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

The effect of smoking on the outcomes of arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus

BACKGROUND

Smoking is known to negatively affect the outcomes of orthopedic procedures, but its impact on arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) remains unclear. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes and the status of repaired cartilage following arthroscopic microfracture for small to medium-sized OLT in smokers versus nonsmokers.

METHODS

We enrolled 239 patients (250 ankles), dividing them into smoker (56 patients, 59 ankles) and nonsmoker groups (183 patients, 191 ankles). The primary outcome measure was the FAOS (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score). The AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) ankle-hindfoot scale, SF-36 PCS (Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary) score, and VAS (Visual Analog Scale) for pain were included as secondary outcomes. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessed lesion size, location, and subchondral cyst presence. Postoperative cartilage repair status was evaluated using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score on 3.0-T MRI.

RESULTS

The mean OLT sizes were 74.4 mm2 in smokers and 69.9 mm2 in nonsmokers on preoperative MRI. The mean age was 35.9 years in smoker group and 38.8 years in nonsmoker group (p = 0.157). The overall mean follow-up duration was 83.6 months (range, 24-217), with no significant intergroup difference (p = 0.582). There was no significant difference in primary and secondary clinical outcome variables between the two groups at the final follow-up (p > 0.05). In terms of postoperative MRI, 75 ankles (18 smokers, 57 nonsmokers) assessed repaired cartilage status and the mean total MOCART score was significantly lower in smokers (65.0, range 30.0-85.0) compared with nonsmokers (73.7, range 40.0-95.0; p = 0.027). Particularly, the smoker group had significantly lower MOCART scores for surface for repair tissue and signal intensity of the repair tissue variables, respectively (p = 0.019, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Although smoker group showed worse status of repaired cartilage on postoperative MRI, the smoker group reported comparable clinical outcomes to those of the nonsmoker group following arthroscopic microfracture for small to medium-sized OLT over a mean follow-up of 7 years. However, caution should be taken in interpreting our conclusion and further larger studies are needed for robust conclusions.

Assessing the reproducibility of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) arthroplasty studies

BACKGROUND

Utilization of large-volume clinical registries for observational research has gained popularity in orthopaedic literature. However, concerns exist regarding inadequate reporting of methodology in this type of research. Despite these concerns, the reproducibility of such studies has not been adequately assessed in existing literature. This study aims to assess the reproducibility of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) arthroplasty studies on smoking as a risk factor for poor surgical outcomes by employing identical datasets and statistical methods.

METHODS

A systematic PubMed search between 2013 and 2023 identified ACS-NSQIP studies involving hip or knee arthroplasty and smoking as a potential risk factor for poor surgical outcomes. Each study's methods were reproduced by a trained statistician based on the reported methodology. In cases where certain steps were not explicitly stated, the statistician made informed decisions to reproduce those steps. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and p-values (α = 0.05) were compared between the original and reanalyzed datasets.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 43 studies, with 11 meeting inclusion criteria resulting in the reanalysis of 268 aORs. Upon reanalysis, 12.69% of the original studies' aORs changed in interpretation, while 13.43% experienced a change in statistical significance. The average magnitude change of each aOR across all studies was 17.22%, and the sample size (N) in reanalysis varied by up to 47.84%. Among the 11 commonly cited studies, approximately one in eight objective conclusions changed in interpretation or statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Inconsistent reproducibility exists across many arthroplasty studies that utilize the ACS-NSQIP database. These findings highlight the importance of rigorous reporting of study methodology, data collection, and statistical analyses when utilizing large-volume databases in orthopaedic research. This burden of responsibility should be shared among authors, peer reviewers, and orthopaedic journals to confirm the accuracy and validity of published database research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

This study systematically reviewed and analyzed, in attempt to reproduce, published arthroplasty studies utilizing ACS-NSQIP database to assess smoking as a potential risk factor for poor surgical outcomes. All analyzed studies included Level III Evidence, therefore this current study compares reproduced Level III Evidence to the original Level III Evidence.

