Increased Shoulder Arthroscopy Time Is Associated With Overnight Hospital Stay and Surgical Site Infection

Risk factors for infection in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the risk of infection following shoulder arthroscopy and to identify risk factors for infection.

METHODS

We systematically searched the PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, as well as the reference lists of previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses; manual searches were also performed. A random-effects model was employed to estimate pooled ORs, based on sample size, the p value of Egger's test and heterogeneity among studies.

RESULTS

Of the 29,342 articles screened, 16 retrospective studies comprising 74,759 patients were included. High-quality evidence showed that patients with diabetes (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20-1.41) or hypertension (OR, 1.26;95% CI, 1.10-1.44) had a higher risk of infection, while moderate quality evidence showed that patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) (OR, 1.42;95% CI, 1.28-1.57), those who were male (OR, 1.65;95% CI, 1.12-2.44), those who had an ASA class ≥3 (OR, 2.02;95% CI,1.02-3.99) and those who had a history of smoking (OR, 2.44;95% CI, 1.39-4.28) had a higher risk of infection. The meta-analysis revealed that there was no association between age, time of surgery, or alcohol consumption and infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis identified six significant risk factors for infection following shoulder arthroscopy, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, male sex, ASA class, history of smoking. These patient-related risk factors may help identify postoperative patients at higher risk for infection following shoulder arthroscopy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level III and Level IV studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Unique Identifying Number (UIN) is "CRD42023463316".

Factors associated with increased 30-day re-operation risk in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Revision surgery following isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has often focused on mid- to long-term revisions due to re-rupture, while short-term 30-day revision is a rare, but underappreciated entity. This study aims to characterize incidence and risk factors for reoperations following isolated ACLR.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case-control analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (NSQIP) database from 2005 to 2017. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify elective isolated ACLR patients. Patients undergoing reoperations were analyzed using bivariate analysis against their respective perioperative variables. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for reoperations after ACLR.

RESULTS

12,790 patients were included in the study. 37.0% of patients were female. Mean age was 32.2+/-10.7 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.8+/-6.5 kg/m2, with 28.9% of patients with BMI > 30. The most frequently reported reason for reoperation based on CPT and ICD-9/10 codes was postoperative infection (0.5%). Overall reoperation rate was approximately 0.5%. Multivariate analysis identified operative time >1.5 h (OR 2.6 [95% CI; 1.5-4.4]), dependent functional status (OR 14.0 [1.4-141.6]), and adjunctive anesthesia (OR 2.4 [95% CI; 1.1-5.0]) as independent risk factors for reoperation. Female sex was a protective factor against reoperations (OR 0.6 [0.3-0.98]).

CONCLUSION

Primary, isolated ACLR is associated with extremely low rates of short-term reoperations. Operative time >1.5 h, dependent functional status, and adjunctive anesthesia were independent risk factors for reoperation and female sex was a protective factor against reoperation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III. Retrospective cohort study.

J-shaped association of operation duration and blood transfusion risk in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Blood transfusion is a common perioperative complication of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that can lead to adverse outcomes, prolonged hospital stays, and increased medical costs. The purpose of our study was to explore the risk factors for blood transfusion and to establish whether operation duration is independently related to blood transfusion risk in patients undergoing primary TKA after adjusting for other covariates.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of data from a retrospective cohort study involving patients who underwent primary TKA in Singapore. The patients' baseline data, comorbidity, and surgical characteristics were collected. The independent variable was operation duration and the dependent variable was blood transfusion events. Patients were divided into three groups according to operation durations (90 and 120 min). Univariate logistic regression was used to explore the risk factors associated with blood transfusion after primary TKA. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the independent effect of operation duration on blood transfusion risk after adjusting for other covariates. Additionally, we performed subgroup analyses to identify specific groups, test the robustness of the relationships, and explore whether there were interactions between the different variables. Furthermore, restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to identify the relationship between the two variables.

RESULTS

A total of 2,562 patients were included in the study, of whom 136 (5.61%) had a transfusion event. Operation durations were 95.55 ± 36.93 and 83.86 ± 26.29 min for blood transfused and non-transfused patients, respectively. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, BMI, ASA status, Hb level, OSA, CHF, creatinine level > 2 mg/dL, and anaesthesia type were risk factors for blood transfusion. After adjusting for all covariates, multivariate logistic regression models showed that operation duration was positively associated with blood transfusion risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.174-2.933, P = 0.007). Compared to patients with an operation duration of less than 90 min, those with an operation duration of more than 120 min had a 2.141-fold increased risk of blood transfusion (OR = 2.141, 95% CI = 1.035-4.265, P = 0.035). Stratified analysis results showed that the association persisted in patients aged > 50 years, Chinese, BMI > 30 kg/m 2, Hb level > 11 g/dL, ASA status levels 2 and 3, general anaesthesia, and unilateral primary TKA. A non-linear (P-non-linear = 0.30) and J-shaped relationship was identified. The risk of transfusion increased as the operation duration decreased or exceeded the inflection point (73.2 min).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated a non-linear and J-shaped relationship between operation duration and blood transfusion events in patients undergoing primary TKA. Blood transfusion risk was the lowest when the operation duration was 73.2 min. A shorter operation duration implies irregular surgical procedures and incomplete intraoperative haemostasis, leading to increased perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion. These results will be useful for clinical decision-making.

While the Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism After Shoulder Arthroscopy Is Low, the Risk Factors Are a Body Mass Index Greater than 30 and Hypertension

Purpose

This study aims to determine the overall incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following shoulder arthroscopy and to define potential risk factors associated with its development that may help define guidelines for the use of thromboprophylaxis.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases per PRISMA guidelines. The search terms consisted of variations of "Venous Thromboembolism" and "Shoulder Arthroscopy." Information regarding arthroscopy indication, risk factors, outcomes, and patient demographics was recorded and analyzed, and pooled odds ratios were reported for each variable.

Results

Six hundred eighty-five articles were identified in the initial search, and 35 articles reported DVT, PE, or VTE incidence following shoulder arthroscopy. Seventeen nonoverlapping articles with a unique patient population incidence rates. Four articles were then used for subgroup meta-analysis. The incidence rate of VTE was 0.24%, ranging from 0.01% to 5.7%. BMI >30 (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = [1.22, 1.74]; I2 = 0%) and hypertension (OR = 1.64; 95% CI = [1.03, 2.6]; I2 = 75%) were significant risk factors (P < .05) for developing VTE following shoulder arthroscopy. Diabetes (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = [0.97, 1.48]; I2 = 0%), insulin-dependent diabetes (OR = 5.58; 95% CI = [0.12, 260.19]; I2 = 85%), smoking (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = [0.79, 1.37]; I2 = 12%), male sex (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = [0.49, 1.85]; I2 = 86%) and age over 65 (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = [0.25, 72.83]; I2 = 85%) were not associated with higher VTE risk.

Conclusion

The VTE incidence following shoulder arthroscopy is low at 0.24%. Patients with BMI >30 and hypertension are at a higher risk for VTE after shoulder arthroscopy.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, systematic review and meta-analysis of Level I-IV studies.

Association of obesity with high retears and complication rates, and low functional scores after rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity influences the outcomes of orthopedic surgeries such as total knee arthroplasty and spinal surgery. However, the effect of obesity on the outcomes of rotator cuff repair is unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effect of obesity on rotator cuff repair outcomes.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify relevant studies published from their inception till July 2022. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts using the specified criteria. Articles were included if they indicated the effect of obesity on rotator cuff repair and the related outcomes after surgery. Review Manager 5.4.1 software was used to perform statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles involving 85,497 patients were included. Obese patients had higher retear rates than nonobese patients (odds ratio [OR] 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-5.41, P = .01), lower American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (mean difference [MD]: -3.59, 95% CI: -5.45 to [-1.74]; P = .0001), higher visual analog scale for pain (mean difference: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.29-1.17; P = .001), higher reoperation rates (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.21-1.42, P < .00001), and higher rates of complications (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.31-1.87, P = .000). Obesity did not affect the duration of surgery (MD: 6.03, 95% CI: -7.63 to 19.69; P = .39) or external rotation of the shoulder (MD: -1.79, 95% CI: -5.30 to 1.72; P = .32).

