Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in shoulder surgery: a break-even cost-effectiveness study

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication following orthopedic shoulder surgery; however, research is limited involving the break-even cost-effectiveness of VTE prophylaxis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the cost of aspirin and enoxaparin would break even for VTE prevention in patients following shoulder surgery.

METHODS

A drug retail database was used to obtain the lowest price for a course of aspirin (81 mg) and enoxaparin (40 mg) to perform a break-even cost analysis. Our institutional purchasing records were then searched to estimate the cost of treating a symptomatic VTE. The TriNetX national database was queried to establish a rate of VTE after shoulder surgery. A break-even cost analysis was performed by determining the absolute risk reduction (ARR). This value was used to calculate the number of patients who are treated to prevent a single VTE while breaking even on cost. Sensitivity analyses were performed for drugs that did not break even at the database-derived VTE rates.

RESULTS

Full medication courses of aspirin and enoxaparin were found to cost $1.18 and $125.37, respectively. The cost of treating a symptomatic VTE was determined to be $9407.00. Data from the TriNetX database showed rates of symptomatic VTE following shoulder arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of 1.60%, 1.50%, and 0.68%, respectively. Aspirin broke even on cost for all procedures if the initial rate decreased by an ARR of 0.01% (number needed to treat, 7972). Similarly, enoxaparin broke even for shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty if the initial rate of VTE decreased by an ARR of 1.33% (number needed to treat, 75). Enoxaparin did not break even at the initial VTE rate for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair; however, sensitivity analysis found enoxaparin would break even if the drug could be obtained at a cost of ≤$60.00. Enoxaparin broke even if the cost of treating a symptomatic VTE was ≥$20,000.00.

CONCLUSIONS

The cost of a 3-week course of twice-daily aspirin or once-daily enoxaparin breaks even for VTE prophylaxis following shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty if these drugs reduce the VTE rate by a calculated ARR. Given the lower rate of VTE observed for patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, only the 3-week course of aspirin broke even under these conditions. Once-daily enoxaparin did not break even at current market rate. Further research is needed to help determine optimal VTE prophylaxis after shoulder surgery.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Increased Emergency Department Services and Similar Rates of Opioid Prescriptions Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Propensity Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of literature regarding patients who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of postoperative complications, prescriptions, health care utilization, and revision arthroplasty of patients who had PTSD undergoing primary THA against a propensity matched control group of patients who did not have PTSD (NPTSD).

METHODS

The TriNetX database was queried to identify PTSD patients undergoing primary THA. Patients were then propensity matched in a 1:1 ratio based on twelve preoperative characteristics to a cohort of NPTSD patients. Postoperative prescriptions and rates of health care utilization were analyzed within 5 days, 14 days, and 1 month postoperatively. Complications were analyzed within one month. Revision arthroplasty rates were analyzed within 1 year and 2 years.

RESULTS

A total of 198,560 patients undergoing primary THA were identified. Ultimately, 1,310 PTSD patients were successfully propensity matched to a cohort of 1,310 NPTSD patients. Patients who have PTSD presented to the emergency department at significantly higher rates than NPTSD patients within 14 days and 1 month postoperatively. Within 1 month postoperatively, cohorts were prescribed opioid analgesics at similar rates (P = .709). Patients who had PTSD received more prescriptions per patient compared to NPTSD patients. Patients who had PTSD were also found to have a higher number of total complications per person within 1 month (P = .022). Within 2 years postoperatively, rates of revision hip arthroplasty were comparable between cohorts (P = .912).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who have PTSD experience similar rates of revision hip arthroplasty and opioid prescribing compared to NPTSD patients following primary THA; however, within 1 month postoperatively, emergency department visits were greater in PTSD patients. These findings can help delineate early postoperative education and expectations for patients who have PTSD in contrast to other psychiatric diagnoses.

ChatGPT Provides Unsatisfactory Responses to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE

To determine whether the free online artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT could accurately, adequately, and appropriately answer questions regarding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery.