Driving Forces for Outpatient Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To explore the recent developments and trends in the anesthetic and surgical practices for total hip and total knee arthroplasty and discuss the implications for further outpatient total joint arthroplasty procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Between 2012 and 2017 there was an 18.9% increase in the annual primary total joint arthroplasty volume. Payments to physicians falling by 7.5% (14.9% when adjusted for inflations), whereas hospital reimbursements and charges increased by 0.3% and 18.6%, respectively. Total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty surgeries were removed from the Medicare Inpatient Only in January 2018 and January 2020, respectively leading to same-day TKA surgeries increases from 1.2% in January 2016 to 62.4% by December 2020 Same-day volumes for THA surgery increased from 2% in January 2016 to 54.5% by December 2020. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have revolutionized modern anesthesia and surgery practices. Centers for Medicare Services officially removed total joint arthroplasty from the inpatient only services list, opening a new door for improved cost savings to patients and the healthcare system alike. In the post-COVID healthcare system numerous factors have pushed increasing numbers of total joint arthroplasties into the outpatient, ambulatory surgery center setting. Improved anesthesia and surgical practices in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings have revolutionized pain control, blood loss, and ambulatory status, rendering costly hospital stays obsolete in many cases. As the population ages and more total joint procedures are performed, the door is opening for more orthopedic procedures to exit the inpatient only setting in favor of the ambulatory setting.

Smoking is not closely related to revision for periprosthetic joint infection after primary total knee and hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The influence of smoking on the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains unclear. The objective was to explore the impact of smoking on PJI after primary total knee (TKA) and hip (THA) arthroplasty.

HYPOTHESIS

Current smoking patients should have an increased risk of PIJ compared with nonsmoking patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective registry-based observational cohort study was performed. A total of 4591 patients who underwent primary TKA (3076 patients) or THA (1515) were included. According to the smoking status at the time of arthroplasty, patients were classified as nonsmokers (3031 patients), ex-smokers (688), and smokers (872). Multivariate analysis included smoking status, age, gender, education level, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, diagnosis (osteoarthritis, rheumatism), diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, perioperative blood transfusion, site of arthroplasty (knee, hip), length of operation, and length of stay.

RESULTS

There were PJI after 59 (1.9%) TKA and 27 (1.8%) THA (p=0.840). There were PJI in 47 (1.6%) nonsmokers, 12 (1.7%) ex-smokers, and 17 (1.9%) smokers (p=0.413). There were wound complications (delayed wound healing and superficial wound infection) in 34 (0.7%) nonsmokers, 9 (1.3%) in ex-smokers, and 17 (1.9%) in smokers (p=0.045). In multivariate analysis, only the female gender was a significant predictor of PJI (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-2.4 [p=0.039]). Specifically, the categories of ex-smokers (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.2-1.7 [p=0.241]) and smokers (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-1.5 [p=0.052]) were not significant predictors. The 4-year arthroplasty survival with PJI as the endpoint was 99.1% (95% CI: 99.0-99.7) for nonsmokers, 99.0% (95% CI: 98.8-99.2) for ex-smokers, and 98.7% (95% CI: 98.2-99.0) for smokers was not significantly different between smoking status groups (p=0.318).

DISCUSSION

Smoking was not identified as a significant predictor for PJI following primary TKA or THA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, prospective cohort study.

Nicotine Screening and Cessation Education Among Patients Awaiting Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Quality Improvement Project

Orthopedic surgical patients who use nicotine are at a high risk for postoperative complications including infection, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death. Periprosthetic joint infections may result from nicotine-induced immunosuppression and microvascular changes, increasing perioperative morbidity and mortality. These complications result in higher health care costs, increased length of stay, and loss of reimbursement due to readmissions. Four weeks of nicotine cessation prior to arthroplasty decreases these risks; however, perioperative teams may lack reliable nicotine screening and cessation education methods. This project identified inconsistencies in nicotine screening and cessation counseling in the preoperative setting, which contributed to surgery cancellations among patients who required to demonstrate nicotine cessation preoperatively. Standardization of preoperative nicotine screening and patient cessation education resources can improve the identification of orthopedic patients who use nicotine and provide concrete, proven methods of achieving nicotine cessation prior to elective primary arthroplasty. Investment from perioperative staff is essential to ensure success.