CONCLUSION

Obesity is a significant risk factor for retear and reoperation after rotator cuff repair. Furthermore, obesity increases the risk of postoperative complications and leads to lower postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores and higher shoulder visual analog scale for pain.

Risk factors for 30-day readmission following shoulder arthroscopy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recently, there has been a rapid shift from open shoulder surgery to arthroscopic shoulder procedures for treating several shoulder pathologies. This shift is mainly due to reduced postoperative complications and 30-day readmission. Although the 30-day readmission rate is low, the risk still exists. One way to minimize the risk factors is to analyze all the risk factors contributing to the 30-day readmission following shoulder arthroscopy.

METHODS

Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library were searched. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Newcastle-Ottawa score was used for the quality assessment of individual studies. Two reviewers extracted data from the selected studies. Results were evaluated through narrative analysis and presented as an odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. A meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity in the available data.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies evaluating 494,038 patients were selected in our review. All the studies have a low risk of bias (median = 8). Significant factors predicting readmission included age, gender, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), steroid use, smoking, preoperative opioid use, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (3 or higher), and general and regional anesthesia vs. regional anesthesia alone.

CONCLUSION

Through our systematic review, we tried to identify risk factors that can predict 30-day readmission following shoulder arthroscopy. These include age > 65 years, COPD, steroid use, opioid use, and OR time > 90 mins. These high-risk patients could be triaged earlier by identifying these parameters, and effective pre and post-operative surveillance could minimize 30-day readmission risk following shoulder arthroscopy.

Increased operative time has a negative impact on clinical outcome in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND

Few data are available about the impact of operative time on outcome of rotator cuff repair.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of operative time on clinical outcome and tendon healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

Patients operated on for distal supraspinatus tear in our institution between 2012 and 2018 were included retrospectively. Operative time, from skin incision until skin closure, was extracted from medical files. For statistical analysis, operative time was treated as a quantitative variable. Endpoints were clinical outcome (Constant score, range of motion), tendon healing (on CT or MRI) and complications at 1 year. The significance threshold was set at p = 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 219 Patients, with a mean age of 54.6 years (range 40-70 years), were included. Mean operative time 44.9 min (range 14-140 min). Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found for Constant score and external rotation at 1 year: increasing operative time by 1 min led to a decrease in Constant score of 0.115 points, or 6.9 points for a 60-min increase (p = 0.0167) and a decrease in external rotation of 0.134°, or 8.04° for a 60-min increase (p = 0.0214). No significant correlations were found for anterior elevation at 1 year (p = 0.2577), tendon healing at 1 year (p = 0.295) or onset of complications during follow-up (p = 0.193).

DISCUSSION

The minimal clinically important difference in Constant score in patients undergoing rotator cuff surgery is between 6 and 10 points. An increase of more than 60 min in operative time significantly impacted clinical outcome of arthroscopic distal supraspinatus repair, but not tendon healing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Retrospective Cohort Design. Therapeutic Study.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of medial opening-wedge monoplanar and biplanar high tibial osteotomy using a triangular allograft impaction technique: A retrospective single centre study

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to research the clinical and radiological outcomes between monoplanar and biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy. We hypothesized that there would be no differences between both techniques when using a triangular allograft impaction technique.

METHODS

A single-centre, observational, retrospective study was conducted on 103 opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy patients from January 2017 to September 2019. Data collection, NRS and KOOS-PS, was performed preoperatively, 3 months and 12 months postoperatively. Radiological assessment (Kellgren-Lawrence, mechanical femoral-tibial angle, posterior tibial slope angle, lateral patellar tilt, patellar height) was performed on standing radiographs.

RESULTS

In total 32 patients were included in the biplanar group and 71 patients in the monoplanar group. NRS and KOOS-PS scores improved significantly (p < 0.001) in time for both groups from baseline to 3 m PO and further to 1 year postoperatively. Our results showed no differences in radiological outcomes such as patellar height, LPT and posterior tibial slope angle. The monoplanar group did have more Takeuchi I and III fractures and a higher mFTA angle without clinical repercussion.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a triangular allograft impaction technique for monoplanar and biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy gives no differences in clinical (NRS and KOOS) and radiological outcomes. Although a difference in Takeuchi fractures was found for monoplanar patients, no additional fixation was necessary, nor did clinical complications occur. We can conclude that triangular allograft impaction technique creates a stable construct and standardizes the healing procedure postoperatively for both monoplanar and biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy.

Weight Is a Predictor of Delayed Operation Time in Primary Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated the impact of obesity on operation time in patients with ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of obesity on operation time in patients with arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHODS

A total of 103 patients were included. The mean pure operation time was 45.9 ± 13.4 min. Considering that 15 min incremental increases in operation time are an independent risk factor for complications, all patients were classified into two groups according to operation time: more or less than 61 min. Demographic data were compared between both groups. Pure operation time was defined as operative time without suture time (pure operation time = suture start time - operation start time). Correlation analysis between demographic data and pure operation time was performed, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of pure operation time.

RESULTS

The pure operation time ≥61 min group (n = 34) had a 14.7 kg higher weight and 4.5 kg/m2 higher body mass index (BMI) than those with pure operation time < 61 min (n = 69). Weight (r = 0.635, p < 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.584, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with operation time. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that weight (β = 0.635, p < 0.001) was the only predictor of operation time. A weight of 74.25 kg was a cut-off value for a pure operation time of >61 min.

CONCLUSIONS

The weight and BMI of the group with pure operation time of ≥61 min were 14.7 kg and 4.5 kg/m2 higher, respectively. The weight of patients with ACL tears was a factor affecting delay in the operation time. Patients weighing over 74.25 kg were more likely to delay ACL reconstruction.

Risk Factors for Unexpected Admission Following Outpatient Rotator Cuff Repair: A National Database Study

Introduction  Rotator cuff repair (RCR) procedures are some of the most common orthopaedic surgeries performed in the United States. Compared to other orthopaedic procedures, RCRs are of relatively low morbidity. However, complications may arise that result in readmission to an inpatient healthcare facility. The purpose of this study is to identify the demographics and risk factors associated with unplanned 30-day readmission after RCR. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to identify patients that underwent elective RCR from 2015-2019. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to assess patient demographics, comorbidities, and peri-operative variables predicting unplanned 30-day readmission. Results Of the identified 45,548 patients that underwent RCR, 597 (1.3%) required readmission within 30 days of the procedure. Multivariate analysis identified male sex (OR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.67), hypertension (OR 1.29, 95% CI:1.03, 1.62), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.93), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class III (OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.18), ASA Class IV (OR 5.38, 95% CI: 2.70, 10.72), and total operative time (OR 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000, 1.004) as independent risk factors for unplanned readmission. Conclusion Unplanned 30-day readmission after RCR is infrequent. However, certain patients may be at increased risk for unplanned 30-day admission to an inpatient facility. This study confirmed male sex, COPD, hypertension, ASA Class III, ASA Class IV, and total operative time to be independent risk factors for readmission following outpatient RCR.

The Frequency and Severity of Complications in Surgical Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 6,962 Lesions

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim was to determine and compare the complication rate of different surgical treatment options for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). The secondary aim was to analyze and compare the severity and types of complications.

DESIGN

A literature search was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (Ovid), and the Cochrane Library. Methodological quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). Primary outcome was the complication rate per surgical treatment option. Secondary outcomes included the severity (using the Modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink Complication Classification System for Orthopedic Surgery) and types of complications. The primary outcome, the severity, and the sub-analyses were analyzed using a random effects model. A moderator test for subgroup-analysis was used to determine differences. The types of complications were presented as rates.

