Alternative Payment Models Should Risk-Adjust for Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score-Matched Study

Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty Results in Delayed Patient Improvement Timelines Compared to Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Findings From a Propensity-Score Matched Analysis of Time to Achieve Minimal Clinically Important Difference in 698 Procedures

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that conversion total hip arthroplasty (cTHA) is associated with worse clinical outcomes, increased complications, and higher costs than primary total hip arthroplasty (pTHA). An underinvestigated factor that may vary between cTHA and pTHA is patient postoperative clinical improvement timelines. This study compared the median time to achieve minimal clinically important difference (MCID) between cTHA and pTHA patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis comparing 175 cTHA and 523 propensity score-matched pTHA patients. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using preoperative and postoperative scores of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Physical, PROMIS Physical Function-10a, and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Shortform. Time to achieve MCID was assessed using survival curves with and without interval-censoring, and statistical comparisons were performed using log-rank and weighted log-rank tests.

RESULTS

Using interval censoring to more precisely determine the exact time to achieve MCID, cTHA patients had a statistically delayed time to MCID for the PROMIS Physical Function-10a (3.03 to 3.04 versus 1.63 to 1.63; P = 0.011) and PROMIS Global Physical (0.73 to 0.74 versus 0.67 to 0.67; P = 0.049) as compared to pTHA patients. Time to MCID for the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Shortform was similar between cohorts (1.43 to 1.44 versus 1.33 to 1.34; P = 0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing cTHA may have delayed improvement timelines as compared to pTHA. This finding is possibly related to the increased medical and surgical complexity of cTHA. Conversion total hip arthroplasty remains a safe and effective treatment choice to improve patient hip pain and function in many settings. Yet arthroplasty surgeons can counsel cTHA patients that it may take approximately 3 months for the median patient to experience clinically relevant improvement. The same improvement timeline may be experienced by the median pTHA patient in only 1.6 months.

How Do Bundled Payment Initiatives Account for Differences in Patient Risk Profiles? A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Bundled payments (BPs) are increasingly being adopted to enable the delivery of high-value care. For BPs to reach their goals, accounting for differences in patient risk profiles (PRPs) predictive of spending is crucial. However, insight is lacking into how this is done in practice. This study aims to fill this gap.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of literature published until February 2024, focusing on BP initiatives in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. We collected data on initiatives' general characteristics, details on the (stated reasons for) approaches used to account for PRP, and suggested improvements. Patterns within and across initiatives were analyzed using extraction tables and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

We included 95 documents about 17 initiatives covering various conditions and procedures. Across these initiatives, patient exclusion (n = 14) and risk adjustment (n = 12) of bundle prices were the most applied methods, whereas risk stratification was less common (n = 3). Most authors stated mitigating perverse incentives as the primary reason for PRP accounting. Commonly used risk factors included comorbidities and sociodemographic and condition/procedure-specific characteristics. Our findings show that, despite increasingly sophisticated approaches over time, key areas for improvement included better alignment with value and equity goals, and enhanced data availability for more comprehensive corrections for relevant risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

BP initiatives use various approaches to account for PRP differences. Despite a trend toward more sophisticated approaches, most remain basic with room for improvement. To enable cross-initiative comparisons and learning, it is important that stakeholders involved in BPs be transparent about the (reasons for) design choices made.

Outcomes of conversion total hip arthroplasty following previous hip fracture surgery

Aims

The conversion of previous hip fracture surgery to total hip arthroplasty (CTHA) can be surgically challenging with unpredictable outcomes; reported complication rates vary significantly. This study aimed to establish the medium-term survival and outcomes of CTHA performed following a previous hip fracture surgery.

Methods

All CTHAs performed at our tertiary orthopaedic institution between January 2008 and January 2020 following previous ipsilateral hip fracture surgery were included. Patients were followed up clinically using Oxford Hip Scores (OHS), and radiologically until death or revision surgery. Postoperative complications, radiological implant failure, and indications for revision surgery were reviewed.