Impact of Demographic Variables on Recovery After Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Several patient factors affect recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the impact of these variables on patient-reported outcome measure recovery curves following THA has not been defined. Our goal was to quantify the influence of multiple variables on recovery after primary THA.

METHODS

There were 1,724 patients in a multicenter study included. Variables included sex, race/ethnicity, anxiety/depression, body mass index, tobacco, and preoperative opioid use. The Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Score for Joint Replacement (HOOS JR) was recorded at multiple time points. Recovery curves were created using longitudinal estimating equations.

RESULTS

Patients who were women, obese, or smokers demonstrated lower HOOS JR scores at all time points. Preoperative opioid use was also correlated with lower HOOS JR scores, but this difference diminished after 6 months. Black patients demonstrated lower HOOS JR scores compared to Caucasians, and this relative difference increased out to 1-year postoperatively (P = .018). Hispanics also had lower HOOS JR scores, but scores recovered at similar rates compared to non-Hispanics. Patients who had only anxiety or depression had similar HOOS JR scores compared to patients who did not have anxiety or depression. However, patients who had both anxiety and depression had lower HOOS JR scores compared to patients who had neither (P = .049), and this relative difference became greater at 1-year postoperatively (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Several factors including race/ethnicity, opioid use, and mental health influence recovery trajectory following THA. This information helps provide more individualized counseling about expectations after THA and focus targeted interventions to improve outcomes in at-risk groups.

Two novel prehabilitation apps to help patients stop smoking and risky drinking prior to hip and knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Daily smoking or risky drinking increases the risk of complications after surgery by ~50%. Intensive prehabilitation aimed at complete cessation reduces the complication rate but is time-consuming. The purpose of this study was to carry out preoperative pilot tests (randomized design) of the feasibility (1A) and validation (1B) of two novel prehabilitation apps, habeat® (Ha-app) or rehaviour® (Re-app).

METHODS

Patients scheduled for hip or knee arthroplasty with daily smoking, risky drinking, or both were randomised to one of the two apps. In part 1A, eight patients and their staff measured feasibility on a visual analog scale (VAS) and were interviewed about what worked well and the challenges requiring improvement. In part 1B, seven patients and their staff tested the improved apps for up to two weeks before validating the understanding, usability, coverage, and empowerment on a VAS and being interviewed.

RESULTS

In 1A, all patients and staff returned scores of ≥5 for understanding the apps and mostly suggested technical improvements. In 1B, the scores varied widely for both apps, with no consensus achieved. Two of four patients (Ha-app) and one-third of the patients (Re-app) found the apps helpful for reducing smoking, but without successful quitting. The staff experienced low app competencies among patients and high time consumption. Specifically, patients most often needed help for the Ha-app, and the staff most often for Re-app; however, the staff reported the Re-app dashboard was more user-friendly. Support and follow-up from an addiction specialist staff member were suggested to complement the apps, thereby increasing the time consumption for staff.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study to test prototype apps generated helpful feedback for the app developers. Based on the patient and staff comments, multiple improvements in functionality seem required before scaling up the evaluation for effect on prehabilitation and postoperative complications.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for total joint replacement surgery

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are a comprehensive therapeutic approach that prioritizes the well-being of patients. It encompasses several aspects such as providing sufficient nutritional support, effectively managing pain, ensuring appropriate fluid management and hydration, and promoting early mobilization after surgery. The advent of ERAS theory has led to a shift in focus within modern ERAS protocols. At present, ERAS protocols emphasize perioperative therapeutic strategies employed by surgeons and anesthesiologists, as well as place increased importance on preoperative patient education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the enhancement of patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. This editorial highlights the application of ERAS protocols in the current context of total joint replacement surgery.

