Failure to Medically Optimize Before Total Hip Arthroplasty: Which Modifiable Risk Factor Is the Most Dangerous?

The Influence of Multiple Modifiable Risk Factors on 30-day Readmissions and 90-day Major Complications After a Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis of a Large Claims Database

BACKGROUND

Preoperative optimization of modifiable risk factors (MRFs) for arthroplasty patients is a critical aspect of predicting and improving postoperative outcomes. This study evaluates the correlation between seven MRFs and postoperative adverse outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

A retrospective review of primary TKA and THA were identified from a large medical claims database. Patients were categorized based on the number of MRF diagnoses present before surgery (anemia, malnutrition, obesity, opioid abuse/dependence, mental illness, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and tobacco use), from zero to seven. Adverse outcomes evaluated were surgical site infections (SSIs), venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), and readmissions.

RESULTS

Of the patient records queried (THA = 303,857; TKA = 692,157), two or more MRFs were identified in 41% of THA patients and 47% of TKA patients. Patients with two or more MRFs were at an increased odds of developing an SSI, and patients with three or more MRFs had increase odds of having a 30-day hospital readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds to the compendium of literature, which promotes preoperative optimization of MRFs in arthroplasty patients to decrease the risks of 90-day postoperative complications.

Do modifiable patient factors increase the risk of postoperative complications after total joint arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION

Numerous studies demonstrate that modifiable lifestyle risk factors can influence patient outcomes including survivability, quality of life, and postoperative complications following orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of modifiable lifestyle risk factors on postoperative medical and surgical complications following a total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in a large national healthcare system.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of a large national health system database was performed to identify patients who underwent TJA between 2017 and 2021. TJA included total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, and total shoulder arthroplasty. Modifiable lifestyle risk factors were defined as tobacco use, narcotic drug abuse, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Postoperative medical complications and postoperative surgical complications were collected. Logistic regression and odds ratio point estimate analysis were conducted to assess for associations between postoperative complications and modifiable lifestyle risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 16,940 patients identified, the mean age was 71 years, mean BMI was 29.7 kg/m2, and 62% were women. We found that 3.5% had used narcotics, 8.7% were past or current smokers, 24% had diabetes, and 61% had hypertension; in addition, 5.4% experienced postoperative medical complications and 6.4% experienced postoperative surgical complications. Patients who used narcotics were 90% more likely to have postoperative complications (p < 0.0001) and 105% more likely to experience prosthetic complications (p < 0.0001). Similarly, patients with tobacco use were 65% more likely to have postoperative complications (p < 0.0001) and 27% more likely to experience prosthetic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate critical rates of increased postoperative medical and surgical complications after TJA for patients with narcotic abuse, tobacco use, or diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, adopting preoperative interventions and optimization programs informed by our findings on specific modifiable risk factors could aid orthopaedic surgeons in optimizing patient health.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; Retrospective study.

Preoperative low serum albumin increases the rate of perioperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty: propensity score matching

BACKGROUND

To investigate the relationship between preoperative low serum albumin and perioperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

METHODS

We enrolled 2,772 TJA patients from our hospital between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2022. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records, including patient ID, sex, BMI (Body Mass Index), age, and diagnoses. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to establish thresholds for serum albumin levels categorization. Propensity score matching (PSM) was developed with preoperative serum albumin as the dependent variable and perioperative blood transfusion-related factors as covariates, including BMI grade, age grade, sex, diagnosis, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, cerebral infarction, major surgeries within the last 12 months, renal failure, cancer, depression, corticosteroid use, smoking, drinking, and blood type. The low serum albumin group was matched with the normal albumin group at a 1:2 ratio, employing a caliper value of 0.2. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze the outcomes.