METHODS

A list of 10 questions about ACL surgery was created based on a review of frequently asked questions that appeared on websites of various orthopaedic institutions. Each question was separately entered into ChatGPT (version 3.5), and responses were recorded, scored, and graded independently by 3 authors. The reading level of the ChatGPT response was calculated using the WordCalc software package, and readability was assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid grade level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook index, Coleman-Liau index, Gunning fog index, and automated readability index.

RESULTS

Of the 10 frequently asked questions entered into ChatGPT, 6 were deemed as unsatisfactory and requiring substantial clarification; 1, as adequate and requiring moderate clarification; 1, as adequate and requiring minor clarification; and 2, as satisfactory and requiring minimal clarification. The mean DISCERN score was 41 (inter-rater reliability, 0.721), indicating the responses to the questions were average. According to the readability assessments, a full understanding of the ChatGPT responses required 13.4 years of education, which corresponds to the reading level of a college sophomore.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the ChatGPT-generated responses were outdated and failed to provide an adequate foundation for patients' understanding regarding their injury and treatment options. The reading level required to understand the responses was too advanced for some patients, leading to potential misunderstanding and misinterpretation of information. ChatGPT lacks the ability to differentiate and prioritize information that is presented to patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Recognizing the shortcomings in artificial intelligence platforms may equip surgeons to better set expectations and provide support for patients considering and preparing for ACL reconstruction.

Association of Systemic Hormonal Contraceptives With Reconstruction Procedures for Patellar Instability

Background

Previous research suggests that estrogen plays a role in increased ligamentous laxity observed within the female population. Whereas many studies have sought to evaluate the impact of exogenous estrogen on anterior cruciate ligament injuries, research has not yet explored its impact on the medial patellofemoral ligament. Furthermore, less is known about the role of exogenous progesterone on ligamentous structures.

Purpose

To determine whether women prescribed systemic estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) or progesterone (norgestimate or etonogestrel) hormonal contraceptives had an increased risk of undergoing reconstruction surgery for patellar instability compared with women without a prescription for systemic hormonal contraceptives.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The TriNetX Research Network database was queried using International Classification of Disease and Common Procedural Terminology codes for women aged 15 to 26 years who underwent reconstruction procedures for patellar instability between 2012 and 2022. Women were grouped according to whether they had a coded prescription for a systemic hormonal contraceptive containing either ethinyl estradiol or etonogestrel; controls were matched by age, sex, race, and ethnicity. The relative risk (RR) of undergoing reconstruction for patellar instability was determined for each contraceptive.

Results

After 1-to-1 propensity score matching, 0.054% (525/980,878) of women prescribed a systemic contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol underwent reconstruction procedures for patellar instability compared with 0.043% (417/980,878) of controls (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4; P = .0004). Likewise, 0.058% (67/116,260) of women prescribed a form of systemic contraceptive containing only etonogestrel underwent reconstruction procedures for patellar instability compared with 0.026% (30/116,260) of controls (RR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.5-3.4; P = .0002).

Conclusion

Female patients prescribed systemic contraceptives containing estrogen or progesterone had an increased rate of reconstruction procedures for patellar instability.

Use of Thromboprophylaxis after Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Cost-Effective Break-Even Analysis

PURPOSE

Post-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major source of morbidity and mortality. The use of thromboprophylaxis amongst surgeons is not well studied in autologous breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of VTE in breast cancer patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction and to compare the cost-effectiveness of postoperative chemoprophylactic agents.

METHODS

The TriNetX LLC. National Health Research Network database was used to identify patients with breast cancer who underwent autologous breast reconstruction surgery between 2002-2022. The incidence of occurrence of VTE within the first 30 days of surgery was calculated. Then a break-even analysis was performed to determine the break-even rate of VTE at which the chemoprophylactic agent would be cost effective.