RESULTS

In all, 178 articles from the literature search were included for analysis, comprising 6,962 OLTs with a pooled mean age of 35.5 years and follow-up of 46.3 months. Methodological quality was fair. The overall complication rate was 5% (4%-6%; treatment group effect, P = 0.0015). Analysis resulted in rates from 3% (2%-4%) for matrix-assisted bone marrow stimulation to 15% (5%-35%) for metal implants. Nerve injury was the most observed complication.

CONCLUSIONS

In 1 out of 20 patients treated surgically for an OLT, a complication occurs. Metal implants have a significantly higher complication rate compared with other treatment modalities. No life-threatening complications were reported.

Matched Cohort Study Comparing Arthroscopic-Assisted Versus Full-Arthroscopic Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer for Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

Background

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) is increasingly performed with arthroscopic assistance, requiring an open axillary incision, which could increase risks of infection, hematoma, and lymphoedema. Technological advancements now enable LDTT to be fully arthroscopic, but its benefits and safety have not yet been confirmed.

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of arthroscopic-assisted versus full-arthroscopic LDTT for irreparable posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears in shoulders with no surgical antecedents.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The study included 90 patients who had undergone LDTT over 4 consecutive years by the same surgeon and did not have prior surgery. During the first 2 study years, all procedures were arthroscopically assisted (n = 52), while during the last 2 years, all procedures were fully arthroscopic (n = 38). Procedure duration and all complications were recorded, as well as clinical scores and range of motion at minimum 24-month follow-up. To enable direct comparison between the techniques, propensity score matching was used to obtain 2 groups with equivalent age, sex, and follow-up.

Results

From the initial cohort of 52 patients who underwent arthroscopic-assisted LDTT, 8 had complications (15.4%), of which 3 (5.7%) required conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty and 2 (3.8%) required drainage or lavage. From the initial cohort of 38 patients who had full-arthroscopic LDTT, 5 had complications (13.2%), of which 2 (5.2%) required conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty but no patients (0%) required other procedures. Propensity score matching resulted in 2 groups, each comprising 31 patients, with similar outcomes in terms of clinical scores and range of motion. The procedure time was about 18 minutes shorter for full-arthroscopic LDTT, which had different complications (2 axillary nerve pareses) as compared with arthroscopic-assisted LDTT (1 hematoma and 2 infections).

Conclusion

Equivalent outcomes at minimum 24-month follow-up were found for arthroscopic-assisted and full-arthroscopic LDTT in terms of complications rates (15.4% and 13.2%, respectively), conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (5.7% and 5.2%), clinical scores, and range of motion.

Reliability of a Novel Preoperative Protocol for Determining Graft Sizes for Superior Capsular Reconstruction Using Plain Film Radiography

BACKGROUND

Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears involves anchoring a graft between the superior glenoid and the greater tuberosity of the humerus. Optimizing the graft size is important. We aimed (1) to evaluate the reliability of plain film radiography in determining graft size for SCR and (2) to create a database to help predict future graft sizes.

METHODS

An inter- and intra-rater reliability trial was conducted on 10 and 6 subjects with healthy shoulders, respectively, using plain film radiography to measure the distance between the superior glenoid and the supraspinatus footprint. The subjects were positioned upright with an abduction pillow modified to hold the shoulder at 30° abduction and 45° external rotation, afterwhich a true antero-posterior shoulder radiograph was captured. Thirty subjects were recruited for the database and grouped using the aforementioned protocol.

RESULTS

The inter-rater and intra-rater trial agreement was excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.94 (95% CI) and 0.76 (95% CI), respectively. Three medio-lateral patch sizes, of 33 mm, 38 mm, and 47 mm, were proposed based on the protocol in 30 subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Plain film radiography demonstrated excellent reliability in measuring the distance between the superior glenoid and the supraspinatus footprint. Three ordinal patch sizes are proposed.

Tranexamic acid is not associated with decreased infection risk after primary shoulder arthroplasty: a cohort study of 9276 patients

BACKGROUND

The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) is associated with less blood loss and reduced transfusion risk after shoulder arthroplasty surgery. Recent studies have shown lower odds of postoperative infection after hip or knee arthroplasty with its use. The purpose of this study was to determine whether TXA use reduces the risk of infection after primary elective shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a US integrated health care system's shoulder arthroplasty registry. Patients aged 18 years who underwent primary elective anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis or primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty for rotator cuff arthropathy were included (2013-2020). We compared patients who received preoperative intravenous TXA to those who did not receive TXA by assessing the risk for revision due to deep infection within 5 years' follow-up using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. Interaction between TXA and diabetes status was analyzed separately.

RESULTS

The study sample included 9276 shoulder arthroplasties performed by 153 surgeons at 43 hospitals. The mean age was 70.0 years and 48% were male. The 5-year probability of revision for deep infection was 0.8% and 0.7% for patients with and without TXA, respectively. We failed to observe a difference in infection risk after adjustment for confounders and surgeon differences (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-1.80, P = .998). Further, no differences were observed in patients with (HR 1.64, 95% CI 0.42-6.44, P = .481) or without diabetes (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.40-1.55, P = .488).

CONCLUSION

In a multicenter cohort of more than 9000 primary shoulder arthroplasty procedures, the use of preoperative TXA was not associated with a decrease in the 5-year probability of revision for deep infection.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability and Glenoid Bone Loss after Arthroscopic Free Bone Block Combined With Dynamic Anterior Stabilization

BACKGROUND

As an alternative to the Latarjet procedure, the arthroscopic free bone block (FBB) procedure combined with dynamic anterior stabilization (DAS) has been recently proposed to provide both glenoid augmentation and a tendon sling effect for treating anterior shoulder instability (ASI) with glenoid bone loss.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of FBB-DAS for ASI with glenoid bone loss.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Patients who underwent arthroscopic FBB-DAS for ASI with >15% glenoid bone loss between February 2017 and March 2020 were screened and enrolled in this study. Clinical outcome measures were assessed preoperatively and at a minimum 2-year follow-up, including recurrence, complications, shoulder functional scores, range of motion, and return to sports. Postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were also performed.

RESULTS

Of a total of 65 patients with a mean follow-up of 46.1 ± 13.1 months, no patients experienced a recurrent dislocation or subluxation postoperatively, while 2 had a positive anterior apprehension test (3.1%). Additionally, 2 patients (3.1%) experienced complications of hematoma and shoulder stiffness, respectively. The mean visual analog scale score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Rowe score, and Oxford Shoulder Instability Score all improved significantly from 3.2 ± 2.4, 75.0 ± 18.9, 43.6 ± 27.3, and 33.8 ± 9.0 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 0.8, 95.1 ± 8.0, 95.5 ± 7.8, and 14.8 ± 3.5 at final follow-up, respectively (all P < .001). No difference was detected in range of motion except for 8.1° and 7.5° external rotation limitations in adduction and abduction, respectively. There were 62 patients (95.4%) who returned to sports, and 54 patients (83.1%) returned to the preinjury level. The transferred biceps tendon was intact in all 59 patients who completed radiological examination at the latest follow-up. Good bone healing was achieved in 98.3% of patients, and the glenoid bone defect decreased from 18.1% to 4.9%. Osseous and labral glenoids were significantly enlarged in width and depth on the latest magnetic resonance imaging (all P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic FBB-DAS provided satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes for ASI with glenoid bone loss. Despite slight external rotation restrictions, it achieved low recurrence and complication rates, excellent shoulder functional scores, a high return-to-sports rate, and favorable graft healing and remodeling.