RESULTS

An under the curve of 0.601 was discovered, indicating a cutoff value of 37.3 g/L. Following PSM, 892 cases were successfully paired in the low serum (< 37.3 g/L) albumin group, and 1,401 cases were matched in the normal serum albumin (≥ 37.3 g/L) group. Binary logistic regression in TJA patients showed that the albumin OR was 0.911 with 95%CI 0.888-0.935, P < 0.001. Relative to the preoperative normal serum albumin group, TJA patients in the low serum albumin group experienced a 1.83-fold increase in perioperative blood transfusion rates (95% CI 1.50-2.23, P < 0.001). Compared to the normal serum albumin group, perioperative blood transfusion rates for TJA patients with serum albumin levels of 30-37.3 g/L, 25-30 g/L, and ≤ 25 g/L increased by 1.63 (95% CI 1.37-1.99, P < 0.001), 5.4 (95% CI 3.08-9.50, P < 0.001), and 6.43 times (95% CI 1.80-22.96, P = 0.004), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In TJA patients, preoperative low serum albumin levels have been found to be associated with an increased risk of perioperative blood transfusion. Furthermore, it has been observed that the lower the preoperative serum albumin level is, the higher the risk of perioperative blood transfusion.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

28/12/2021, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCRT2100054844.

Cumulative effect of chronic dehydration and age on postoperative complications after total shoulder arthroplasty

Background

Dehydration is a modifiable risk factor that should be optimized prior to all surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dehydration on postoperative complications following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database was queried for all patients who underwent TSA between 2015 and 2019 and a total of 16,993 patients were included in this study. The study population was subsequently classified into 3 categories: 8498 (50.0%) nondehydrated patients with blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (BUN/Cr) < 20, 4908 (28.9%) moderately dehydrated patients with 20 ≤ BUN/Cr ≤ 25, and 3587 (21.1%) severely dehydrated patients with 25 < BUN/Cr. A subgroup analysis involving only elderly patients aged > 65 years and normalized gender-adjusted Cr values was also performed. Postoperative complications within 30 days of the TSA were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between dehydration and postoperative complications.

Results

Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the severely dehydrated cohort had a greater risk of postoperative transfusion, mortality, nonhome discharge, and increased length of stay (all P < .05). The moderately dehydrated cohort had a greater risk of wound dehiscence (P = .044). Among the elderly, severely dehydrated patients had a greater risk of cardiac complications, postoperative transfusion, mortality, nonhome discharge, and increased length of stay (all P < .05). Finally, the elderly moderately dehydrated cohort had a greater risk of postoperative transfusion and nonhome discharge (all P < .05).

Conclusion

BUN/Cr ratio is an important preoperative diagnostic tool to identify at-risk dehydrated patients. Providers should optimize dehydration to prevent complications, decrease costs, and improve discharge planning.

The Association of Season of Surgery and Patient Reported Outcomes following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

Understanding the impact of situational variables on surgical recovery can improve outcomes in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Literature examining hospital outcomes by season remains inconclusive, with limited focus on patient experience. The aim of this study is to investigate if there are differences in hospital and patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMS) after THA depending on the season of the index procedure to improve surgeon preoperative counseling.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients undergoing primary THA at a single large academic center between January 2013 and August 2020. Demographic, operative, hospital, and PROMs were gathered from the institutional electronic medical record and our institutional joint replacement outcomes database.

Results

6418 patients underwent primary THA and met inclusion criteria. Of this patient population, 1636 underwent surgery in winter, 1543 in spring, 1811 in summer, and 1428 in fall. PROMs were equivalent across seasons at nearly time points. The average age of patients was 65 (+/- 10) years, with an average BMI of 29.3 (+/- 6). Rates of complications including ED visits within 30 days, readmission within 90 days, unplanned readmission, dislocation, fracture, or wound infection were not significantly different by season (P > .05).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate no differences in complications and PROMs at 1 year in patients undergoing THA during 4 distinct seasons. Notably, patients had functional differences at the second follow-up visit, suggesting variation in short-term recovery. Patients could be counseled that they have similar rates of complications and postoperative recovery regardless of season.