Results

A total of 166 patients (167 hips) were included in the study, with a mean age of 71 years (42 to 99). Of these, 113 patients (67.7%) were female. CTHA followed cannulated screw fixation in 75 cases, hemiarthroplasty in 18, dynamic hip screw fixation in 47, and cephalomedullary nail in 27 cases. Patients were followed up for a mean of four years (0.1 to 9.3). During the follow-up period, 32 patients (19.2%) died. Overall, 14 patients (8.4%) suffered a complication of surgery, with intraoperative fractures (4.2%) and dislocations (3.6%) predominating. The survival probability was 96% at 9.53 years in the cemented group and 88% at 9.42 years in the uncemented group (p = 0.317). The median OHS improved from 13 (IQR 7.75 to 21.25) preoperatively to 39 (IQR 31 to 45) postoperatively in the uncemented group, and from 14 (IQR 10.5 to 22) to 38 (IQR 27 to 45) in the cemented group.

Conclusion

This study highlights that CTHA from hip fracture surgery is associated with higher complication rates than conventional THA, but good medium-term results can be achieved. Their classification within the NJR requires review, acknowledging the increased potential for complications.

Salvage Total Hip Replacement for Failed Proximal Femoral Fracture Fixation

INTRODUCTION

Salvage arthroplasty for failed proximal femoral fracture fixation is a complex procedure. This involves the removal of the primary failed or broken implant followed by a hip joint replacement procedure. The complications and technical difficulties associated with these surgeries are often difficult to anticipate.

METHODS

Initially, to further understand the position in the literature with regard to salvage arthroplasty, we completed an informative scoping review. Search terms were selected, and databases Embase and PubMed were utilised to form a literature search. Relevant articles were selected by two independent researchers, with a final list of nine studies reviewed and tabulated for themes to be identified and analysed. Subsequently, we retrospectively studied the notes of all the patients who underwent complex conversion arthroplasty in the same district hospitals in a span of 16 years (August 2002 to August 2018) and presented the results.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients underwent complex salvage arthroplasty following a failed fixation of proximal femoral fracture under the care of three different surgeons. All surgeries were carried out by the posterior approach. The demographics, intraoperative events, and postoperative follow-up have been presented through clinical and radiological assessments. With a mean age being 73.6, female patients were almost twice the number of male patients. The left hip was the more common surgical site. Implant cutout was the most common cause of failure of the primary implant. Most of these surgeries were either uncemented (31 cases, 43.66%) or hybrid (29 cases, 40.84%). The most common acetabular size to be used was 50 mm, and the most common head size used was 32 mm. A majority of the surgeries were metal on poly bearings (64 cases, 90.14%). The mean surgical time, including anesthetic, was four hours and 13 minutes. A total of 31 (44%) patients needed blood transfusion postoperatively. The infection rate was 21.13% (15 cases), being the most common surgical complication. The mean follow-up of the patients was 27.2 months with the maximum follow-up being 125 months. The one-year mortality was found to be 14% (10 cases). The mean limb length discrepancy was shortening by an average of 3.84 mm. A total of 66.2% (47 cases) of patients were shortened postoperatively. The average cup abduction and anteversion angles were 35° and 24.25°, respectively. The average position of the femoral stem was 0.31° in the varus with 40.85% (29 cases) of patients having a slightly varus stem.

CONCLUSION

Upon drawing comparisons with primary hip arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis through data available in the literature, it is obvious that salvage arthroplasty is a complex procedure with longer surgical times and onerous rehabilitation. Whilst it is not the same as revision arthroplasty, many of the characteristics in terms of surgical planning and outcomes are similar. Therefore, it is our recommendation that salvage hip arthroplasty procedures should be categorised, listed, and studied separately from primary arthroplasty in the National Joint Registry database.

Elective THA for Indications Other Than Osteoarthritis Is Associated With Increased Cost and Resource Use: A Medicare Database Study of 135,194 Claims

BACKGROUND

Under Medicare's fee-for-service and bundled payment models, the basic unit of hospital payment for inpatient hospitalizations is determined by the Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG) coding system. Primary total joint arthroplasties (hip and knee) are coded under MS-DRG code 469 for hospitalizations with a major complication or comorbidity and MS-DRG code 470 for those without a major complication or comorbidity. However, these codes do not account for the indication for surgery, which may influence the cost of care.Questions/purposes We sought to (1) quantify the differences in hospital costs associated with six of the most common diagnostic indications for THA (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, hip dysplasia, posttraumatic arthritis, and conversion arthroplasty), (2) assess the primary drivers of cost variation using comparisons of hospital charge data for the diagnostic indications of interest, and (3) analyze the median length of stay, discharge destination, and intensive care unit use associated with these indications.