RESULTS

A cohort of 8,221 patients was identified in this study. The rate of VTE was significantly higher in those without anticoagulation (4.0%) compared to those who received anticoagulation (2.6%) (*p=0.0008). The break-even analysis for heparin and enoxaparin's cost-effectiveness yielded ARRs of 0.73% and 1.63% for high risk patients requiring 30 days of therapy and 0.20% and 0.43% for moderate risk patients requiring 7 days of therapy, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The use of thromboprophylaxis significantly lowered the risk of VTE within 30 days after autologous breast reconstruction. Heparin appeared to be more cost-effective at preventing VTE compared to enoxaparin for both high and moderate risk patients. The presented model holds potential for other institution-specific variables that can be easily applied by plastic surgeons to determine the cost-effectiveness of any therapy of their choice.

Factors Associated With Amputation Following Ankle Fracture Surgery

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at increased risk of complications following ankle fracture surgery. Previous research suggests that patients of low socioeconomic status are at increased risk of amputation following orthopedic complications. The purpose of this research was to determine if low socioeconomic status increases risk of below-knee amputation (BKA) following ankle fractures among patients with DM. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried from 2010 to 2014 to identify 125 diabetic patients who underwent ankle fracture surgical fixation followed by BKA. Two cohorts (BKA vs no BKA) and a multivariate logistic regression model were created to compare the effects of independent variables, including age, sex, race, primary payer, median household income by ZIP code, hospital location/teaching status, and comorbidities. The most predictive variables for BKA were concomitant peripheral vascular disease (odds ratio [OR] 5.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.51-8.15), history of chronic diabetes-related medical complications (OR 3.29, CI 2.16-5.01), age in the youngest quartile (OR 2.54, CI 1.38-4.67), and male sex (OR 2.28, CI 1.54-3.36). Patient race and median household income were not significantly associated with BKA; however, risk of BKA was greater among patients with Medicaid (OR 2.23, CI 1.09-4.53) or Medicare (OR 1.85, CI 1.03-3.32) compared to privately insured patients. Diabetic inpatients with Medicaid insurance are at over twice the odds of BKA compared to privately insured patients following ankle fracture. Furthermore, peripheral vascular diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, younger age, and male sex each independently increase risk of BKA.

Vancomycin Powder Is Highly Cost-Effective in Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a costly and potentially fatal complication in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Some surgeons apply topical vancomycin powder to minimize the risk of infection during TAA procedures. The purpose of our study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of using vancomycin powder to prevent PJI following TAA and to propose an economic model that can be applied by foot and ankle surgeons in their decision to incorporate vancomycin powder in practice. Using our institution's records of the cost of 1 g of topical vancomycin powder, we performed a break-even analysis and calculated the absolute risk reduction and number needed to treat for varying costs of vancomycin powder, PJI infection rates, and costs of TAA revision. Costing $3.06 per gram at our institution, vancomycin powder was determined to be cost-effective in TAA if the PJI rate of 3% decreased by an absolute risk reduction of 0.02% (Number Needed to Treat = 5304). Furthermore, our results indicate that vancomycin powder can be highly cost-effective across a wide range of costs, PJI infection rates, and varying costs of TAA revision. The use of vancomycin powder remained cost-effective even when (1) the price of vancomycin powder was as low as $2.50 to as high as $100.00, (2) infection rates ranged from .05 to 3%, and (3) the cost of the TAA revision procedure ranged from $1000 to $10 000.Levels of Evidence: IV.

Improving Randomized-Controlled Trials in Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics: The Need to Include Sociodemographic Patient Data

BACKGROUND

The representation of sociodemographic data within randomized-controlled trials (RCT) regarding foot and ankle surgery is undefined. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of sociodemographic data being reported in contemporary foot and ankle RCTs.

METHODS

Randomized-controlled trials within the PubMed database from 2016 to 2021 were searched and the full text of 40 articles was reviewed to identify sociodemographic variables reported in the manuscript. Data regarding race, ethnicity, insurance status, income, work status, and education were collected.