The role of preoperative aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index in predicting complications following total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between preoperative aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and postoperative complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

All THA for osteoarthritis patients from 2007 to 2020 within the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database were included in this study. Subjects were subsequently divided into cohorts based on APRI. Four groups, including normal range, some liver damage, significant fibrosis, and cirrhosis groups, were created. Comparisons between groups were made for demographics, past medical history, and rate of major and minor complications. Other outcomes included readmission, reoperation, discharge destination, mortality, periprosthetic fracture, and postoperative hip dislocation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the role of preoperative APRI in predicting adverse outcomes. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

In total, 104,633 primary THA patients were included in this study. Of these, 103,678 (99.1%) were in the normal APRI group, 444 (0.4%) had some liver damage, 256 (0.2%) had significant fibrosis, and 253 (0.2%) had cirrhosis. When controlling for demographics and relevant past medical history, the abnormal APRI groups had a significantly higher likelihood of major complication, minor complication, intraoperative or postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion, readmission, and non-home discharge (all p < 0.05) compared to normal APRI individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal preoperative APRI is linked with an increasing number of adverse outcomes following THA for osteoarthritis for patients across the United States.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Preoperative demographics and laboratory markers may be associated with early dislocation after total hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify modifiable medical comorbidities, laboratory markers and flaws in perioperative management that increase the risk of acute dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients.

METHODS

All THA with primary indications of osteoarthritis from 2007 to 2020 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Demographic data, preoperative laboratory values, recorded past medical history, operative details as well as outcome and complication information were collected. The study population was divided into two cohorts: non-dislocation and dislocation patients. Statistics were performed to compare the characteristics of both cohorts and to identify risk factors for prosthetic dislocation (α < 0.05).

RESULTS

275,107 patients underwent primary THA in 2007 to 2020, of which 1,258 (0.5%) patients experienced a prosthetic hip dislocation. Demographics between non-dislocation and dislocation cohorts varied significantly in that dislocation patients were more likely to be female, older, with lower body mass index and a more extensive past medical history (all p < 0.05). Moreover, hypoalbuminemia and moderate/severe anemia were associated with increased risk of dislocation in a multivariate model (all p < 0.05). Finally, use of general anesthesia, longer operative time, and longer length of hospital stay correlated with greater risk of prosthetic dislocation (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly female patients and patients with certain abnormal preoperative laboratory values are at risk for sustaining acute dislocations after index THA. Careful interdisciplinary planning and medical optimization should be considered in high-risk patients as dislocations significantly increase the risk of sepsis, cerebral vascular accident, and blood transfusions on readmission.

Screening and Management of Malnutrition in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Malnutrition is an increasingly prevalent problem in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Increased risks associated with TJA in the setting of malnourishment have been well documented. Standardized scoring systems in addition to laboratory parameters such as albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and total lymphocyte count have been developed to identify and evaluate malnourished patients. Despite an abundance of recent literature, there is no consensus on the best approach for screening TJA patients from a nutritional standpoint. Although there are a variety of treatment options, including nutritional supplements, nonsurgical weight loss therapies, bariatric surgery, and the involvement of dieticians and nutritionists, the effect of these interventions on TJA outcomes has not been well characterized. This overview of the most current literature aims to provide a clinical framework for approaching nutrition status in arthroplasty patients. A comprehensive understanding of the tools available for managing malnourishment will facilitate improved arthroplasty care.

Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Surgery in the Morbidly Obese Patient: A Critical Analysis Review

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Obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥30, is a serious public health concern associated with an increased incidence of stroke, diabetes, mental illness, and cardiovascular disease resulting in numerous preventable deaths yearly.

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From 1999 through 2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of morbid obesity (BMI ≥40) in US adults aged 20 years and older has risen steadily from 4.7% to 9.2%, with other estimates showing that most of the patients undergoing hip and knee replacement by 2029 will be obese (BMI ≥30) or morbidly obese (BMI ≥40).

