Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:Cement fixation for total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a controversial topic. While cemented stems are associated with lower risk of periprosthetic fractures (PPF), cementless stems may offer superior biological fixation. This study analyzed peri-operative and short-term outcomes of cemented vs. cementless stem fixation in THA. METHODS:A retrospective review was conducted on 15,012 patients who underwent primary elective THA at an academic medical center from 2011 to 2021. Of these patients, 429 were cemented. Patients were stratified into 3 age cohorts (25-69, 70-79 and ≥ 80 years). Cemented stem patients were 1:1 propensity-score matched to cementless stem patients for baseline characteristics. Perioperative and short-term outcomes were compared. RESULTS:The mean operative time for cemented cases was significantly longer across all age cohorts (25-69, P = 0.005; 70-79, P < 0.001; ≥80, P < 0.001). In the 70-79 and ≥ 80 cohorts, cemented patients demonstrated a significantly shorter length of stay (LOS) compared to cementless patients (2.2 vs. 2.6 days, P = 0.017; 3.0 vs. 3.4, P = 0.041, respectively). In the 70-79 and ≥ 80 cohorts, cemented patients were significantly more likely to be discharged home when compared to cementless patients (88.2 vs. 80.5%, P = 0.031; 64.0 vs. 54.2%, P = 0.046, respectively). Across age cohorts, there were no differences in all-cause revision rates (Cohort 1: 5.4% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.108; Cohort 2: 3.0% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.362; Cohort 3: 1.8% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.714). The ≥ 80 cohort demonstrated increased rates of PPF in the cementless cohort compared to cemented (1.2 vs. 0%, P = 0.082, respectively), but it did not reach significance. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Patient age has a substantial impact on perioperative outcomes following cemented versus cementless stem THA. Patients > 70 with a cemented femoral stem had improved perioperative outcomes such as shorter LOS, increased discharge to home and reduced rates of PPF compared to their cementless stem counterparts. Patient age should be considered prior to selecting a stem fixation strategy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:III, Therapeutic Study.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Over the past decades, utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) has steadily increased. Understanding the demographic trends of THA patients can assist in projecting access to care. This study sought to assess the temporal trends in THA patient baseline characteristics and socioeconomic factors. METHODS:, 2022. Demographic data, including age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), insurance, and socioeconomic status (SES), as determined by median income by patients' zip code, were collected. The trends of these data were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test. RESULTS:Over the past decade at our institution, patient age (2013: 62.1 years to 2022: 65.1 years, P = 0.001), BMI (2013: 29.0 to 2022: 29.5, P = 0.020), and mean CCI (2013: 2.4 to 2022: 3.1, P = 0.001) increased. The proportion of Medicare patients increased from 48.4% in 2013 to 54.9% in 2022 (P = 0.001). The proportion of African American patients among the THA population increased from 11.3% in 2013 13.0% in 2022 (P = 0.012). Over this period, 90-day readmission and 1-year revision rates did not significantly change (2013: 4.8 and 3.0% to 2022: 3.4 and 1.4%, P = 0.107 and P = 0.136, respectively). The proportion of operations using robotic devices also significantly increased (2013: 0% to 2022: 19.1%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:In the past decade, the average age, BMI, and comorbidity burden of THA patients have significantly increased, suggesting improved access to care for these populations. Similarly, there have been improvements in access to care for African American patients. Along with these changes in patient demographics, we found no change in 90-day readmission or 1-year revision rates. Continued characterization of the THA patient population is vital to understanding this demographic shift and educating future strategies and improvements in patient care.