METHODS

This study used the 2019 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review Limited Data Set. Patients undergoing primary elective THA were identified using MS-DRG codes and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System codes. Exclusion criteria included non-fee-for-service hospitalizations, nonelective procedures, patients with missing data, and THAs performed for indications other than the six indications of interest. A total of 713,535 primary THAs and TKAs were identified in the dataset. After exclusions were applied, a total of 135,194 elective THAs were available for analysis. Hospital costs were estimated using cost-to-charge ratios calculated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The primary benefit of using cost-to-charge ratios was that it allowed us to analyze a large national dataset and to mitigate the random cost variation resulting from unique hospitals' practices and patient populations. As an investigation into matters of health policy, we believe that assessing the surgical cost borne by the "average" hospital was most appropriate. To analyze estimated hospital costs, we performed a multivariable generalized linear model controlling for patient demographics (gender, age, and race), preoperative health status, and hospital characteristics (hospital setting [urban versus rural], geography, size, resident-to-bed ratio, and wage index). We assessed the principal drivers of cost variation by analyzing the median hospital charges arising from 30 different hospital revenue centers using descriptive statistics. Length of stay, intensive care use, and discharge to a nonhome location were analyzed using multivariable binomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

The cost of THA for avascular necrosis was 1.050 times (95% confidence interval 1.042 to 1.069; p < 0.001), or 5% greater than, the cost of THA for osteoarthritis; the cost of hip dysplasia was 1.132 times (95% CI 1.113 to 1.152; p < 0.001), or 13% greater; the cost of posttraumatic arthritis was 1.220 times (95% CI 1.193 to 1.246; p < 0.001), or 22% greater; and the cost of conversion arthroplasty was 1.403 times (95% CI 1.386 to 1.419; p < 0.001), or 40% greater. Importantly, none of these CIs overlap, indicating a discernable hierarchy of cost associated with these diagnostic indications for surgery. Rheumatoid arthritis was not associated with an increase in cost. Medical or surgical supplies and operating room charges represented the greatest increase in charges for each of the surgical indications examined, suggesting that increased use of medical and surgical supplies and operating room resources were the primary drivers of increased cost. All of the orthopaedic conditions we investigated demonstrated increased odds that a patient would experience a prolonged length of stay and be discharged to a nonhome location compared with patients undergoing THA for osteoarthritis. Avascular necrosis, posttraumatic arthritis, and conversion arthroplasty were also associated with increased intensive care unit use. Posttraumatic arthritis and conversion arthroplasty demonstrated the largest increase in resource use among all the orthopaedic conditions analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Compared with THA for osteoarthritis, THA for avascular necrosis, hip dysplasia, posttraumatic arthritis, and conversion arthroplasty is independently associated with stepwise increases in resource use. These cost increases are predominantly driven by greater requirements for medical and surgical supplies and operating room resources. Posttraumatic arthritis and conversion arthroplasty demonstrated substantially increased costs, which can result in financial losses in the setting of fixed prospective payments. These findings underscore the inability of MS-DRG coding to adequately reflect the wide range of surgical complexity and resource use of primary THAs. Hospitals performing a high volume of THAs for indications other than osteoarthritis should budget for an anticipated increase in costs, and orthopaedic surgeons should advocate for improved MS-DRG coding to appropriately reimburse hospitals for the financial and clinical risk of these surgeries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, economic and decision analysis.

Conversion THA With Concomitant Removal of Orthopaedic Hardware Should Be Reclassified as a Revision Surgery in the Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Group Coding Scheme: An Analysis of Cost and Resource Use

BACKGROUND

Conversion THA, which we defined for this study as THA with concomitant removal of preexisting orthopaedic hardware, has been associated with increased hospital costs and perioperative complications compared with primary THA. Yet, conversion THA is classified as a primary procedure under the Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Group coding scheme, and hospitals are reimbursed based on the resource use expected for a routine primary surgery. Prior authors have argued for conversion THA to be reclassified as a revision procedure. Although prior research has focused on comparisons between conversion THAs and primary arthroplasties, little is known about the resource use of conversion THA compared with that of revision THA.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Do inpatient hospital costs, estimated using cost-to-charge ratios, differ between conversion THA and revision THA? (2) Do the median length of stay, intensive care unit use, and likelihood of discharge to home differ between conversion and revision THA?