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In patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA), morbid obesity (BMI ≥40) is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications, including prosthetic joint infection and mechanical failure necessitating aseptic revision.

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The current literature on the role that bariatric weight loss surgery before TJA has on improving surgical outcomes is split and referral to a bariatric surgeon should be a shared-decision between patient and surgeon on a case-by-case basis.

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Despite the increased risk profile of TJA in the morbidly obese cohort, these patients consistently show improvement in pain and physical function postoperatively that should be considered when deciding for or against surgery.

Projected Prevalence of Obesity in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: How Big Will the Problem Get?

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for complications following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study is to utilize 3 national databases to develop projections of obesity within the general population and primary TKA patients in the United States through 2029.

METHODS

Data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were queried for years 1999-2019. Current Procedural Terminology code 27447 was used to identify primary TKA patients in NSQIP. Individuals were categorized according to body mass index (kg/m²) by year: normal weight (≤24.9); overweight (25.0-29.9); obese (30.0-39.9); and morbidly obese (≥40). Multinomial logistic regression was used to project categorical body mass index data for years 2020-2029.

RESULTS

A total of 8,372,221 individuals were included (7,986,414 BRFSS, 385,807 NSQIP TKA). From 2011 to 2019, the prevalence of normal weight and overweight individuals declined in the general population (BRFSS) and in primary TKA. Prevalence of obese/morbidly obese individuals increased in the general population from 31% to 36% and in primary TKA from 60% to 64%. Projection models estimate that by 2029, 46% of the general population will be obese/morbidly obese and 69% of primary TKA will be obese/morbidly obese.

CONCLUSION

By 2029, we estimate ≥69% of primary TKA to be obese/morbidly obese. Increased resources dedicated to care pathways and research focused on improving outcomes in obese arthroplasty patients will be necessary as this population continues to grow.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study.

Does Preoperative Antiviral Treatment for Hepatitis C Decrease Risk of Complications After Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with increased complication risk after elective arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of HCV and prearthroplasty antiviral treatment on complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

A retrospective matched cohort study was conducted using an administrative claims database. In total, 6,883 HCV patients were matched 1:3 with 20,694 noninfected controls, and 920 HCV patients with antiviral treatment before THA (treated HCV) were matched 1:4 with 3,820 HCV patients without treatment (untreated HCV). Rates of 90-day medical complications and joint complications within 2 years postoperatively were compared with multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

HCV patients exhibited significantly increased rates of medical complications within 90 days compared to noninfected controls (all P < .01). At 2 years postoperatively, HCV patients also exhibited significantly higher risk of revision THA (odds ratio [OR] 1.81), dislocation (OR 2.06), mechanical complications (OR 1.40), periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.76), and prosthetic joint infection (PJI) (OR 1.79). However, treated HCV patients exhibited statistically comparable risk of all joint complications at 2 years postoperatively relative to controls (all P > .05). Compared to untreated HCV patients, treated HCV patients exhibited significantly lower risk of inpatient readmission within 90 days (OR 0.58) and PJI at 2 years postoperatively (OR 0.62).

CONCLUSION

HCV patients exhibit significantly increased risk of medical and joint complications following THA relative to controls, though prearthroplasty antiviral treatment mitigates complication risk. Treated HCV patients exhibited significantly lower risk of inpatient readmission and PJI compared to untreated HCV patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Effect of Sickle Cell Trait on Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Matched Cohort

BACKGROUND

It is unclear if sickle cell trait (SCT) carrier status conveys an increased risk for poor outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study is to compare short-term clinical outcomes of THA for patients with SCT vs matched controls.