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Previous studies have attempted to validate the risk assessment and prediction tool (RAPT) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. The purpose of this study was to: (1) identify patients who had an extended length of stay (LOS) following THA; and (2) compare the accuracy of 2 previously validated RAPT models. METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed all primary THA patients from 2014 to 2021 who had a completed RAPT score. Youden's J computational analysis was used to determine the LOS where facility discharge was statistically more likely. Based on the cut-offs proposed by Oldmeadow and Dibra, patients were separated into high- (O: 1 to 5 versus D: 1 to 3), medium- (O: 6 to 9 versus D: 4 to 7), and low- (O: 10 to 12 versus D: 8 to 12) risk groups. RESULTS:We determined that an LOS of greater than 2 days resulted in a higher chance of facility discharge. In these patients (n = 717), the overall predictive accuracy (PA) of the RAPT was 79.8%. The Dibra model had a higher PA in the high-risk group (D: 68.2 versus O: 61.2% facility discharge). The Oldmeadow model had a higher PA in the medium-risk (O: 78.7 versus D: 61.4% home discharge) and low-risk (O: 97.0 versus D. 92.5% home discharge) groups. CONCLUSIONS:As institutions continue to optimize LOS, the RAPT may need to be defined in the context of a patient's hospital stay. In patients requiring an LOS of greater than 2 days, the originally established RAPT cut-offs may be more accurate in predicting discharge disposition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:III Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND:Patient comorbidities can lead to worse outcomes and increase the risk of revisions after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Sparse research is available on the effects of ostomies on postoperative outcomes. Our study aimed to assess whether patients who have ostomies, who underwent TKA or THA, have worse outcomes and increased rates of all-cause and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)-related revisions. METHODS:We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing the outcomes of THA and TKA patients who have and do not have a history of ostomy using the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System. Patient demographics, ostomy diagnosis, 3-month emergency department visits and readmissions, and revisions were collected. A total of 126,414 THA and 216,037 TKA cases were included. Log-rank testing and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to account for covariates. RESULTS:In total, 463 THA patients (0.4%) had ostomies. They had a longer length of stay (4.0 versus 3.1 days, P < 0.001) and were less likely to be discharged home (55.3 versus 62.2%, P = 0.01). They had higher rates of PJI-related revisions (1.9 versus 0.9%, P = 0.02) and had increased odds of PJI-related revision (OR [odds ratio] = 2.2, P = 0.02). Of TKA patients, 619 patients (0.3%) had an ostomy. They had a longer length of stay (3.6 versus 3.3 days, P = 0.02) and was less likely to be discharged home (49.4 versus 52.4%, P = 0.16). However, there was no difference in the rate (1.8 versus 1.4%, P = 0.49) or odds (OR = 1.2, P = 0.53) of PJI-related revision. CONCLUSIONS:THA, but not TKA, patients who have ostomies have an increased risk of PJI-related revisions. The proximity of the surgical incision to the ostomy site may play a role in the risk of PJI in THA patients.

BACKGROUND:With the increasing utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients who have a high comorbidity burden (HCB), coinciding with modifications to reimbursement models over the past decade, an evaluation of the financial impact of HCB on THA over time is warranted. This study aimed to investigate trends in revenue and cost associated with THA in HCB patients. METHODS:Of 13,439 patients who had primary, elective THA between 2013 and 2021 at our institution, we retrospectively reviewed 978 patients considered to have HCB (Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 5 and American Society of Anesthesiology scores 3 or 4). We collected patient demographics, perioperative data, revenue, cost, and contribution margin (CM) of the inpatient episode. We analyzed changes as a percentage of 2013 values over time for these financial markers. Linear regression determined trend significance. The final analysis included 978 HCB patients who had complete financial data. RESULTS:Between 2013 and 2021, direct costs increased significantly (P = .002), along with a nonsignificant increase in total costs (P = .056). While revenue remained steady during the study period (P = .486), the CM decreased markedly to 38.0% of 2013 values, although not statistically significant (P = .222). Rates of 90-day complications and home discharge remained steady throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS:Increasing costs for HCB patients undergoing THA were not matched by an equivalent increase in revenue, leading to dwindling CMs throughout the past decade. Re-evaluation of reimbursement models for THA that account for patients' HCB may be necessary to preserve broad access to care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:III.