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review Limited Data Set for 2019. A total of 713,535 primary and 74,791 revision THAs and TKAs were identified initially. Exclusion criteria then were applied; these included non-fee-for-service hospitalizations, nonelective admissions, and patients with missing data. Approximately 37% (263,545 of 713,535) of primary and 34% (25,530 of 74,791) of revision arthroplasties were excluded as non-fee-for-service hospitalizations. Two percent (13,159 of 713,535) of primaries and 11% (8159 of 74,791) of revisions were excluded because they were nonelective procedures. Among the remaining 436,831 primary and 41,102 revision procedures, 31% (136,748 of 436,831) were primary THAs and 36% (14,774 of 41,102) were revision THAs. Two percent (2761 of 136,748) of primary THAs involved intraoperative removal of hardware and were classified as conversion THAs. After claims with missing data were excluded, there were 2759 conversion THAs and 14,764 revision THAs available for analysis. Propensity scores were generated using a multivariate logistic regression model using the following variables as covariates: gender, age, race, van Walraven index, hospital setting, geography, hospital size, resident-to-bed ratio, and wage index. After matching, 2734 conversion THAs and 5294 revision THAs were available for analysis. The van Walraven index, which is a weighted score of patient preoperative comorbidities, was used to measure patient health status. Hospital costs were estimated by multiplying cost-to-charge ratios obtained from the 2019 Impact File by total hospital charges. This methodology enabled the use of a large national database to mitigate the random effects of individual hospitals' unique practices and patient populations. Multivariable regression was performed after matching to determine the independent effects of surgery type (that is, conversion versus revision THA) on hospital cost, length of stay greater than 2 days, intensive care unit use, and discharge to home.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the estimated hospital cost between conversion THA and revision THA (β = 0.96 [95% confidence interval 0.90 to 1.01]; p = 0.13). Patients undergoing conversion THA had increased odds of staying in the hospital for more than 2 days (odds ratio 1.12 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.23]; p = 0.01), increased odds of using the intensive care unit (OR 1.24 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.48]; p = 0.02), and decreased odds of being discharged to home (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.67 to 0.80]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The inpatient hospital cost of conversion THA is no different from that of revision THA, although patients undergoing conversion surgery have modestly increased odds of prolonged length of stay, intensive care unit use, and discharge to a nonhome location. These findings support the conclusion that reclassification of conversion THA is warranted. Orthopaedic surgeons must advocate for the reclassification of conversion THA using data-backed evidence or run the risk that orthopaedic procedures will be given decreased reimbursement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, economic and decision analysis.

Clinical Outcomes and Complications Following Hip Fusion Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Efficacy, clinical outcomes, and complications following hip fusion conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery have been explored in several studies with controversial findings and no consensus.

METHODS

Comprehensive search of online databases was performed through December 2022 for prepost clinical trials using MeSH keywords. Harris hip score (HHS), leg length discrepancy (LLD), pain score, and range of motion (ROM) were considered as clinical outcomes along with implant survival and complications. The retrieved studies were assessed for methodologic quality. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects meta-analysis taking into account for heterogeneity. Subgroup meta-analysis as well as sensitivity analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Findings of meta-analysis on 34 trials showed that HHS increase after THA (WMD: 42.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 38 to 47). Subgroup analyses indicated that cementless prosthesis, length of arthrodesis <12 years, age <45 years, and studies with good quality have more HHS improvement. The LLD decreased 21 mm (95% CI: 19 to 24 mm) based on 21 trials. The range of motion (ROM) reached to 89 (95% CI: 84 to 95) for flexion, 32 (95% CI: 27 to 37) for abduction, 25 (95% CI: 21 to 29) for adduction, 29 (95% CI: 25 to 33) for external rotation, and 25 (95% CI: 20 to 31) for internal rotation after surgery. The most common complication was heterotopic ossification (14%).

CONCLUSION

Conversion of an ankylosed hip to THA leads to improved hip function and leg discrepancy with relatively notable rate of complications. Our findings could provide a framework to guide surgeons and decision makers.

A Matched Comparison of the Rates of Achieving the Minimal Clinically Important Difference Following Conversion and Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are often lower following conversion total hip arthroplasty (cTHA) compared to matched primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) controls. However, the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for any PROMs are yet to be analyzed for cTHA. This study aimed to (1) determine if patients undergoing cTHA achieve primary THA-specific 1-year PROM MCIDs at comparable rates to matched controls undergoing primary THA and (2) establish 1-year MCID values for specific PROMs following cTHA.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was conducted using 148 cases of cTHA which were matched 1:2 to 296 primary THA patients. Previously defined anchor values for 2 PROM measures in primary THA were used to compare cTHA to primary THA, while novel cTHA-specific MCID values for 2 PROMs were calculated through a distribution method. Predictors of achieving the MCID of PROMs were analyzed through multivariate logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Conversion THA was associated with decreased odds of achieving the primary THA-specific 1-year Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement PROM (Odds Ratio: 0.319, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.182-0.560, P < .001) and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Short-Form-10a PROM (Odds Ratio: 0.531, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.313-0.900, P = .019) MCIDs in reference to matched primary THA patients. Less than 60% of cTHA patients achieved an MCID. The 1-year MCID of the Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Short-Form-10a specific to cTHA were +10.71 and +4.68, respectively.