RESULTS

Race was reported in the results in 4 studies (10.0%), ethnicity in 1 (2.5%), insurance status in 0 (0%), income in 1 (2.5%), work status in 3 (7.5%) and education in 2 (5.0%). In any section other than the results, race was reported in 6 studies (15.0%), ethnicity in 1 (2.5%), insurance status in 3 (7.5%), income in 6 (15.0%), work status in 6 (15.0%), and education in 3 (7.5%). There was no difference in sociodemographic data by journal (P = .212), year of publication (P = .216), or outcome study (P = .604).

CONCLUSION

The overall rate of sociodemographic data reported in foot and ankle RCTs is low. There was no difference in the reporting of sociodemographic data between journal, year of publication, or outcome study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Venous Thromboembolism Chemoprophylaxis in Knee Arthroscopy: A Break-Even Analysis of Cost

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious and costly complication after knee arthroscopy. There continues to be debate regarding the use of VTE prophylaxis after knee arthroscopy, and minimal research has explored its cost-effectiveness.

HYPOTHESIS

Both aspirin and enoxaparin would be cost-effective in preventing symptomatic VTE.

STUDY DESIGN

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

The literature was searched and the TriNetX research database was queried to determine a range of initial rates of VTE. An open-access retail database was used to determine the mean retail price for aspirin (325 mg) and enoxaparin (30 mg and 40 mg). Our institutional records were used to determine the cost of treating VTE. A "break-even" analysis was then performed to determine the absolute risk reduction necessary to make these drugs cost-effective. This value was then used to calculate the number of patients who would need to be treated (NNT) to prevent a single VTE while still breaking even on cost.

RESULTS

The cost of treating VTE was $9407 (US Dollars). Aspirin (325 mg), enoxaparin (30 mg), and enoxaparin (40 mg) were found to cost $1.86, $188.72, and $99.99, respectively. The low, TriNetX, and high rates of VTE were 0.34%, 0.86%, and 10.9%, respectively. Aspirin was cost-effective at all 3 rates if the initial rate decreased by 0.02% (NNT = 5058). Both formulations of enoxaparin were cost-effective at the high initial rate if they decreased by 2.01% (NNT = 50) and 1.06% (NNT = 94), respectively. However, at the low and TriNetX rates, the 2 doses of enoxaparin were not cost-effective because their final break-even rate exceeded the initial VTE rate.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin and, in some cases, enoxaparin are cost-effective treatments for VTE prophylaxis after knee arthroscopy.

Venous Thromboembolism in Foot and Ankle Surgery: How Common is It?

Category:

Other; Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; Bunion; Sports

Introduction/Purpose:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a feared complication following orthopaedic surgery. The limited research exploring the rate of VTE following different types of foot and ankle surgery makes it difficult to establish clear guidelines for prescribing VTE prophylaxis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the rate of VTE in patients undergoing various types of foot and ankle procedures.

Methods:

A large online retrospective database that utilizes ICD and CTP codes was queried to determine the rate of VTE that occurred within 1-month of surgery in common foot and ankle procedures. Surgeries investigated included: Arthrodesis, Total Ankle Arthroplasty, Bunionectomy, Hammer Toe Correction, Watson-Jones, and Achilles repair. Only patients that did not receive postoperative anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents were included in the analysis. Demographic data was also collected.

Results:

From 2011 to 2022, 27,872 patients underwent Arthrodesis, 1,513 had a Total Ankle Arthroplasty, 31,808 had a Bunionectomy, 26,828 had Hammer Toe correction, 7,545 had a Watson-Jones procedure, and 8,770 had an Achilles repair. Of these procedures, Achilles repair had the highest rate of postoperative VTE (1.32%), followed by Watson-Jones (1.21%), Arthrodesis (0.89%), Ankle Arthroplasty (0.86%), Hammer Toe (0.76%) and Bunionectomy (0.65%). The overall rate of VTE in all procedures was found to be 0.84% (880/104,336).