BACKGROUND:Though previous studies have demonstrated improved cost benefits associated with simultaneous versus staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (simBTHA and staBTHA), further investigation is needed regarding the revenues and contribution margins (CMs) of these procedures. In this study, we compared revenue, CM, and surgical outcomes between simBTHA and staBTHA. METHODS:All patients who underwent simBTHA (both procedures completed the same day) and staBTHA (procedures completed on different days within one year) between 2011 and 2021 at a single high-volume orthopedic specialty hospital were identified. Of the 1,517 identified patients (n = 139 simBTHA, n = 1,378 staBTHA), 232 were included in a 1:1 propensity match based on baseline demographics (116 per cohort). Revenue, costs, CM, and surgical outcomes were compared between cohorts. RESULTS:Compared to staBTHA, simBTHA procedures had significantly lower total costs (P < .001), direct costs (P < .001), and patient revenue. There was no significant difference in CM between groups (P = .361). Additionally, there were no significant differences in length of stay (P = .173), operative time (P = .438), 90-day readmissions (P = .701), 90-day revisions (P = .313), or all-cause revisions (P = .701) between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS:Though simBTHA procedures have lower revenues than staBTHA, they also have lower costs, resulting in similar CM between procedures. As both procedures have similar postoperative complication rates, further research is required to evaluate specifically which patients may benefit from simBTHA versus staBTHA regarding clinical and patient-reported outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:III.

BACKGROUND:The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS JR) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measures questionnaire for total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, not all patients choose to complete HOOS JR, and thus, a subset of the THA population may be underrepresented. This study aims to investigate the association between patient demographic factors and HOOS JR response rates. METHODS:This was a retrospective cohort study of adult, English-speaking patients who underwent primary THA by a fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeon between 2017 and 2023 at a single, high-volume academic institution. The HOOS JR completion status-complete or incomplete-was recorded for each patient within 90 days of surgery. Standard statistical analyses were performed to assess completion against multiple patient demographic factors. RESULTS:Of the 2,908 total patients, 2,112 (72.6%) had complete and 796 (27.4%) had incomplete HOOS JR questionnaires. Multivariate analysis yielded statistical significance (P < .05) for the distribution of patient age, race, insurance, marital status, and income quartile with respect to questionnaire completion. Patient sex or religion did not affect response rates. Failure to complete HOOS JR (all P < .001) was associated with patients aged 18 to 39 (59.8%), who identified as Black (36.4%) or "other" race (39.6%), were never married (38%), and were in the lower half income quartiles (43.9%, 35.9%) when compared to the overall incomplete rate. CONCLUSIONS:Multiple patient demographic factors may affect the HOOS JR response rate. Overall, our analyses suggest that older patients who identify as White and are of higher socioeconomic status are more likely to participate in the questionnaire. Efforts should focus on capturing patient groups less likely to participate to elucidate more generalizable trends in arthroplasty outcomes.

BACKGROUND:The impact of increased patient comorbidities on the cost-effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty (THAs) is lacking. This study aimed to compare revenue, costs, and short-term (90 days) surgical outcomes between patients who have and do not have a high comorbidity burden (HCB). METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed 14,949 patients who underwent an elective, unilateral THA between 2012 and 2021. Patients were stratified into HCB (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 5 and American Society of Anesthesiology scores of 3 or 4) and non-HCB groups, and were further 1:1 propensity matched based on baseline characteristics. Perioperative data, revenue, costs, and contribution margins (CMs) of the inpatient episode were compared between groups. Also, 90-day readmissions and revisions were compared between groups. Of the 11,717 patients who had available financial data (n = 1,017 HCB, n = 10,700 non-HCB), 1,914 patients were included in the final matched analyses (957 per group). RESULTS:Total (P < .001) and direct (P < .001) costs were significantly higher for HCB patients. Comparable revenue between cohorts (P = .083) resulted in a significantly decreased CM in the HCB patient group (P < .001). The HCB patients were less likely to be discharged home (P < .001) and had significantly higher 90-day readmission rates (P = .049). CONCLUSIONS:Increased THA costs for HCB patients were not matched by increased revenue, resulting in decreased CM. Higher rates of nonhome discharge and readmissions in the HCB population add to the additional financial burden. Adjustments to the current reimbursement models should better account for the increased financial burden of HCB patients undergoing THA and ensure access to care for all patient populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:III.