CONCLUSION

While cTHA is within the same diagnosis-related group as primary THA, patients undergoing cTHA have decreased odds of achieving 1-year MCIDs of primary THA-specific PROMs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Conversion total hip arthroplasty following proximal femur fracture: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of conversion total hip arthroplasty (cTHA) following reduction and fixation for proximal femur fractures will increase in parallel to the aging population worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to report the frequency of bacterial detection and the outcome of cTHA at the authors' institution and to analyze preoperative factors that correlate with higher rates of bacterial growth and septic revision.

METHODS

48 patients who had been converted to THA after osteosynthesis of a proximal femur fracture either by a one- or two-stage procedure were included. Septic failure rate and the frequency of bacterial detection at the time of fixation device removal were calculated. The influence of different preoperative factors was examined by the odds ratio. A receiver operating characteristic curve of c-reactive protein (CRP) for detection of bacterial growth at the time of fixation device removal was calculated.

RESULTS

18.8% patients showed positive bacterial cultures, with Staph. epidermidis being the most frequent pathogen (33.3%). Septic failure after cTHA occurred in 4.2%. Fixation with cephalomedullary nails and complications with the internal fixation showed higher odds for bacterial growth at time of cTHA. CRP for predicting bacterial growth had an area under the curve of 0.661. Implant survival was worse when temporary spacers were used.

CONCLUSION

Bacterial detection rate at the time of cTHA is high, whereas septic failure rates are low. Isolated evaluation of inflammatory blood markers without other diagnostic modalities for infection is not decisive and does not justify a two-stage approach with implantation of a temporary spacer.

Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Era of Bundled Care Payments: Impacts on Costs of Care

BACKGROUND

Conversion hip arthroplasty is defined as a patient who has had prior open or arthroscopic hip surgery with or without retained hardware that is removed and replaced with arthroplasty components. Currently, it is classified under the same diagnosis-related group as primary total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, it frequently requires a higher cost of care.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 228 conversion THA procedures in an orthopaedic specialty hospital was performed. Propensity score matching was used to compare the study group to a cohort of 510 primary THA patients by age, body mass index, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. These matched groups were compared based on total costs, implants used, operative times, length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and complications.

RESULTS

Conversion THA incurred 25% more mean total costs compared to primary THA (P < .05), longer lengths of surgery (154 versus 122 minutes), and hospital LOS (2.1 versus 1.56 days). A subgroup analysis showed a 57% increased cost for cephalomedullary nail conversion, 34% increased cost for sliding hip screw, 33% for acetabular open reduction and internal fixation conversion, and 10% increased costs in closed reduction and percutaneous pinning conversions (all P < .05). There were 5 intraoperative complications in the conversion group versus none in the primary THA group (P < .01), with no statistically significant difference in readmissions.

CONCLUSION

Conversion THA is significantly more costly than primary THA and has longer surgical times and greater LOS. Specifically, conversion THA with retained implants had the greatest impact on cost.

Incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury after total joint arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common medical causes for readmission following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study aimed to (1) examine whether the incidence of AKI has changed over the past decade with the adoption of modern perioperative care pathways and (2) identify the risk factors and concomitant adverse events (AEs) associated with AKI.

METHODS

535,291 primary TJA procedures from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2011 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The annual incidence of AKI was analyzed for significant changes over time. Matched cohort analyses were performed to identify the risk factors and AEs associated with AKI using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The mean incidence of AKI was 0.051%, which remained unchanged during the study period (P = 0.121). Factors associated with AKI were diabetes (OR 1.96, P = 0.009), bilateral procedure (OR 6.93, P = 0.030), lower preoperative hematocrit level (OR 1.09, P = 0.015), body mass index (OR 1.04, P = 0.025), and higher preoperative BUN (OR 1.03, P = 0.043). AKI was associated with length of stay (LOS) > 2 days (OR 4.73, P <  0.001), non-home discharge (OR 0.25, P <  0.001), 30-day readmission (OR 12.29, P <  0.001), and mortality (OR 130.7, P <  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of AKI has not changed over the past decade, and it remains a major bundle buster resulting in greater LOS, non-home discharge, readmissions, and mortality. Avoidance of bilateral TJA in patients with DM and high BMI as well as preoperative optimization of anemia and BUN levels are advised.