METHODS

Patient records were queried from the PearlDiver database using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients with SCT who underwent THA were matched 1:1 with controls across age, gender, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, obesity, and US region. Thirty-day and 90-day rates of systemic complications and 1-year and 2-year rates of joint complications were compared with logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 1646 patients were assigned to each cohort. In the 30-day and 90-day postoperative periods, SCT carriers had a higher likelihood of cerebrovascular accident, anemia, acute renal failure, pneumonia, sepsis, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and respiratory failure (all P < .05). SCT carriers exhibited significantly higher risk of periprosthetic joint infection at both 1 (3.5% vs 2.1%; odds ratio [OR] 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-2.99) and 2 years (3.7% vs 2.6%; OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.07-2.49) postoperatively. Prosthetic loosening was also significantly more likely for SCT carriers within 1 year (1.3% vs 0.3%; OR 4.49, 95% CI 1.75-13.86).

CONCLUSION

Patients with SCT exhibited significantly higher risk for systemic complications, periprosthetic joint infection, and prosthetic loosening after THA. Increased perioperative efforts should be made to prevent hypoxia, acidosis, and dehydration, as these states increase red blood cell sickling, which may reduce complication rates and improve outcomes in patients with SCT.

Projected Prevalence of Obesity in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: How Big Will the Problem Get?

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with higher rates of adverse outcomes following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study is to utilize 3 national databases to develop projections of obesity within the general population and primary THA patients in the United States through 2029.

METHODS

Data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were queried for years 1999-2019. Current Procedural Terminology code 27130 was used to identify primary THA patients in NSQIP. Individuals were categorized according to body mass index (kg/m²) by year: normal weight (≤24.9); overweight (25.0-29.9); obese (30.0-39.9); and morbidly obese (≥40). Multinomial logistic regression was used to project categorical body mass index data for years 2020-2029.

RESULTS

A total of 8,222,013 individuals were included (7,986,414 BRFSS, 235,599 NSQIP THA). From 2011 to 2019, the prevalence of normal weight and overweight individuals declined in the general population (BRFSS) and in primary THA. Prevalence of obese/morbidly obese individuals increased in the general population from 31% to 36% and in primary THA from 42% to 49%. Projection models estimate that by 2029, 46% of the general population will be obese/morbidly obese and 55% of primary THA will be obese/morbidly obese.

CONCLUSION

By 2029, we estimate ≥55% of primary THA to be obese/morbidly obese. Increased resources dedicated to care pathways and research focused on improving outcomes in obese arthroplasty patients will be necessary as this population continues to grow.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study.

The Role of Dexmedetomidine in the Structure of Anesthesia for Hip and Knee Arthroplastyс Surgery in Patients with Diabetes

Hip and knee arthroplasty (HKA) is a surgical procedure when damaged parts of the joint are replaced with artificial ones that replicate the shape of a normal joint and restore its function. Every year more than 1.5 million endoprosthetic operations are performed in the world. Replacement of a damaged joint allows patients to return to the normal life, freeing from pain and limited mobility. However, one of the common diseases that negatively affect the results of these operations is diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of the study: to determine the efficacy and safety of the combined multimodal low opioid anesthesia with dexmedetomidine sedation in patients with diabetes undergoing HKA surgery. Materials and methods. The study included 45 patients who underwent HKA surgery. Patients were divided into three groups according to the scheme of anesthesia. In patients of the 1st group (n = 15) multicomponent low-flow anesthesia with artificial lung ventilation was performed, in the patients of the 2nd group (n = 15) spinal anesthesia was used, in the 3rd group (n = 15) – combined spinal – epidural anesthesia with dexmedetomidine sedation. The groups of patients were identical in anthropometric and gender characteristics, duration of surgery and anesthesia, baseline somatic status. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics suite (SPSS v.16.0). Results. The course of anesthesia in patients in all groups was satisfactory, but patients in group 3 were less likely to experience hyperdynamic reactions (tachycardia and hypotension), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Only one patient from group 3 required ondansetron for the treatment of PONV against 3 and 2 patients from groups 1 and 2, respectively (p <0.05). Conclusions. Any of the proposed techniques can be used for anesthesia during hip and knee arthroplasty, but the best results have been obtained with combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with dexmedetomidine sedation. In addition, the use of dexmedetomidine can significantly reduce the use of opioids diring the intraoperative and postoperative period.