Key Elements of Enhanced Recovery after Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Reanalysis of the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Guidelines

Recent guidelines have produced a consensus statement for perioperative care in hip and knee replacement. However, there is still a need for reanalysis of the evidence and recommendations. Therefore, we retrieved and reanalyzed the evidence of each recommended components of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) based on the guidelines of total joint arthroplasty. For each one, we included for the highest levels of evidence and those systematic reviews and meta-analyses were preferred. The full texts were analyzed and the evidence of all components were summarized. We found that most of the recommended components of ERAS are supported by evidence, however, the implementation details of each recommended components need to be further optimized. Therefore, implementation of a full ERAS program may maximize the benefits of our clinical practice but this combined effect still needs to be further determined.

Patient Smoking Status and Postoperative Outcomes: An Integrative Literature Review of Studies Using the ACS NSQIP Data Set

Tobacco use is associated with poor surgical outcomes and is the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States. Because of the risk for postoperative complications, researchers continue to examine the association between surgical patients' smoking status and adverse outcomes. This quantitative integrative review synthesizes evidence on the relationship between smoking status and postoperative outcomes according to information in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set. The included studies involved 10 procedures and the evaluated outcomes comprise surgical complications (eg, surgical site infection), medical complications (eg, sepsis), and transitions in care (eg, discharge destination). The review results are mixed and are not generalizable because only two studies specified smoking status as a primary variable of interest. To develop policies for perioperative patient smoking cessation, perioperative nurses require additional research results on the relationships between smoking status and standardized variables.

Smoking increases the risk of postoperative wound complications: A propensity score-matched cohort study

Cigarette smoking is associated with surgical complications, including wound healing and surgical site infection. However, the association between smoking status and postoperative wound complications is not completely understood. Our objective was to investigate the effect of smoking on postoperative wound complications for major surgeries. Data were collected from the 2013 to 2018 participant use files of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. A propensity score matching procedure was used to create the balanced smoker and nonsmoker groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for postoperative wound complications, pulmonary complications, and in-hospital mortality associated with smokers. A total of 1 156 002 patients (578 001 smokers and 578 001 nonsmokers) were included in the propensity score matching analysis. Smoking was associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative wound disruption (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.56-1.75), surgical site infection (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.28-1.34), reintubation (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.40-1.54), and in-hospital mortality (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07-1.19) compared with nonsmoking. The length of hospital stay was significantly increased in smokers compared with nonsmokers. Our analysis indicates that smoking is associated with an increased risk of surgical site infection, wound disruption, and postoperative pulmonary complications. The results may drive the clinicians to encourage patients to quit smoking before surgery.

Smoking cessation: health system challenges and opportunities

The systematic integration of evidence-based tobacco treatment has yet to be broadly viewed as a standard-of-care. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control recommends the provision of support for tobacco cessation. We argue that the provision of smoking cessation services in clinical settings is a fundamental clinical responsibility and permits the opportunity to more effectively assist with cessation. The role of clinicians in prioritising smoking cessation is essential in all settings. Clinical benefits of implementing cessation services in hospital settings have been recognised for three decades-but have not been consistently provided. The Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation has used an 'organisational change' approach to its introduction and has served as the basis for the introduction of cessation programmes in hospital and primary care settings in Canada and elsewhere. The significance of smoking cessation dwarfs that of many preventive interventions in primary care. Compelling evidence attests to the importance of providing cessation services as part of cancer treatment, but implementation of such programmes has been slow. We recognise that the provision of such services must reflect the realities and resources of a particular health system. In low-income and middle-income countries, access to treatment facilities pose unique challenges. The integration of cessation programmes with tuberculosis control services may offer opportunities; and standardisation of peri-operative care to include smoking cessation may not require additional resources. Mobile phones afford unique opportunities for interactive cessation programming. Health system change is fundamental to improving the provision of cessation services; clinicians can be powerful advocates for such change.