How Does Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty Compare to Primary?

BACKGROUND

Recent institutional evidence suggests that conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) incurs higher complication rates and costs when compared to primary THA. These findings contrast with the current reimbursement system as conversion and primary THAs are classified under the same diagnosis-related group. Thus, a national all-payer database was utilized to compare complication rates up to 2 years, 30-day readmission rates, and 90-day costs between conversion THA and matched primary THA patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the PearlDiver database between 2010 and second quarter of 2018 was performed using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to compare conversion THA (CPT 27132) to primary THA (CPT 27130). Patients were matched at a 1:3 ratio based on age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index, body mass index, tobacco use, and diabetes (conversion = 8369; primary = 25,081 patients).

RESULTS

Conversion THA had higher rates of periprosthetic joint infections (conversion: 7.7% vs primary: 1.4%), hip dislocations (4.5% vs 2.0%), blood transfusions (2.0% vs 1.0%), mechanical complications (5.5% vs 1.0%), and revision surgeries (4.0% vs 1.5%) (P < .001 for all) by 90 days. The 30-day readmission rate for conversion THA was significantly higher compared to the primary group (7.3% vs 3.3%) (P < .001). Median cost at 90 days for conversion THA was significantly higher compared to primary THA ($18,800 vs $13,611, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed increased complication rates, revisions, readmissions, and costs among conversion THA patients compared to matched primary THA patients. These results support the reclassification of conversion into a diagnosis-related group separate from primary THA.

The majority of conversion total hip arthroplasties can be considered primary replacements - a matched cohort study

The success of conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) among primary THA and revision THA re- mains unclear. We hypothesized that most conversion THAss can be performed using primary implants and will have an uncomplicated post-operative course. Thirty-six patients (23 females, mean age 68,0y) who underwent conversion THA for failed interventions for proximal femur fractures in the period 2006-2018 were matched sequentially against patients of the same sex and age who underwent primary THA or revision THA. Data was collected on implants used, major complications, and mortality. PROMs used included the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index, Harris Hip Score, Visual Analogue Scale and the EQ-5D Health Questionnaire. Seventy- two percent of patients who underwent conversion THA were treated with primary implants and never suffered from a major complication. PROMs were excellent for this group of patients. The distinction primary / conversion / revision THA could not explain differences in outcomes, however the necessity of using revision implants and the development of major complications could. The majority of conversion total hip arthroplasties can be considered a primary replacement. Predicting outcomes for THA should focus on patient frailty and technical difficulties dealing with infection, stability and loss of bone stock and should discard the conversion versus revision terminology.

The majority of conversion total hip arthroplasties can be considered a primary replacement: a matched cohort study

Background and study aims

The success of conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) among primary THA and revision THA remains unclear. We hypothesized that most conversion THA’s can be performed using primary implants and will have an uncomplicated post-operative course.

Materials and methods

Thirty-six patients (23 females, mean age 68,0y) who underwent conversion THA for failed interventions for proximal femur fractures in the period 2008–2018 were matched sequentially against patients of the same sex and age who underwent primary THA or revision THA. Data were collected on implants used, major complications, and mortality. PROMs used included the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index, Harris Hip Score, Visual Analogue Scale and the EQ-5D Health Questionnaire.

Results

Seventy-two percent of patients who underwent conversion THA were treated with primary implants and never suffered from a major complication. PROMs were excellent for this group of patients. The distinction primary/conversion/revision THA could not explain differences in outcomes; however, the necessity of using revision implants and the development of major complications could.

Conclusions

The majority of conversion total hip arthroplasties can be considered a primary replacement. Predicting outcomes for THA should focus on patient frailty and technical difficulties dealing with infection, stability and loss of bone stock and should discard the conversion versus revision terminology.

