Inpatient Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Is Associated With Higher Postoperative Complications Compared With Same-Day Discharge: A Matched Cohort Analysis

Online Videos Regarding Relevant Postoperative Patient Information and Postoperative Rehabilitation After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Provide Poor Information Quality, Accuracy, and Reliability

PURPOSE

To evaluate the information quality, accuracy, and reliability of YouTube videos regarding relevant postoperative patient information and postoperative rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

By use of The Onion Router (TOR) software and predefined search terms, 102 videos were assessed. Four scoring systems were used to evaluate included videos: (1) Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria score; (2) Global Quality Score (GQS); (3) DISCERN score; and (4) a newly developed score, the Rotator Cuff Score (RCS). The RCS (0-30 points) was built based on the latest published evidence and guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Videos that scored up to 9 points were regarded as poor-quality videos.

RESULTS

Most of the included videos provided poor information quality, accuracy, and reliability. Videos that were uploaded by medically trained professionals showed significantly better results for all scores compared with commercial or personal-testimony videos (JAMA benchmark criteria score, P < .001; GQS, P < .001; DISCERN score, P = .001; and RCS, P = .001). Multivariate linear regression showed that the involvement of medically trained professionals was a significant predictor of better results for all scores (JAMA benchmark criteria score, β = 1.496 [P < .001]; GQS, β = 1.105 [P < .001]; DISCERN score, β = 11.234 [P < .001]; and RCS, β = 5.017 [P < .001]). Surprisingly, the like ratio was significantly higher for videos that were uploaded by non-medically trained individuals (P = .041).

CONCLUSIONS

The average information quality, accuracy, and reliability of YouTube videos regarding relevant postoperative patient information and postoperative rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are poor. Videos from medically trained professionals provide significantly higher information quality; however, even these videos lack important information for a better understanding of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Because of the lack of a peer-review process, available videos on YouTube regarding relevant postoperative patient information and postoperative rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are of low quality, accuracy, and reliability. However, patients increasingly visit YouTube to gather medical knowledge. Physicians should enlighten patients about these findings and should be able to provide alternative sources of high-quality information.

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.

What are patients asking and reading online? An analysis of online patient searches for rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing rotator cuff surgery often search the internet for information regarding the procedure. One popular source, Google, compiles frequently asked questions and links to websites that may provide answers. This study provides an analysis of the most frequently searched questions associated with rotator cuff surgery. We hypothesize that there will be distinct search patterns associated with online queries about rotator cuff surgery that could provide unique insights into patient concerns.

METHODS

A set of search terms were entered into Google Web Search using a clean-install Google Chrome browser. Frequently associated questions and their webpages were extracted to a database via a data mining extension. Questions were categorized by topics relevant for rotator cuff arthroscopy. Websites were categorized by source and scored for quality using the JAMA Benchmark Criteria. Pearson's χ2 tests were used to analyze nominal data. Student t tests were performed to compare JAMA Benchmark Scores.

RESULTS

Of the 595 questions generated from the initial search, 372 unique questions associated with 293 websites were extracted and categorized. The most popular question topics were activities/restrictions (20.7%), pain (18.8%), and indications/management (13.2%). The 2 most common websites searched were academic (35.2%) and medical practice (27.4%). Commercial websites were significantly more likely to be associated with questions about cost (57.1% of all cost questions, P = .01), anatomy/function (62.5%, P = .001), and evaluation of surgery (47.6%, P < .001). Academic websites were more likely to be associated with questions about technical details of surgery (58.1%, P < .001). Medical practice and social media websites were more likely associated with activities/restrictions (48.1%, P < .001, and 15.6%, P < .001, respectively). Government websites were more likely associated with timeline of recovery (12.8%, P = .01). On a scale of 0-4, commercial and academic websites had the highest JAMA scores (3.06 and 2.39, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients seeking information regarding rotator cuff repair primarily use the Google search engine to ask questions regarding postoperative activity and restrictions, followed by pain, indications, and management. Academic websites, which were associated with technical details of surgery, and medical practice websites, which were associated with activities/restrictions, were the 2 most commonly searched resources. These results emphasize the need for orthopedic surgeons to provide detailed and informative instructions to patients undergoing rotator cuff repair, especially in the postoperative setting.