Increasing Patient Age, Ambulatory Surgery Center Setting, and Surgeon Experience Are Associated With Shorter Operative Duration for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose

To identify variables associated with operative duration and intraoperative or perioperative complications after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

Surgeons who performed a minimum of 20 arthroscopic cases per month were recruited for participation through the Arthroscopy Association of North America from 2011 through 2013. All participants agreed to voluntarily submit data for 6 months of consecutive knee and shoulder arthroscopy cases. Only subjects coded for ACLR were analyzed, whereas revision cases were excluded. ACLRs were subdivided into isolated ACLR, ACLR with minor concomitant procedures, and ACLR with major concomitant procedures. Patient, surgeon, and surgical variables were analyzed for their effect on operative duration and complications.

Results

One hundred thirty-five orthopaedic surgeons participated, providing 1,180 primary ACLRs (399 isolated ACLRs, 441 ACLRs plus minor procedures, and 340 ACLRs plus major procedures). Most surgeons were in private practice (72.8%). Most patients were male patients (58.8%), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.2 ± 5.1. The overall mean operative duration was 95.9 ± 42.0 minutes (isolated ACLRs, 88.4 ± 36.8 minutes; ACLRs plus minor concomitant procedures, 90.1 ± 37.6 minutes; and ACLRs plus major concomitant procedures, 118.5 ± 112.4 minutes; P < .001). Patient age was inversely correlated with operative duration (ρ = –0.221, P < .001). Surgical procedures performed in an ambulatory surgery center had a shorter mean operative duration (91.5 ± 40.4 minutes) compared with those performed in a hospital setting (105.0 ± 43.8 minutes, P < .001). There were 22 intraoperative and 47 early postoperative complications, with the most common being deep vein thrombosis (n = 15). Surgical volume (knee arthroscopy cases per month) correlated inversely with operative time (ρ = –0.200, P = .001) and complication rate (ρ = –0.112, P < .001). Patient BMI was associated with increased odds of early postoperative complications on multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 1.060; P = .044; 95% confidence interval, 1.002-1.121).

Conclusions

Increasing patient age, private practice, ambulatory surgery center setting, and surgeon experience are associated with a shorter operative duration for ACLR. Although an increasing number of arthroscopic knee procedures performed by surgeons correlated with fewer complications, only increasing patient BMI significantly predicted odds of complications.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, prognostic case series.

Omuz bölgesi yağ kalınlığının rotator manşet operasyonlarının süresine etkisi var mıdır?

Objective: Accurate estimation of operation time will reduce operating room costs and increase patient satisfaction. In recent studies, authors have found that thicker adipose tissue at the operation site is associated with higher rate of complications. However, there is no study in the literature investigating the effect on operation time of an increase in adipose tissue thickness. This present study hypothesised that thicker adipose tissue in the shoulder surgery would prolong the operation time, so the study was planned accordingly. Material and Methods: Preoperative magnetic resonance images of patients applied with rotator cuff repair between 2015 and 2020 were independently evaluated by two observers. The acromial fat thickness was measured as the fat thickness of the operation area, and the scapular fat tissue thickness as the fat thickness of the region relatively far from the operation area. The data obtained were evaluated using multivariate analysis and a binary logistic regression model. Results: Evaluation was made of a total of 106 patients. The mean total operation time was 89±33 mins. The mean acromial fat thickness was 12.2±4.89 mm and mean scapular fat thickness was 27.9±12.5mm. The increase in acromial fat thickness was determined to have extended the operation time (OR=5.75, 29.21, p

Infection complicating 794 primary and revision arthroscopies. Accuracy of actual prophylactic procedures against infection and results from a single orthopedic center in Poland

Introduction

Septic arthritis after arthroscopy (SAAA) is a devasting complication which reported frequency varies about 0.04%–5.7%. The aim of the study is to analyze frequency of SAAA at one orthopedic center, risk factors and accuracy of actual prophylactic measures.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study (level of evidence: V) includes 794 (665 primary and 129 revision) “clean” arthroscopies performed in the years 2017–2018 with confirmed joint infection during 30 days after operation without the use of non-resorbable implants and up to 1 year after procedures with non-resorbable implants. Demographic and medical data about potential risk factors of SAAA were analyzed: patients age, sex, operated joint, type of procedure, primary or revision procedure, the use of drains, usage of non-absorbable implant, time of surgery, BMI, time lapse from index operation to diagnosis of SAAA, length of hospital stay, causative microorganisms. All operations were performed by eight different but experienced surgeons, in operation theatre with vertical laminar flow with the capacity of 50 air exchanges per hour. The perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis consisted of one preoperative dose 1 g cefazolin in simple arthroscopies, which was prolonged to 24 hours with 3 doses in cases of implantation of non-absorbable implant (55.8% of patients).

Results

From 794 cases 4 have been infected: 2 after knee arthrolysis, one after ACL reconstruction and one after rotator cuff repair. There were 2 early, with manifestation within 30 days, and 2 late-onset SAAA. Infections occurred in 0.5% of all arthroscopies and in 0.47% of knee arthroscopies alone. Patients age and time of surgery have not been found significantly different in infected and non-infected cases, whereas age and time of surgery have been significantly different in revision and non-revision cases.

Conclusions

Primarily aseptic arthroscopic procedures performed with respect to actual perioperative preventive measures have a low risk of postoperative septic arthritis. The risk increases with patients age and time of operation, but not significantly.

Dynamics of skin microbiota in shoulder surgery infections

Post-surgical infections arise due to various contributing factors. Most important is the presence of potential pathogenic microorganisms in the skin complemented by the patient´s health status. Cutibacterium acnes is commonly present in the pilosebaceous glands and hair follicle funnels in human skin. After surgical intervention, these highly prevalent, slow-growing bacteria can be found in the deeper tissues and in proximity of implants. C. acnes is frequently implicated in post-surgical infections, often resulting in the need for revision surgery. This review summarizes the current understanding of microbial dynamics in shoulder surgical infections. In particular, we shed light on the contribution of C. acnes to post-surgical shoulder infections as well as their colonization and immune-modulatory potential. Despite being persistently found in post-surgical tissues, C. acnes is often underestimated as a causative organism due to its slow growth and the inefficient detection methods. We discuss the role of the skin environment constituted by microbial composition and host cellular status in influencing C. acnes recolonization potential. Future mapping of the individual skin microbiome in shoulder surgery patients using advanced molecular methods would be a useful approach for determining the risk of post-operative infections.

A Review of Price Transparency Policy and Evaluation of Hospital Compliance in Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Background: In 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that beginning January 1, 2021, hospitals would be required to post pricing information in a usable format for patients via diagnosis-related group (DRG) or charge description master (CDM) sheets. Purpose/Questions: We hypothesized the new price transparency rule would pose challenges for many health care facilities. We therefore sought to find out how much pricing information was available before the rule took effect and how usable it was for patients receiving sports medicine care. Methods: In late 2019, we randomly selected 100 general hospitals (GH) from the CMS hospital list and an additional 21 orthopedic hospitals (OH). The DRG and/or CDM sheets were obtained from hospital websites. Pricing information for 6 sports medicine procedures (rotator cuff repair, shoulder arthroscopy, knee arthroscopy, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, meniscal repair, and steroid injection) was evaluated in qualitative and quantitative form. Results: Pricing information was provided by 74% of GH and 86% of OH. The price of steroid injections was frequently reported in usable form, with 80% by GH and 78% by OH. The remaining procedures were reported by less than 27% of GH and 40% of OH. For each procedure, component pricing was provided by at least 60% of GH and 78% of OH. No facility provided a pricing calculator or payer-type specific rates. Conclusions: Prior to the enactment of the new price transparency rule in January 2021, most facilities provided some pricing information to patients. However, reporting rates in sports medicine were low and the available data were of little use to patients.

Comparison of Two-level Cervical Disc Replacement Versus Two-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in the Outpatient Setting

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of two-level cervical disc replacement (CDR) in the outpatient setting.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Despite growing interest in CDR, limited data exist evaluating the safety of two-level CDR in the outpatient setting.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for all two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and CDR procedures between 2015 and 2018. Demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative complication rates of outpatient two-level CDR were compared to those of inpatient two-level CDR and outpatient two-level ACDF. Radiographic data are not available in the NSQIP.