Conclusion:

Venous thromboembolism is a serious complication following foot and ankle surgery. The unknown incidence of VTE in common foot and ankle surgeries may contribute to the lack of clear guidelines for prescribing VTE prophylaxis. This study helps to define rates of VTE in patients not receiving prophylaxis that underwent Arthrodesis, Ankle Arthroplasty, Bunionectomy, Hammer Toe, Watson-Jones, and Achilles repair. More studies are needed to help establish clear guidelines for foot and ankle surgeons to follow.

Can Sociodemographic Factors be Used to Help Predict Outcomes in Charcot Neuroarthropathy?

Category:

Diabetes; Other

Introduction/Purpose:

The diabetic Charcot foot, or Charcot neuroarthropathy, is a devastating condition that arises secondary to longstanding diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and trauma. One of the many challenges associated with the Charcot patient is the lack of data exploring factors that may predict long-term outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how certain sociodemographic factors may influence mortality and the need to undergo lower extremity amputation in patients with Charcot.

Methods:

Following institutional board approval, all patients from 2015-2021 with a diagnosis of Charcot Foot were queried using hospital electronic medical records. Demographics collected included sex, age, race, and insurance coverage. Outcomes recorded were the need to undergo major amputation and mortality rate. Statistical analysis was then run to determine if sex, age, race, and insurance coverage was associated with increased risk of needing a major amputation or death.

Results:

From 2015-2021, 80 Charcot patients with a mean age of 60 (Range, 84-32) were identified. Of these patients, 58 were male, 26 were female, 71 were white, 3 were African American, and 6 were identified as other. In our cohort, 47 patients had government funded insurance and 33 had private insurance. Amputation occurred in 22 patients and death in 15. Government funded insurance (RR: 9.8, 95% CI:1.4-71.1, P = 0.0236) and age over 65 was associated with an increased risk of death (RR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.02 to 6.17; P = 0.044). No statistically significant increased risk of death or amputation was found in white, African American, male, or female patients. Government insurance was also not associated with an increased risk for amputation (Table 1).

Conclusion:

Charcot Neuroarthropathy is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. In our cohort, there was an increased risk of mortality in patients with government funded insurance and patients over the age of 65. Further investigation exploring the role of sociodemographic factors is warranted.

Charcot Neuroarthropathy is Associated with Higher Rates of Phantom Limb after Major Amputation

Category:

Diabetes; Trauma

Introduction/Purpose:

Phantom limb is a complication associated with lower extremity amputation. However, its rate in patients with Charcot Neuroarthropathy that undergo major amputation is not well-described. Moreover, there is limited research exploring outcomes of patients with Charcot Neuroarthropathy that require amputation. Therefore, the purpose of this cohort study was to determine if patients with Charcot Neuroarthropathy that undergo major amputation had an increased rate of phantom limb compared to patients that underwent amputation without a coexisting diagnosis of Charcot.

Methods:

Using ICD and CPT codes, an online research database was used to identify patients that underwent a major lower extremity amputation. For the purposes of our study, we defined a major amputation as a below-knee amputation (BKA). Patients were then separated into two groups. Group A consisted of patients that underwent BKA and also had a coded diagnosis of Charcot Neuroarthropathy. Group B consisted of patients that underwent BKA and lacked a diagnosis of Charcot. Statistical analysis was then run to determine the relative risk of developing phantom limb in patients that underwent BKA with a diagnosis of Charcot Neuroarthropathy compared to those without the diagnosis. Demographic data of the cohort was also collected.

Results:

From 2012-2022, a total of 11,374 patients underwent a BKA. Of these patients, 804 also had a diagnosis of Charcot Neuroarthropathy (Group A) and 10,570 did not (Group B). The rate of phantom limb in Charcot patients was 23.1% (186/804). The rate of phantom limb in patients without Charcot Foot was 19.5% (2063/10570). Patients with Charcot Neuroarthropathy that underwent a BKA had an increased risk of developing phantom limb compared to patients that underwent a BKA without Charcot (RR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.039-1.352).