Obesity negatively affects outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at four-year follow-up

Introduction

The purpose is to evaluate the influence of obesity (BMI 30 to 39.9 kg/m2) on surgical outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was performed examining the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in both a normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2) and an obese (BMI 30 to 39.9 kg/m2) patient population, specifically looking at functional outcomes and range of motion. Secondary variables analyzed were surgical time, complications, and medical comorbidities.

Results

52 normal weight patients (mean BMI 23.7 ± 2.1) and 59 obese patients (mean BMI 34.0 ± 2.4) were included. Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in VAS, SANE and ASES scores (P < 0.0001), however there were significantly better outcomes in the normal weight group in VAS (0.56 ± 0.96 vs 1.42 ± 2.22; P = 0.0108), ASES (96.1 ± 5.8 vs 90.6 ± 15.6; P = 0.0192), and internal rotation (9.2 ± 3.0 vs 10.9 ± 2.3; P = 0.0010). Additionally, the obese cohort had more complications, longer surgical times, and a greater comorbid background.

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with significantly more comorbid conditions, surgical complications, longer surgical time, and worse patient reported outcomes than normal weight patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Alcohol Abuse, Morbid Obesity, Depression, Congestive Heart Failure, and Chronic Pulmonary Disease are Risk Factors for 90-Day Readmission After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to report the rate and causes of 90-day readmissions after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Methods

A retrospective query from January 2005 to March 2014 was performed using a nationwide administrative claims registry. Patients and complications were identified using International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) and were readmitted within 90 days after their index procedure were identified. Patients not readmitted represented controls. Patients readmitted were stratified into separate cohorts depending on the primary cause of readmission, which included cardiac, endocrine, hematological, infectious, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal (MSK), neoplastic, neurological or psychiatric, pulmonary, and renal. Risk factors assessed were comorbidities comprising the Elixhauser-Comorbidity Index (ECI). Primary outcomes analyzed and compared included cause for readmission, patient demographics, risk factors, in-hospital length of stay (LOS), and costs. Pearson’s chi-square was used to compare patient demographics, and multivariate binomial logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) on patient-related risk factors for 90-day readmissions.

Results

10,425 readmitted patients and 301,625 control patients were identified, representing a 90-day readmission rate of 3.5%. The causes of readmissions were primarily related to infectious diseases (15%), MSK (15%), and cardiac (14%) complications. The most common MSK readmissions were osteoarthrosis of the leg or shoulder (24.8%) and spinal spondylosis (8.4%). Multivariate binomial logistic regression analyses demonstrated patients with alcohol abuse (OR, 1.42; P < .0001), morbid obesity (OR, 1.38; P < .0001), depression (OR, 1.35; P < .0001), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.34; P < 0.0001), and chronic pulmonary disease (OR, 1.28; P < .0001) were at the greatest risk of readmissions after RCR.

Conclusions

Significant differences exist among patients readmitted, and those patients who do not require hospital readmission within 90 days following arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. Readmissions are associated with significant patient comorbidities and were primarily related to medically based complications.

Level of Evidence

Level III, prognostic, retrospective cohort study.

Increased Readmission Rates but No Difference in Complication Rates in Patients Undergoing Inpatient Versus Outpatient Hip Arthroscopy: A Large Matched-Cohort Insurance Database Analysis

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

Trends in rotator cuff repair rates and comorbidity burden among commercially insured patients younger than the age of 65 years, United States 2007-2016

Background

Prior US studies have shown increasing rotator cuff repair rates through 2009. We hypothesize that rotator cuff repair rates are continuing to increase and the comorbidity profiles of patients are becoming more complex over time.