RESULTS

A total of 403 outpatient CDRs were compared to 408 inpatient CDRs and 4134 outpatient ACDFs. Outpatient CDR patients were older and more likely to have pulmonary comorbidities compared to inpatient CDR (P < 0.03). Outpatient CDR patients were less likely to have an American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥2 and have hypertension compared to outpatient ACDF patients (P < 0.0001). Outpatient CDR had a lower 30-day readmission rate (0.5% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.02) and lower 30-day reoperation rate (0% vs. 1%, P = 0.047) compared to inpatient CDR. Outpatient CDR had a lower readmission rate (0.5% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.03) compared to outpatient ACDF, but there was no difference in reoperation rates between the two procedures (0% vs. 0.8%, P = 0.07). Outpatient CDR had an overall complication rate of 0.2%, inpatient CDR had a complication rate of 0.9%, and outpatient ACDF had a complication rate of 1.3%. These differences were not significant.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the largest multicenter study examining the safety of two-level outpatient CDR procedures. Outpatient two-level CDR was associated with similarly safe outcomes when compared to inpatient two-level CDR and outpatient two-level ACDF. This suggests that two-level CDR can be performed safely in the outpatient setting.Level of Evidence: 3.

Increased hip arthroscopy operative duration is an independent risk factor for overnight hospital admission

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between operative duration and short-term complications as well as overnight hospital admission following hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

Hip arthroscopy cases from 2006 to 2016 were retrieved from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry, which prospectively collects 30-day postoperative complications. Patients were stratified into the following groups based on procedure length: group 1 (< 60 min), group 2 (60-120 min), and group 3 (> 120 min). Preoperative characteristics were compared across the cohorts. Multivariate regressions were used to compare complication rates and overnight hospital admission between the three groups. Independent risk factors for overnight hospital admission were characterized.

RESULTS

A total of 2129 hip arthroscopy cases were identified. Average operative duration was 99.3 ± 55.7 min. As operative time increased, patients were more likely to be younger, male, and had lower American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (p < 0.001). Body mass index and comorbidity profiles were similar across the patient cohorts, with the exception of hypertension being more prevalent in the shorter operative time cohort (p < 0.001). Patients in group 3 were more likely to stay overnight in the hospital (26.0%) compared to patients in groups 1 (7.7%) and 2 (10.9%), p < 0.001). All postoperative complication rates were otherwise similar between the cohorts. Independent risk factors for overnight hospital admission included increasing operative time (most notably > 120 min relative to < 60 min, relative risk [RR] = 3.53, 95% CI 2.50-5.00, p < 0.001) and increasing ASA classification (most notably ASA III or IV relative to ASA I, RR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.18-2.27; p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing operative duration was not associated with increased postoperative complications following hip arthroscopy. However, patients were more than three times likely to stay in the hospital overnight if their surgery was longer than 120 min, relative to cases that were less than 60 min.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Operative Duration and Short-Term Postoperative Complications after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Prolonged operative duration is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications in many orthopedic procedures ranging from shoulder arthroscopy to total hip and knee arthroplasties. It has not been well studied in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of operative duration on complications after UKA.

METHODS

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry, we identified all primary unilateral UKAs from 2005 to 18. Patients were divided into three cohorts based on the operative duration: < 90 minutes, between 90 and 120 minutes, and >120 minutes. Baseline patient and operative demographics (age, gender, etc.) and thirty-day complications were compared using bivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the independent effect of operative duration on postoperative outcomes after adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

We identified 11,806 patients who underwent primary UKA from 2005 to 18. There was no difference in the "any complication" rate between cohorts. However, operative duration >120 minutes was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of reoperation (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-3.57, P = .015), non-home discharge (OR: 2.14, CI: 1.65-2.77, P < .001), surgical site infection (OR: 1.76, CI: 1.03-3.01, P = .038), and blood transfusions (OR: 3.23, CI: 1.44-7.22, P = .004) when compared with operative duration <90 minutes. There was no difference in mortality rates.

CONCLUSION

Increased operative duration greater than 2 hours in primary UKA is associated with an increased risk of non-home discharge, surgical site infection, reoperation, and blood transfusion.

Arthroscopic Iliac Crest Bone Allograft Combined With Subscapularis Upper-Third Tenodesis Shows a Low Recurrence Rate in the Treatment of Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability Associated With Critical Bone Loss

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic glenoid bone allograft combined with subscapularis upper-third tenodesis for anterior shoulder instability associated with clinically relevant bone loss and hyperlaxity.

METHODS

Between January 2016 and December 2017, patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability associated with bone loss and hyperlaxity were selected and treated with arthroscopic iliac crest bone graft combined with subscapularis upper-third tenodesis. The selection criteria were as follows: more than 5 dislocations; positive apprehension, anterior drawer, and Coudane-Walch test results; glenoid bone defect between 15% and 30% and humeral bone defect with an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion; and no previous shoulder surgery. All patients were followed up with the Constant score, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) rating, Rowe score, and visual analog scale evaluation. Assessments were performed with plain radiographs and a PICO computed tomography scan before surgery and at 2 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were included in the study, with a mean follow-up duration of 34.6 months (range, 24-48 months). In 17 patients (89%), excellent clinical results were recorded according to the Rowe score. The Constant score improved from 82.9 (standard deviation [SD], 5.2) to 88.9 (SD, 4.3) (P = .002); Rowe score, from 25.3 (SD, 5.3) to 89.1 (SD, 21.8) (P < .001); UCLA score, from 23.7 (SD, 3) to 31.5 (SD, 4.8) (P < .001); and visual analog scale score, from 3.2 to 1.3 (P < .001). Patients met the minimal clinically important difference 94.7%, 89.5%, and 47.3% of the time for the Rowe score, UCLA score, and Constant score, respectively. Bone graft resorption was observed in all patients: partial in 9 and complete in 10. We recorded 2 recurrent traumatic dislocations (11%), with no case of persistent anterior apprehension or other complication.

CONCLUSIONS

An arthroscopic glenoid bone graft combined with subscapularis upper-third tenodesis may be a valid surgical option to treat recurrent anterior instability associated with both bone loss and hyperlaxity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Post-operative septic arthritis after arthroscopy: modern diagnostic and therapeutic concepts

PURPOSE

Septic arthritis is a significant complication following arthroscopic surgery, with an estimated overall incidence of less than 1%. Despite the low incidence, an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic pathway is required to avoid serious long-term consequences, eradicate the infection, and ensure good treatment outcomes. The aim of this current review article is to summarize evidence-based literature regarding diagnostic and therapeutic options of post-operative septic arthritis after arthroscopy.

METHODS

Through a literature review, up-to-date treatment algorithms and therapies have been identified. Additionally, a supportive new algorithm is proposed for diagnosis and treatment of suspected septic arthritis following arthroscopic intervention.

RESULTS

A major challenge in diagnostics is the differentiation of the post-operative status between a non-infected hyperinflammatory joint versus septic arthritis, due to clinical symptoms, (e.g., rubor, calor, or tumor) can appear identical. Therefore, joint puncture for microbiological evaluation, especially for fast leukocyte cell-count diagnostics, is advocated. A cell count of more than 20.000 leukocyte/µl with more than 70% of polymorphonuclear cells is the generally accepted threshold for septic arthritis.

CONCLUSION

The therapy is based on arthroscopic or open surgical debridement for synovectomy and irrigation of the joint, in combination with an adequate antibiotic therapy for 6-12 weeks. Removal of indwelling hardware, such as interference screws for ACL repair or anchors for rotator cuff repair, is recommended in chronic cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

An examination of difficulties accessing surgical care in Canada from 2005-2014: Results from the Canadian Community Health Survey

Background

Difficulties accessing surgical care (e.g., related to wait times, cancellations, cost, receiving a diagnosis) are understudied in Canada. Using population-based data, we studied difficulty accessing non-emergency surgical care, including (1) the incidence and annual changes in incidence, (2) types of difficulties, and (3) associated factors (e.g., sociodemographics, surgery characteristics).