Financial Implications for the Treatment of Medicare Patients With Isolated Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: Disproportionate Losses Among Healthier Patients

Introduction:

With an aging American public, the rising incidence of geriatric hip fractures provides a significant impact on the financial sustainability for hospitals. To date, there is little research comparing reimbursement to hospital costs for geriatric hip fracture treatment. The purpose of this study is to compare hospital costs to reimbursement for patients treated surgically with an isolated intertrochanteric femur fracture, insured by the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review at an urban, academic, level 1 trauma center was conducted for 287 CMS-insured intertrochanteric femur fracture patients between 2013 and 2017. The total cost of care was determined using our hospital’s cost accounting system. The total reimbursement was determined from the CMS inpatient prospective payment system, based upon the Medical-Severity Diagnosis-Related Grouping (MS-DRG).

Results:

In this patient population, the average CMS reimbursement was US$19 049 ± 7221 and the average cost of care was US$19 822 ± 8078. This yielded a net deficit of US$773/patient and US$220 417 in total. The average reimbursement and cost for the less comorbid patients (MS-DRG weight < 2.5, n = 215) was US$16 198 ± 3983 and US$17 764 ± 5628, respectively, yielding an average net deficit of US$1566/patient. For the more comorbid patients (MS-DRG weight > 2.5, n = 72) the mean reimbursement and cost were US$27 796 ± 3944 and US$26 180 ± 10 880, respectively, yielding an average net profit of US$1616/patient.

Discussion:

There are disproportionate average losses in healthier patients undergoing surgical treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures at our institution. A deficit in less comorbid patients indicates a discontinuity of inpatient health-care costs with MS-DRG-weighted reimbursement in the setting of geriatric intertrochanteric femur fractures.

Conclusions:

To maintain hospitals’ financial sustainability and health-care accessibility; costing and reimbursement models need adjusting to properly compensate the treatment of geriatric intertrochanteric femur fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic level IV.

Operative Times Have Remained Stable for Total Hip Arthroplasty for >15 Years: Systematic Review of 630,675 Procedures

Understanding trends in operative times has become increasingly important in light of total hip arthroplasty (THA) being added to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2019 Potentially Misvalued Codes List. The purpose of this review was to explore the mean THA operative times reported in the literature in order (1) to determine if they have increased, decreased, or remained the same for patients reported on between 2000 and 2019 and (2) to determine what factors might have contributed to the difference (or lack thereof) in THA operative time over a contemporary study period.

METHODS

The PubMed and EBSCOhost databases were queried to identify all articles, published between 2000 and 2019, that reported on THA operative times. The keywords used were "operative," "time," and "total hip arthroplasty." An article was included if the full text was available, it was written in English, and it reported operative times of THAs. An article was excluded if it did not discuss operative time; it reported only comparative, rather than absolute, operative times; or the cohort consisted of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) and THAs, exclusively of revision THAs, or exclusively of robotic THAs. Data on manual or primary THAs were extracted from studies including robotic or revision THAs. Thirty-five articles reporting on 630,675 hips that underwent THA between 1996 and 2016 met our criteria.

RESULTS

The overall weighted average operative time was 93.20 minutes (range, 55.65 to 149.00 minutes). When the study cohorts were stratified according to average operative time, the highest number fell into the 90 to 99-minute range. Operative time was stable throughout the years reported. Factors that led to increased operative times included increased body mass index (BMI), less surgical experience, and the presence of a trainee.

CONCLUSIONS

The average operative time across the included articles was approximately 95 minutes and has been relatively stable over the past 2 decades. On the basis of our findings, we cannot support CMS lowering the procedural valuation of THA given the stability of its operative times and the relationship between operative time and cost.

Value-Based Care Has Not Resulted in Biased Patient Selection: Analysis of a Single Center's Experience in the Care for Joint Replacement Bundle

BACKGROUND

Bundled reimbursement models for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services have resulted in an effort to decrease the cost of care. However, these models may incentivize bias in patient selection to avoid excess cost of care. We sought to determine the impact of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model at a single center.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of primary TKA patients from July 2015 to December 2017. Patients were stratified by whether or not their surgery was performed before or after implementation of the CJR bundle. Patient demographic data including age, sex, and body mass index were collected in addition to Elixhauser comorbidities and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. In-hospital outcomes were then examined including surgery duration, length of stay, discharge disposition, and direct cost of care.