Conclusion:

Phantom limb is a serious complication following major amputation. Our results indicate that patients with a coexisting diagnosis of Charcot Neuroarthropathy that go on to require BKA may have an increased risk of developing phantom limb. Furthermore, our study adds to the limited research on outcomes of patients with Charcot Neuroarthropathy.

Cost-Effective Modeling of Thromboembolic Chemoprophylaxis for Total Ankle Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) can cause substantial morbidity and mortality. To prevent this complication, surgeons often prescribe postoperative chemoprophylaxis. However, much controversy exists regarding the efficacy of chemoprophylaxis because of the limited studies exploring its use. Furthermore, even less is known about its cost-effectiveness. Therefore, this study sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of commonly prescribed chemoprophylactic agents using a break-even analysis economic model.

METHODS

The literature was searched, and an online database was used to identify patients who developed a symptomatic VTE after undergoing TAA. Our institutional records were used to estimate the cost of treating a symptomatic VTE, and an online drug database was used to obtain the cost of commonly prescribed chemoprophylactic agents. A break-even analysis was then performed to determine the final break-even rate necessary to make a drug cost-effective.

RESULTS

The low and high rates of symptomatic VTE were determined to be 0.46% and 9.8%. From 2011 to 2021, a total of 3455 patients underwent total ankle arthroplasty. Of these patients, 16 developed a postoperative symptomatic VTE (1.01%). Aspirin 81 mg was cost-effective if the initial symptomatic VTE rates decreased by an absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 0.0003% (NNT = 31 357). Aspirin 325 mg was also cost-effective if the initial rates decreased by an ARR 0.02% (NNT = 5807). Likewise, warfarin (5 mg) was cost-effective at all initial rates with an ARR of 0.02% (NNT = 4480). In contrast, enoxaparin (40 mg) and rivaroxaban (20 mg) were only cost-effective at higher initial symptomatic VTE rates with ARRs of 1.48% (NNT = 68) and 5.36% (NNT = 19). Additional analyses demonstrated that enoxaparin (40 mg) and rivaroxaban (20 mg) become cost-effective when costs of treating a symptomatic VTE are higher than our estimates.

CONCLUSION

Chemoprophylaxis following TAA can be cost-effective. A tailored approach to VTE prophylaxis with cost-effectiveness in mind may be beneficial to the patient and health system.

Prophylaxis for the Prevention of PJI after TAA: Is It Economically Justifiable?

Category:

Ankle Arthritis; Ankle; Other

Introduction/Purpose:

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a costly and potentially fatal complication in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Some surgeons will use intraoperative vancomycin powder or copiously irrigate the surgical site with Povidone-iodine to prevent this outcome. Additionally, many surgeons will prescribe a short course of postoperative antibiotics. However, the efficacy of such prophylaxis continues to be debated, and little is known about the cost-effectiveness of these agents. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to perform a 'break-even' analysis to determine the number of cases that could be performed while only preventing a single PJI and still breaking even on cost.

Methods:

The literature was searched to determine the rate of PJI and the mean cost of total ankle replacement. The prices of topical vancomycin powder and Povidone-iodine were obtained from our institution's purchasing records. An online drug database was then used to determine the cost of a 14 day twice daily course of Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (800/160 mg), Cephalexin (500 mg), and Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate (875/125 mg). A break-even analysis was then performed to determine the absolute risk reduction (ARR) necessary to make a drug cost-effective. Using the ARR, we calculated the number of patients that would need to be treated with these agents to prevent a single PJI (NNT).

Results:

The price of intraoperative vancomycin powder was found to be $3.06 while povidone-iodine was found to cost $3.64. Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (800/160 mg), Cephalexin (500 mg), and Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate (875/125 mg) were determined to cost $3.00, $3.64, and $14.51, respectively. At the prices obtained Vancomycin Powder, Povidone-iodine, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, and Cephalexin were all cost-effective if the initial rate decreased by ARRs of 0.01%. Likewise, Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate was cost-effective if the initial rate decreased by an ARR of 0.03%. Additional analyses run found that all drugs-maintained cost-effectiveness even if the initial rate of PJI was as low as 0.1%.