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the Canadian Community Health Survey annual components were analyzed from 2005–2014. Weighted frequencies established the annual incidence of difficulty accessing surgical care, and total incidence of types of difficulties. Chi-square analyses, independent samples t-tests, and a multivariable logistic regression examined sociodemographic and surgery-related characteristics associated with difficulty accessing surgical care.

Results

Among individuals who required past-year non-emergency surgery between 2005–2014 (weighted n = 3,052,072), 15.6% experienced difficulty accessing surgical care. The most common difficulty was “waited too long for surgery” (58.5%). There were significant differences in the incidence of difficulty according to year (Χ² = 83.50, p < .001) from 2005–2014. The incidence of difficulty accessing surgery varied according to sex (Χ² = 4.02, p < .05), surgery type (Χ² = 96.09, p < .001), party responsible for cancellation/postponement (Χ² range: 4.36–19.01, p < .05), and waiting time (t = 10.59, p < .001). In particular, males, orthopedic surgery, and surgery cancelled by the surgeon or hospital had the highest rates of difficulty.

Conclusion

Results provide insight into the difficulties experienced by patients accessing elective surgery, and the associated factors. These results may inform targeted healthcare interventions and resource reallocation to reduce these occurrences.

Is surgical duration associated with postoperative complications in primary shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Surgical duration is an independent predictor of short-term adverse outcomes after a variety of orthopedic procedures, both arthroscopic and open. However, this association in shoulder arthroplasty remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between surgical duration and postoperative complications, as well as increased use of health care resources, after shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS

Primary shoulder arthroplasty procedures performed from 2005 to 2016 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Surgical duration was divided into 3 cohorts: (1) surgical procedures lasting less than 90 minutes, (2) those lasting between 90 and 120 minutes, and (3) those lasting more than 120 minutes. Baseline patient characteristics and outcome variables were compared using bivariate analysis. Outcome variables were compared using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 14,106 patients were identified. Longer surgical duration was significantly associated with younger age, male patients, higher body mass index, and use of general anesthesia, (P < .001 for each), as well as smoking history (P < .39). Relative to operative times shorter than 90 minutes, surgical procedures lasting more than 120 minutes had higher rates of any complication (P = .002), return to the operating room (P = .008), urinary tract infection (P = .02), non-home discharge (P < .001), blood transfusion (P < .001), and unplanned 30-day hospital readmission (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Increasing surgical duration was associated with a variety of postoperative medical complications and increased use of health care resources including discharge to acute care facilities, blood transfusions, and hospital readmission. These data suggest that surgical duration should be considered for postoperative risk stratification, as well as patient counseling, and may be a surgeon-modifiable risk factor independent of patient risk factors.

Procedure length is independently associated with overnight hospital stay and 30-day readmission following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

PURPOSE

The purpose was to characterize the independent effect of procedure length on the rates of 30-day perioperative complications, hospital readmissions, and overnight hospital stay in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). We hypothesized that longer procedure length in primary ACLR increases the risk for post-operative complications.

METHODS

Primary ACLR cases from 2005 to 2015 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry. Patients were categorized into two cohorts based on procedure length, either less than or greater than 90 min. Two equal-sized propensity-matched cohorts were generated to account for differences in baseline and operative characteristics. Thirty-day clinical outcomes were compared using bivariate analyses between propensity-matched groups that controlled for patient-specific factors and concurrent meniscal repair. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of hospital readmission and overnight hospital stay.

RESULTS

In total, 12,077 ACLR cases were identified. The rate of any 30-day complication was increased in longer procedures relative to shorter procedures (1.6% vs 0.9%, p = 0.006), as were the rates of returning to the operating room (0.6% vs 0.3%, p = 0.03), hospital readmission (1.0% vs 0.3%, p = 0.001), and overnight hospital stay (16.2% vs 6.0%, p < 0.001). Obesity was a risk factor for both hospital readmission and overnight hospital stay, while hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a smoking history were associated with increased rates of overnight hospital stay. The most common reasons for hospital readmission were deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (25.0% of all readmitted patients), surgical site infection (25.0%), and post-operative pain (14.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this propensity-matched analysis adjusting for baseline patient characteristics and operative factors, procedure length of greater than or equal to 90 min in ACLR was independently associated with an increased risk of hospital readmission and overnight hospital stay. As a surrogate measure of surgical complexity, operative time may be a useful perioperative variable for post-operative risk stratification and patient counseling.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Increased Surgical Duration Associated With Prolonged Hospital Stay After Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose

Although often performed using a variety of reconstructive techniques and strategies, no clinically significant differences presently exist between the approaches available for isolated PCL reconstructions. Given the operatively challenging nature of these procedures, there lies a potentially increased risk of postoperative complications and healthcare expenditures. Our investigation sought to identify patient and surgical risk factors associated with prolonged hospital stays following isolated PCL reconstruction and determine the incidence of 30-day complications after PCL reconstruction using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database.

Method

Patients undergoing isolated PCL reconstructions between 2005 and 2016 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Baseline patient and operative characteristics were evaluated as possible risk factors for overnight hospital admissions following PCL reconstruction and analyzed using multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 249 patients were identified. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that increased operative duration >120 mins (OR 5.04, CI 2.44–10.40; p <0.001) was associated with an increased risk of overnight hospital stay. Major complications occurred in 0.4% (N=1), and minor complications occurred in 0.8% (N=2) with overall complications occurring in 1.2% (N=3) of all patients. Wound dehiscence was the only major complication while superficial surgical site infection and deep vein thrombosis were the only minor complications. 34.1% (N=85) of patients required an overnight hospital stay postoperatively.

Conclusion

Surgical duration >120 mins carried an increased risk of overnight hospital stay after isolated PCL reconstructions. As there are presently minimal significant clinical differences between current PCL reconstruction techniques, improved surgeon familiarity and comfort with a single technique is recommended to decrease operative time and avoid prolonged hospital stays and healthcare expenditures.

Level of evidence

III, retrospective comparative study.

Early Morbidity but Not Mortality Increases With Surgery Delayed Greater Than 24 Hours in Patients With a Periprosthetic Fracture of the Hip

BACKGROUND

Studies have identified a possible morbidity and mortality benefit with expedited time to surgery after a native hip fracture. This association after hip periprosthetic fractures (PPF) has been less clearly delineated. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of time to surgery on rates of 30-day complications.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry was used to identify all patients who underwent surgical intervention for hip PPF between 2005 and 2016. Patients were stratified into 2 cohorts based on time from hospital admission to surgery, either ≤24 hours (expedited) or >24 hours (non-expedited). Thirty-day outcome variables were assessed using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 857 patients undergoing surgical intervention for hip PPF, of whom 402 (46.9%) underwent expedited surgery and 455 (53.1%) underwent non-expedited surgery. Patients with non-expedited surgery had an average time to surgery of 2.4 days (range, 1-14 days). Multivariate analysis adjusting for differences in baseline patient characteristics revealed that patients with a non-expedited procedure had higher rates of overall complications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72; P = .014), respiratory complications (OR = 4.15; P = .0029), urinary tract infections (OR = 2.77; P = .020), nonhome discharge (OR = 2.22; P < .001), and blood transfusions (OR = 1.86; P < .001). There was no statistical difference in mortality (P = .093). Patients with non-expedited surgery also had longer total and postoperative (+2.7 days; P < .001) length of stay.

CONCLUSION

This study did not identify any statistical difference in mortality but found an association with increased postoperative complications and non-expedited surgery for PPF. Additional prospective studies may be warranted to identify the causative factors behind this association.