Methods

We identified rotator cuff repairs in a large US cohort of people 18-64 years of age with ≥1 year of commercial insurance coverage. Repair rate trends across time were standardized by age, sex, and geographic region. Procedures were categorized as inpatient vs. outpatient and as arthroscopic vs. open. Prevalent comorbidities were defined as 1 inpatient diagnosis claim or 2 outpatient diagnosis claims during the year before rotator cuff repair. General population comorbidity prevalence was determined based on a random 5% sample of the commercially insured population and compared with patients with rotator cuff repair using standardized morbidity ratios.

Results

From 2007 to 2016, 314,239 rotator cuff repairs were identified (165 repairs per 100,000 person-years). Rotator cuff repairs were performed more frequently in men, older people, and in the Midwest. Across time, cuff repair rates increased by 1.6% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] = +1.4%-1.7%) adjusting for demographics. The highest increases in repair rates were observed among patients aged 50-64 years (+2.0%, 95% CI = +1.8%-2.2%). Rotator cuff repairs were more frequently performed using an arthroscopic approach and in an outpatient setting in later calendar years. In 2016, 83% of rotator cuff repairs were arthroscopic procedures and 99% were performed as outpatient procedures. Comorbidity prevalence in rotator cuff repair patients increased across calendar time by 4.5% per year for hypertension (95% CI = +4.2%-4.7%), 2.3% per year for diabetes (+1.9%-2.7%), 0.9% per year for hypercholesterolemia (+0.3%-1.5%), 2.9% for congestive heart failure (+0.8%-4.9%), 4.2% for peripheral vascular disease (+2.4%-6.0%), and 4.2% for chronic pulmonary disease (+3.6%-4.8%). Comorbidity prevalence in repair patients was higher than prevalence in the general population, and prevalence relative to the general population was most heightened during later calendar years. For example, hypertension prevalence was 1.58 times higher in repair patients than the general population in 2007 (95% CI = 1.53-1.62), and 2.06 times higher in 2016 (95% CI = 2.02-2.11).

Conclusion

Rotator cuff repair is becoming more frequent in the US commercially insured population, particularly in those 50-64 years of age. More rotator cuff repairs are being performed using an arthroscopic approach and in an outpatient setting. Over time, the comorbidity profile of patients undergoing rotator cuff repair is becoming more complex with greater prevalence of numerous conditions, including hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic pulmonary disease.

Increased Prevalence and Associated Costs of Psychiatric Comorbidities in Patients Undergoing Sports Medicine Operative Procedures

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence of preoperatively diagnosed psychiatric comorbidities and the impact of these comorbidities on the healthcare costs of ten common orthopaedic sports medicine procedures.

METHODS

Patients undergoing 10 common sports medicine procedures from 2007 to 2017q1 were identified using the Humana claims database. These procedures included anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; medial collateral ligament repair/reconstruction; Achilles repair/reconstruction; Rotator cuff repair; meniscectomy/meniscus repair; hip arthroscopy; arthroscopic shoulder labral repair; patellofemoral instability procedures; and shoulder instability repair. Patients were stratified by preoperative diagnoses of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Cohorts included patients with ≥1 psychiatric comorbidity (psychiatric) versus those without psychiatric comorbidities (no psychiatric). Differences in costs across groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests, with significance defined as P < .05. Linear regression analysis was used to assess rates of procedures per year from 2006 to 2016.

RESULTS

In total, 226,402 patients (57.7% male) from 2007 to 2017q1 were assessed. The prevalence of ≥1 psychiatric comorbidity within the entire database was 10.31% (reference) versus 21.21% in those patients undergoing the 10 investigated procedures. Patients with psychiatric comorbidity most frequently underwent rotator cuff repair (28%), hip labral repair (26.3%) and meniscectomy/meniscus repair (25.0%%) had ≥1 psychiatric comorbidity. Compared with the no psychiatric cohort, diagnosis of ≥1 psychiatric comorbidity was associated with increased health care costs for all 10 sports medicine procedures ($9678.81 vs $6436.20, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of preoperatively diagnosed psychiatric comorbidities among patients undergoing orthopaedic sports medicine procedures is high. The presence of psychiatric comorbidities preoperatively was associated with increased postoperative costs following all investigated orthopaedic sports medicine procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III; retrospective comparative study.