Conclusion:

PJI following TAA is devastating and costly. Despite the ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of prophylactic measures to reduce the risk of PJI in TAA, limited is known about their cost-effectiveness. Our study demonstrates that intraoperative vancomycin powder, povidone-iodine lavage, and multiple commonly prescribed antibiotics are all highly cost- effective to prevent PJI following TAA. We feel that a tailored approach to taking measures to reduce PJI with cost-effectiveness in mind is crucial to providing value-based care.

3-T MRI Outperforms 1.5-T MRI in Diagnosis of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Patients Undergoing Broström Repair

Category:

Ankle; Arthroscopy

Introduction/Purpose:

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are commonly seen in patients with lateral ankle instability. If left undiagnosed, OLTs can cause significant ankle pain, progressive osteoarthritis, and contribute to increased morbidity after an ankle sprain. Arthroscopy has long been the gold standard for OLT diagnosis. While MRI is a useful imaging modality for pre- operative evaluation and planning, prior research on the diagnostic utility of pre-operative MRI for OLTs observes low detection rates. With 3-T scanners replacing 1.5-T scanners, long considered the clinical standard, there is potential that 3-T MRIs may improve MRI's diagnostic efficacy. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of 3-T MRI and 1.5-T MRI in diagnosing OLTs in patients undergoing Broström Gould procedure for lateral ankle instability.

Methods:

Following institutional review board approval, a database was obtained for all patients from 2/11/2015 to 1/21/2019 who underwent a Broström Gould procedure for lateral ankle instability in addition to diagnostic arthroscopy of the tibiotalar joint. Additionally, patients required a pre-operative MRI for inclusion in the study. Patients who underwent the Broström Gould procedure, but did not have a diagnostic arthroscopy or did not have a pre-operative MRI were excluded from the study. Patient charts were then reviewed to determine the field strength of the preoperative MRIs, and the efficacy of 3-T MRIs and 1.5-T MRIs in correctly identifying the presence or absence of OLTs using diagnostic arthroscopy as a reference standard. Patients with pre- operative MRIs where the field strength was either unlabeled or could not be determined, as they were conducted at outside institutions, were excluded from analysis.

Results:

Forty (49.4%) out of 81 patients were identified of having preoperative MRI with identifiable field strength, Broström Gould procedure for lateral ankle instability, and diagnostic arthroscopy of the tibiotalar joint. The average age was 37.3 +- 14.2 years. Twenty-four (60.0%) patients were female and 16 (40.0%) were male. Nineteen (47.5%) patients had OLTs identified via diagnostic arthroscopy. Twenty-one patients had a preoperative 3-T MRI, and 19 patients had a preoperative 1.5-T MRI (Table 1). The sensitivity and specificity of 3-T MRI was 75% and 100%; the sensitivity and specificity of 1.5-T M was 72.7% and 87.5%, respectively. For 3-T MRI, six patients were correctly identified as having OLTs, and 13 patients were correctly identified as not having OLTs. For 1.5-T MRI, eight patients were correctly identified as having OLTs, and seven patients were correctly identified as not having OLTs.

Conclusion:

Three-Tesla MRI appears to be superior to 1.5-T MRI in diagnosing OLTs in patients undergoing Broström Gould procedure for lateral ankle instability. Three-Tesla MRI demonstrates a sensitivity and specificity of 75.0% and 100%, respectively, whereas 1.5-T MRI is associated with a sensitivity and specificity of 72.7% and 87.5%. Three-Tesla MRI's low false positive rate provides support for the efficacy of this imaging modality to rule in OLTs and prompt arthroscopic surgery with subsequent OLT treatment. This suggests that 3-T MRIs may prove useful in clinical decision making regarding OLTs in patients undergoing Broström Gould procedure for lateral ankle instability.