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:The influence of prior colostomy or ileostomy on patients undergoing joint arthroplasty remains poorly understood. Our study aimed to assess whether patients with an ostomy undergoing hip and knee arthroplasties have worse postoperative outcomes and increased rates of revisions. METHOD/METHODS:A single-center, retrospective review of patients with a history of bowel ostomy who underwent a primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), hemiarthroplasty (HA), and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from 2012 to 2021. A total of 24 THAs, 11 HAs, and 25 TKAs in patients with open small or large bowel stoma were identified. A ten-to-one propensity score match was utilized to establish cohorts with comparable demographics but no prior ostomy procedure. RESULTS:Patients with stomas undergoing elective THA showed greater 90-day ED visits (20.0 vs. 5.0%, P = 0.009), 90-day all-cause readmissions (20.0 vs. 5.0%, P = 0.009), 90-day non-orthopedic readmissions (10.0 vs. 0.5%, P < 0.001), 90-day readmissions for infection (5.0 vs. 0.5%, P = 0.043), all-cause revisions (15.0 vs. 0.5%, P < 0.001), revisions for PJI (5.0 vs. 0%, P = 0.043), and revisions for peri-prosthetic fracture (10.0 vs. 0%, P < 0.001). Patients with stomas undergoing non-elective hip arthroplasties exhibited a longer mean LOS (12.1 vs. 7.0 days, P < 0.001) and increased 90-day all-cause readmissions (40.0 vs. 17.3%, P = 0.034), 90-day orthopedic readmissions (26.7 vs. 6.0%, P = 0.005), all-cause revisions (13.3 vs. 2.0%, P = 0.015), revisions for peri-prosthetic fracture (6.7 vs. 0%, P = 0.002), and revisions for aseptic loosening (6.7 vs. 0%, P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in readmission or revision rates between ostomy patients undergoing TKA and a matched control group. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Patients undergoing hip arthroplasties with an open stoma are at an increased risk of hospital encounters and revisions, whereas TKA patients with stomas are not at increased risk of complications. These findings emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges associated with this patient population.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Following removal of total hip arthroplasty (THA) from the inpatient only (IPO) list by the Center for Medicare Services (CMS), arthroplasty surgeons face increased pressure to perform procedures on an outpatient (OP) basis. The purposes of the present study were to compare patients booked for THA as OP who required conversion to IP status postoperatively, to patients who were booked as, and remained OP, and to identify factors predictive of conversion from OP to IP status. METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent a primary THA at our institution between January 1, 2020 and April 26, 2022. All patients included were originally scheduled for OP surgery and were separated based on conversion to IP status postoperatively. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the significance of all perioperative variables. Modeling via binary logistic regressions were used to determine factors predictive of status conversion. RESULTS:Of 1,937 patients, 372 (19.2%) designated as OP preoperatively required conversion to IP status postoperatively. These patients had significantly higher facility discharge rates (P < 0.001) and 90-day readmission rates (P = 0.024). Patients aged 65 and older (P < 0.001), females (P < 0.001), patients with Black/African American race (P = 0.027), with a recovery room arrival time after 12 pm (P < 0.001), with a BMI > 30 kg/m2 (P = 0.001), and with a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥ 4 (P = 0.013) were Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation more likely to require conversion to IP designation. Marital status and time of procedure were also significant factors, as patients who were married (P < 0.001) and who were the first case of the day (P < 0.001) were less likely to be converted to IP. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Several factors were identified which could help determine appropriate hospital designation status at the time of surgical booking to ultimately avoid insurance claim denials. These included BMI, certain demographic factors, CCI ≥ 4, and patients 65 or older. LEVEL III EVIDENCE/METHODS:Retrospective Cohort Study.