RESULTS

A total of 1248 TKA patients (546 Medicare and 702 commercial insurance) were evaluated, with 27.0% undergoing surgery before the start of the bundle. Compared to patients following implementation of the bundle, there was no significant difference in age, gender, or body mass index. However, pre-CJR Medicare patients were more likely to have fewer Elixhauser comorbidities (P < .001), prolonged length of stay (P < .001), and greater discharges to inpatient facilities (P = .019). There was no significant difference in direct hospital costs or operative service time comparing pre-bundle and post-bundle patients.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of the bundled reimbursement model did not result in biased patient selection at our institution; importantly, it also did not result in decreased hospital costs despite apparent improvement in value-based outcome metrics. This should be taken into consideration as future adaptations to reimbursement are made by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Trends in total knee and hip arthroplasty recipients: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Arthroplasty is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the USA with projections of continuous growth. As this field undergoes continuous changes, the goal of this study was to provide an analysis of patient-related and healthcare system-related trends. This is important as it allows practitioners, administrators and policy makers to allocate needed resources appropriately.

Methods

The study included total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures from 2006 to 2016. Demographic information, comorbidities and complications were extracted and analyzed from the Premier Healthcare database.

Results

The surgical volume increased annually over the observation period by an average of 5.54% for TKA and 7.02% for THA, respectively. The average age of the patient population and the types of anesthesia used remained relatively consistent over time. Comorbidity burden increased, especially for obesity (16.52% in 2006 and 29.77% in 2016 for TKA, 11.15% in 2006 and 20.92% in 2016 for THA), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (6.82% in 2006 and 17.03% in 2016 for TKA, 4.69% in 2006 and 12.72% in 2016 for THA) and renal insufficiency (2.81% in 2006 and 7.01% in 2016 for TKA, 2.78% in 2006 and 6.43% in 2016 for THA). Minor trends of increases were also observed in the prevalence of liver disease, depression and hypothyroidism. All postoperative complications were trending lower except for acute renal failure, where an increase was noted (4.39% in 2006 and 8.10% in 2016 for TKA, 4.99% in 2006 and 8.42% in 2016 for THA).

Discussion

Significant trends in the care of patients who undergo TKA and THA were identified. Individuals undergoing these procedures presented with a higher prevalence of comorbidities. Despite these trajectories, complications declined over time. These data can be used to inform future research and to allocate resources to address changes in populations cared for and complications encountered.

Preoperative Optimization Checklists Within the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Bundle Have Not Decreased Hospital Returns for Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model has resulted in the evolution of preoperative optimization programs to decrease costs and hospital returns. At the investigating institution, one center was not within the CJR bundle and has dedicated fewer resources to this effort. The remaining centers have adopted an 11 metric checklist designed to identify and mitigate modifiable preoperative risks. We hypothesized that this checklist would improve postoperative metrics that impact costs for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients eligible for participation in CJR.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TKA from 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with eligible participation in CJR were included. Outcome variables including length of stay, disposition, 90-day emergency department visits, and hospital readmissions were explored. Analysis was performed to determine differences in outcomes between CJR participating and non-CJR participating hospitals within the healthcare system.

RESULTS

In total, 2308 TKA patients including 1564 from a CJR participating center and 744 from a non-CJR center were analyzed. There was no significant difference in patient age or gender. Patients at the non-CJR hospital had significantly higher body mass index (P < .001) and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (P < .001), while those in the CJR network had fewer skilled nursing facility discharges (P = .028) and shorter length of stay (P < .001). However, there was no reduction in 90-day emergency department visits or readmissions.

CONCLUSION

The resources utilized at CJR participating hospitals, including patient optimization checklists, did not effectively alter patient outcomes following discharge. Likely, a checklist alone is insufficient for risk mitigation and detailed optimization protocols for modifiable risk factors must be investigated.

Trends in Inpatient Resource Utilization and Complications Among Total Joint Arthroplasty Recipients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Joint arthroplasty practice is highly dynamic to adapt to economic changes and advances in medicine. This study provides updates of the current perioperative practice on healthcare resource utilization.

METHODS

The study included total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, and total shoulder arthroplasty within the healthcare cost and utilization project New York State database from 2007 to 2013 (ie, 202,100, 127,872, and 8858 cases, respectively).

RESULTS

A higher proportion of sicker patients were prevalent over time. The length of stay decreased continuously. However, total hospital charges increased after adjusting for inflation. The incidence of wound infection and transfusion decreased steadily over time, whereas acute renal failure has been on the rise. There was an increased utilization of echocardiography, while decreased among other resources.

DISCUSSION

Total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, and total shoulder arthroplasty changed toward sicker patients with shorter length of stay, fewer complications, and less resource utilization. However, overall costs increased over time.