The Effects of Anxiety and Depression in Outcomes of Patients with Total Ankle Replacement

Category:

Ankle Arthritis; Ankle; Other

Introduction/Purpose:

Pain control is important following TAA. Prior studies have reported that anxiety and depression are associated with worse outcomes after orthopaedic surgery. However, the association between anxiety and depression on patient reported outcomes following TAA is not well-defined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of anxiety and depression on postoperative reported pain control following TAA.

Methods:

Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients that underwent TAA from 2018-2021 at our institution. Patients were separated into two groups. Group A consisted of patients with a documented pre-operative history of anxiety and depression and Group B consisted of patients without documented anxiety or depression. Electronic records were reviewed at 2- and 6-weeks following surgery. Statistical analysis was then run to determine the relative risk of poorly controlled pain postoperatively in patients with and anxiety and depression.

Results:

At our institution, from 2018-2021, 56 patients underwent TAA. The mean age of our cohort was 60.9 (Range, 56-83). In our cohort, 31 patients were male, 25 were female, the mean patient BMI was 33.8 (Range, 21-56.2), 8 patients reported poor pain control (14.3%) and 24 patients had anxiety or depression (42.9%). Of the patients with anxiety or depression, 4 reported poor pain control. There was no statistically significant increased risk of poor pain control in patients with a history of anxiety or depression (RR: 1.5; 95% CI: 0.4145 to 5.4279).

Conclusion:

Despite the increased risk of poor outcomes reported in patients with a history of anxiety and depression, the results from our cohort indicate that a history of anxiety or depression is not associated with going on to have poor pain control following TAA. Albeit, our sample size was small, warranting further investigation.

Biomechanical Comparison of Fiber Tape Device Versus Transarticular Screws for Ligamentous Lisfranc Injury in a Cadaveric Model

BACKGROUND

The preferred method of fixation and surgical treatment for ligamentous Lisfranc injuries is controversial. Transarticular screws, bridge plating, fusion, and flexible fixation have been described, yet none have demonstrated superiority. Furthermore, screw fixation and plating often require secondary surgery to remove implants, leading surgeons to seek alternative fixation methods.

PURPOSE

To compare transarticular screws and a fiber tape construct under a spectrum of biomechanical loads by evaluating the diastasis at 3 joints in the Lisfranc complex.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Eight matched pairs of fresh, previously frozen lower extremity cadaveric specimens were fixed with either 2 cannulated transarticular crossed screws or a fiber tape construct with a supplemental intercuneiform limb. The diastasis between bones was measured at 3 midfoot joints in the Lisfranc complex: the Lisfranc articulation, the second tarsometatarsal joint, and the intercuneiform joint. Measurements were obtained for the preinjured, injured, and fixation conditions under static loading at 50% donor body weight. Specimens then underwent cyclic loading performed at 1 Hz and 100 cycles, based on 100-N stepwise increases in ground-reaction force from 100 to 2000 N, to simulate postoperative loading from the partial weightbearing stage to high-energy activities. Failure of fixation was defined as diastasis ≥2 mm at the Lisfranc articulation (second metatarsal-medial cuneiform joint).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in diastasis detected at the Lisfranc articulation or the intercuneiform joint throughout all loading cycles between groups. All specimens endured loading up to 50% body weight + 1400 N. Up to and including this stage, there were 2 failures in the cannulated transarticular crossed-screw group and none in the fiber tape group.

CONCLUSION

The fiber tape construct with a supplemental intercuneiform limb, which does not require later removal, may provide comparable biomechanical stability to cannulated transarticular crossed screws, even at higher loads.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ligamentous Lisfranc injuries are common among athletes. Therefore, biomechanical evaluations are necessary to determine stable constructs that can limit the time to return to play. This study compares the biomechanical stability of 2 methods of fixation for ligamentous injury through a wide spectrum of loading, including those experienced by athletes.