complications as Risk Factors for New-Onset Depression Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundDepression is known to be a risk factor for complication following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), but little is known about new-onset depression (NOD) following THA. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of NOD and identify risk factors for its occurrence after THA.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of the Truven MarketScan database. Patients undergoing primary THA were identified and separated into cohorts based on the presence or not of NOD. Patients with preoperative depression or a diagnosis of fracture were excluded. Patient demographic and comorbid data were queried, and postoperative complications were collected. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was then performed to assess the association of NOD with patient-specific factors and postoperative complications.ResultsIn total, 111,838 patients undergoing THA were identified and 2517 (2.25%) patients had NOD in the first postoperative year. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative opioid use, female gender, higher Elixhauser comorbidity index, preoperative anxiety disorder, drug or alcohol use disorder, and preoperative smoking were associated with the occurrence of NOD (P ≤ .001). The following postoperative complications were associated with increased odds of NOD: prosthetic joint infection (odds ratio [OR] 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-2.34, P < .001), aseptic revision surgery (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.06-2.04, P = .019), periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.13-2.61, P = .01), and non-home discharge (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.42-1.77, P < .001).ConclusionsNOD is common following THA and there are multiple patient-specific factors and postoperative complications which increase the odds of its occurrence. Providers should use this information to identify at-risk patients so that pre-emptive prevention strategies may be employed.