The effect of age on short-term postoperative complications following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to assess short-term outcomes, including the rates of medical complications, non-home discharge, overnight hospital stay, and 30-day readmission, associated with patient age at the time of rotator cuff repair.

Methods

This study used National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2005 to 2016 to analyze patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Patients were stratified into age cohorts of younger than 55 years, between 55 and 65 years, or older than 65 years. Outcomes including postoperative complications, discharge destination, and readmission were compared between the age cohorts using multivariate analysis.

Results

We identified 23,974 patients undergoing ARCR: 8344 patients (34.8%) were younger than 55 years, 9166 (38.4%) were aged between 55 and 65 years, and 6434 (26.8%) were older than 65 years. Older patients were more likely to be female patients and to have a lower body mass index, more medical comorbidities, shorter operative duration, dependent functional status, and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Patients older than 65 years had a higher rate of total complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.99; P = .003), respiratory complications (OR, 2.99; P = .023), urinary tract infections (OR, 6.94; P < .001), overnight hospital stay (OR, 1.49; P < .001), and unplanned hospital readmission (OR, 1.50; P = .040) relative to patients younger than 55 years. There was no increase in complication rates for patients aged between 55 and 65 years.

Conclusions

Patients older than 65 years have nearly double the odds of having a postoperative complication following ARCR and nearly 3 and 6 times the odds of having a respiratory complication and a urinary tract complication, respectively. Thorough preoperative optimization, including respiratory and urinary care, may be able to decrease complications in select, high-risk patients.

A 15-Minute Incremental Increase in Operative Duration Is Associated With an Additional Risk of Complications Within 30 Days After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Background:

Operative time is a risk factor for short-term complications after orthopaedic procedures; however, it has yet to be investigated as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Purpose:

To determine whether operative time is an independent risk factor for complications, readmissions, and extended hospital stays within 30 days after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for all hospital-based inpatient and outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs (Current Procedural Terminology code 29827) from 2005 to 2016. Concomitant procedures such as subacromial decompression, biceps tenodesis, superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) repair, labral repair, and distal clavicle excision were also included, whereas patients undergoing arthroplasty were excluded from the study. Operative time was correlated with patient demographics, comorbidities, and concomitant procedures. All adverse events were correlated with operative time, while controlling for the above preoperative variables, using multivariate Poisson regression with a robust error variance.

Results:

A total of 27,524 procedures met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 58.4 ± 10.9 years, the mean operative time was 86.9 ± 37.4 minutes, and the mean body mass index was 30.4 ± 7.0 kg/m². Concomitant biceps tenodesis, glenohumeral debridement, SLAP repair, labral repair, and distal clavicle excision significantly increased operative time (P < .001) but not the risk of adverse events (P > .05). The overall rate of adverse events was 0.88%. After adjusting for demographic and procedural characteristics, a 15-minute increase in operative duration was associated with an increased risk of anemia requiring transfusion (relative risk [RR], 1.27 [95% CI, 1.14-1.42]; P < .001), venous thromboembolism (RR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.02-1.35]; P = .029), surgical site infection (RR, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.03-1.24]; P = .011), and extended length of hospital stay (RR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.00-1.14]; P = .036).

Conclusion:

Although the rate of short-term complications after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is low, incremental increases in operative time are associated with an increased risk of adverse events such as surgical site infection, pulmonary embolism, transfusion, and extended length of hospital stay. Efforts should be made to maximize surgical efficiency in the operating room through optimal coordination of the staff or increased preoperative planning.

Operative Time as an Independent and Modifiable Risk Factor for Short-Term Complications After Knee Arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To determine whether operative time is an independent risk factor for 30-day complications after arthroscopic surgical procedures on the knee.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried between 2005 and 2016 for all arthroscopic knee procedures including lateral release, loose body removal, synovectomy, chondroplasty, microfracture, and meniscectomy. Cases with concomitant procedures were excluded. Correlations between operative time and adverse events were controlled for variables such as age, sex, body mass index, patient comorbidities, and procedure using a multivariate Poisson regression with robust error variance.

RESULTS

A total of 78,864 procedures met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 51.0 ± 14.3 years; mean operative time, 31.2 ± 18.1 minutes; and mean body mass index, 31.0 ± 7.8. Arthroscopic lateral release (coefficient, 5.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8-6.8; P < .001), removal of loose bodies (coefficient, 4.2; 95% CI, 3.2-5.3; P < .001), synovectomy (coefficient, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3; P < .001), and microfracture (coefficient, 6.5; 95% CI, 5.8-7.2; P < .001) had significantly greater durations of surgery in comparison with meniscectomy. The overall rate of adverse events was 1.24%. After we adjusted for demographic characteristics and the procedure, a 15-minute increase in operative duration was associated with an increased risk of transfusion (relative risk [RR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8; P < .001), death (RR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.1; P = .005), dehiscence (RR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2; P = .002), surgical-site infection (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.3; P = .001), sepsis (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.4; P < .001), readmission (RR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2; P < .001), and extended length of stay (RR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3-1.4; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Marginal increases in operative time are associated with an increased risk of adverse events such as surgical-site infection, sepsis, extended length of stay, and readmission. Efforts should be made to maximize surgical efficiency.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective database study.

The Association of Perioperative Glycemic Control With Adverse Outcomes Within 6 Months After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

PURPOSE

To determine the association between glycemic control and adverse events after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR).

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who underwent arthroscopic RCR and had a hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level determined within 3 months before or after surgery were identified in a national database and stratified by HbA_1c level. The incidence of postoperative infection within 6 months was determined using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine whether a threshold HbA_1c level existed above which the risk of infection, revision rotator cuff surgery, and lysis of adhesions (LOA)-manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) after arthroscopic RCR was significantly increased. This threshold was then tested using a logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 3,740 patients with an infection rate ranging from a low of 0.29% to a high of 1.14% after RCR. The inflection point of the ROC curve for infection corresponded to an HbA_1c level between 7.0 and 8.0 mg/dL (P = .035; area under the curve, 0.648; specificity, 61%; sensitivity, 59%). We then used 8.0 mg/dL as a threshold to test for adverse outcomes. We found a significant difference in infection rates for patients with levels below versus above the threshold (0.30% vs 0.84%; OR, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.4; P = .014) but no difference in revision rates (P = .240) or LOA-MUA (P = .650) in patients with levels above versus below the threshold.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of infection after RCR in patients with diabetes mellitus increases as the perioperative HbA_1c level increases and, although statistically significant, remains low. ROC curve analysis determined that a perioperative HbA_1c level above 8.0 mg/dL could serve as a threshold level; however, the area under the curve and low sensitivity reflected the poor utility of this test as an independent predictor. This study did not find an association between increased perioperative HbA_1c levels and rates of revision rotator cuff surgery or LOA-MUA after RCR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Insulin Dependence Is Associated With Increased Medical Complications and Mortality After Shoulder Arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To compare complications after shoulder arthroscopy in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and nondiabetic patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for the years 2005 to 2016 was conducted. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relation between diabetic status (nondiabetic patients, n = 50,626; NIDDM patients, n = 5,332; and IDDM patients, n = 2,484) and outcomes. Multivariate models were established to adjust for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking status, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and functional status.

RESULTS

Patients with IDDM were at a higher risk of medical complications, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.524 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.082-2.147), including pulmonary complications (AOR, 2.078; 95% CI, 1.089-3.964) and urinary tract infections (AOR, 2.129; 95% CI, 1.027-4.415). Patients with IDDM also had a higher risk of 30-day hospital admission (AOR, 1.581; 95% CI, 1.153-2.169) and 30-day mortality (AOR, 3.821; 95% CI, 1.243-11.750). Conversely, patients with NIDDM had comparable risks of medical and surgical complications, unplanned hospital admission, and death to nondiabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical complications, 30-day hospital admission, and death after shoulder arthroscopy were more likely in patients with IDDM. These risks diminished among patients with NIDDM, with their risks being comparable with those of nondiabetic patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparison study.

Open Biceps Tenodesis Associated With Slightly Greater Rate of 30-Day Complications Than Arthroscopic: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the early complication risk associated with open biceps tenodesis (OBT) and arthroscopic biceps tenodesis (ABT) and determine which preoperative factors may influence complication rate.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was retrospectively queried from 2008 to 2016 for all procedures with CPT codes for ABT (29828) and OBT (23430). Patients were excluded if they received concomitant rotator cuff repair or shoulder arthroplasty. Patients undergoing OBT and ABT were matched by propensity scores based on age, body mass index, operative time, proportion of smokers, and proportion of concomitant subacromial decompression, distal clavicle excision, SLAP, and debridement. The incidence of adverse events in the 30-day postoperative period was compared.

RESULTS

A total of 8,032 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Prior to propensity match, patients receiving OBT and ABT, respectively, differed with respect to age (49.4 ± 13.8 vs 51.4 ± 13.2; P < .001), body mass index (29.6 ± 6.8 vs 29.9 ± 7.0; P = .029), and operative time (91.2 ± 51.3 vs 85.3 ± 43.4; P < .001). Following propensity match, 6,330 remained in the study (3,165 ABT and 3,165 OBT). OBT had significantly greater incidence of any adverse events (1.58% vs 0.95%; P = .032) and anemia requiring transfusion (0.35% vs 0%; P = .001). Multivariate analysis suggested that OBT (relative risk [RR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.7; P = .020), old age (RR = 1.6, 95% CI, 1.0-2.5), history of dyspnea (RR = 3.8, 95% CI, 1.8-7.7; P < .001), and congestive heart failure (RR = 5.5, 95% CI, 1.3-22.7; P = .019) were associated with developing a postoperative adverse event within 30 days of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Both procedures were found to have a low rate of complications, although OBT had a slightly greater (1.58% vs 0.95%) rate of 30-day complications than ABT. Early complication rate should not serve as impetus to direct surgical technique as number needed to treat is high, although ABT may be considered in more high-risk individuals.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative database study.

Effect of Operative Time on Short-Term Adverse Events After Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background:

A longer operative time has been previously recognized as a risk factor for short-term complications after various orthopaedic procedures; however, it has yet to be investigated as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Purpose:

To identify whether a longer operative time in ACL reconstruction is an independent risk factor for the development of postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, or an extended length of stay within 30 days of the index procedure.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction between 2005 and 2016 were identified using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Cases with concomitant procedures were excluded from the analysis. We evaluated the association between operative time and preoperative variables such as patient age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, and procedure. Correlations between adverse events and operative time, while controlling for the above preoperative variables, were calculated using multivariate Poisson regression with robust error variance.

Results:

A total of 14,159 procedures were included in this investigation. The mean patient age was 32.6 ± 10.8 years, the mean body mass index was 27.7 ± 6.5 kg/m², and the mean operative time was 89.7 ± 28.6 minutes. Patients who were between the ages of 18 and 30 years (mean operative time, 95.1 ± 27.8 minutes; relative risk [RR], 17.7; P < .001), male (mean operative time, 91.9 ± 28.3 minutes; RR, 4.7; P < .001), and nondiabetic (mean operative time, 89.8 ± 28.6 minutes; RR, 7.1; P = .011) were associated with a longer operative duration. The overall complication rate was 1.1%. After adjusting for demographic characteristics and procedures, 15-minute incremental increases in operative duration were associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (RR, 1.12; P = .042), surgical site infections (RR, 1.21; P = .001), and sepsis (RR, 1.66; P < .001) as well as increased readmission rates (RR, 1.23; P = .001) and an extended length of stay (RR, 1.18; P = .008).

Conclusion:

While the overall adverse risk rate after ACL reconstruction remains low, marginal increases in operative time are associated with an increased risk of adverse events such as deep vein thrombosis, surgical site infections, sepsis, an extended length of stay, and readmissions. Thus, the operating physician and surgical staff should make all efforts to coordinate and prepare for each case to maximize surgical efficiency.

Short-term Complications After Revision Hip Arthroplasty for Prosthetic Joint Infection Are Increased Relative to Noninfectious Revisions

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with significant morbidity and cost. The purpose of this study was to determine how rates of perioperative complications, operative duration, and postoperative length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing revision THA for PJI compare to primary THA and to revision THA for non-PJI.

METHODS

We used the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry from 2005 to 2015 to identify all patients who underwent primary and revision THA. Patients were placed into cohorts based on the surgical procedure and by indication, including (1) primary THA, (2) revision THA for PJI, and (3) revision THA for non-PJI. Differences in 30-day postoperative medical complications, hospital readmissions, operative duration, and LOS were compared using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

One lakh fourteen thousand five hundred five THA patients were identified, with 102,460 (89.5%) patients undergoing a primary THA and 12,045 (10.5%) undergoing a revision procedure. Of the 12,045 revision procedures, 10,777 (89.5%) were for non-PJI indications and 1268 (10.5%) were for PJI. Relative to primary THA, patients undergoing revision THA for PJI had an increased rate of total complications (odds ratio [OR] 3.96), sepsis (OR 13.15), deep surgical site infections (SSIs, OR 8.58), superficial SSI (OR 2.14, P = .002), nonhome discharge (OR 1.85), readmissions (OR 2.46), LOS (+3.0 days), and operative duration (+61 minutes). Compared with non-PJI revisions, PJI revisions had an increased rate of total complications (OR 2.42), sepsis (OR 5.51), deep SSI (OR 2.12), nonhome discharge (OR 1.47), and LOS (+1.8 days).

CONCLUSION

Revision THA for PJI is associated with increased postoperative complications, nonhome discharge, and LOS relative to non-PJI revision THA. Separate care pathways and reimbursement bundles should be considered for patients with PJI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Identifiable risk factors for thirty-day complications following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

OBJECTIVES

Shoulder arthroscopy has increased in frequency over the past decade, with rotator cuff repair comprising the majority of cases performed. Prior studies have detailed risk factors for 30-day complications and readmission rates after arthroscopic shoulder surgery using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, but no study has specifically looked at arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the risk factors for 30-day complications following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using the NSQIP database.

METHODS

The NSQIP database was queried for all patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from 2006-2015. Demographics and thirty-day outcomes for these patients were analyzed using univariate analyses and multivariate regression analysis to determine the risk factors for complications.

RESULTS

21,143 patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, with 147 patients (0.70%) having a complication within 30-days. Univariate analysis found age >65 (p = 0.0028), male gender (p = 0.0053), elevated BMI (p = 0.0054), ASA class >2 (p < 0.0001), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p < 0.0001), hypertension (p < 0.0002), dyspnea (p < 0.0001), steroid use (p = 0.0350), and operative time >90 min (p = 0.0316) to be associated with increased risk of complications. Multivariate analysis found female sex to be protective or complication (OR 0.56, p = 0.0017), while American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class >2 (OR 1.51, p = 0.0335) and history of COPD (OR 2.41, p = 0.0030) and dyspnea (OR 1.89, p = 0.0359) to be risk factors for complication. The most common complication is venothromboembolic events, accounting for 36.7% of all complications.

CONCLUSION

Male sex, ASA class > 2, and history of COPD and dyspnea were independent risk factors for thirty-day complications following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Editorial Commentary: Slow and Steady or Quick and Slick: What Really Wins the Race Between Operative Time and Shoulder Surgery Complications?

Studies have shown in many disciplines that longer operative times are correlated with increased complications. Recent research has shown that increased shoulder arthroscopy procedure time is associated with adverse short-term outcomes, especially infections and overnight hospital stay. This may be because longer operating time is a proxy for surgical difficulty or complexity, but it may be that operative time is itself a causative factor. Further study is warranted to see if reducing operative times may not only reduce costs but also improve quality, improving value in both the numerator and denominator.