Adding corticosteroids to intra-operative periarticular injections in total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Adding corticosteroids to intraoperative periarticular injections (PAIs) have become a current trend in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Periarticular corticosteroid injections (PACSIs) intend to improve postoperative pain and function. However, preoperative corticosteroid injections for symptomatic arthritis increase the rates of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) when given months prior to TKA. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether the addition of corticosteroids to PAIs during TKA improves patient outcomes and whether such practice increases the risk of PJI? METHODS: A systematic review of the current literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines screened 1025 abstracts. Thirteen studies meeting specific eligibility criteria were included for further analysis. RESULTS: Among the studies comparing the PACSIs versus nonsteroidal PAIs, 36% showed a significant reduction in postoperative pain scores, 20% showed significant improvement in range of motion (ROM), and 16% showed a significant reduction in total morphine equivalence (TME). While 100% of the studies comparing PACSI to saline or no injections showed significant improvement in pain, ROM and TME. In total, there were 3 infections in 576 TKA cases receiving PACSIs and 2 infections in 534 cases not receiving a PACSI. However, studies were not powered specifically to assess for infection. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of corticosteroids to intraoperative PAIs do not demonstrate a significant benefit in the majority of studies, and tend to not have an effect on PJI risk; however, studies were not specifically powered to assess PJI risk.

Antibiotic Laden Bone Cement Does Not Reduce Acute Periprosthetic Joint Infection Risk in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be a serious complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A method believed to decrease the incidence of PJI is antibiotic-laden bone cement (ALBC). Current clinical practice guidelines do not recommend ALBC in primary TKA. The purpose of this study was to compare ALBC to plain cement (PC) in preventing PJI in primary TKA. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 109,242 Medicare patients in the American Joint Replacement Registry who underwent a cemented primary TKA from January 2017 to March 2021, and had at least 1 year of follow-up. Patients who received ALBC were compared to patients who received PC. Demographic and case-specific variables such as age, sex, race, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, anesthesia type, and operative time were used to create propensity scores. A logistic regression was run to predict the probability of receiving ALBC. Also, a multivariate model was run on the full unstratified population, using the same covariates as were used to create the propensity model. The primary outcome was differences in PJI rates. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that a higher preoperative diagnosis of osteoarthritis, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, higher body mass index, women, race, and anesthesia requirements increased a patient's probability of receiving ALBC. In the full unstratified multivariate model, ALBC did not show a statistically significant difference in risk of revision for infection compared to PC. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ALBC in primary TKA has not been shown to be more efficacious in preventing PJI within the population of Medicare patients in the United States. However, this study is limited given it is a retrospective database study that may inherently have biases and the large dataset has a potential for overpowering the findings.

The Effect of Cemented Implants Placed During Initial TKA on Surgical Time and Expenses in Revision TKA.

INTRODUCTION: Revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) is a complex procedure that often requires the removal of previous implants. There is little information evaluating the difference between removing cemented or noncemented knee prostheses in revision surgeries. The purpose of this study was to determine whether removing cemented or noncemented implants would affect surgical time and expenses incurred during revision procedures. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used a single-institution database to identify 300 patients who underwent femoral and tibial implant rTKA from 2016 to 2022 because of mechanical complications (infection cases excluded). Radiographs and surgical reports were used to confirm whether the fixation technique was cemented (N = 243) or noncemented (N = 57). The primary outcomes were surgical time and surgery costs. Secondary outcomes included readmission rates, revision implants used, stem usage, and insurance type. RESULTS: The average surgical time was 121 minutes for noncemented and 128 minutes for cemented procedures (P = 0.118). The 90-day readmission rates for each group were similar at 7.00% for the cemented cohort and 8.77% for the noncemented cohort (P = 0.643). For patients with Medicare Advantage, the respective surgery costs were $1,966 for noncemented and $1,968 for cemented TKA (P = 0.988). For patients with commercial insurance, the respective surgery costs were $4,854 for noncemented and $5,660 for cemented TKA (P = 0.330). CONCLUSION: Primary knee fixation type, cemented or noncemented, did not appear to influence the surgical duration or surgical costs of both-implant revision knee surgery indicated for mechanical complications.

Analysis of Costs Associated With Increased Length of Stay After Total Joint Arthroplasty at a Single Private Practice.

INTRODUCTION: As the demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) increases, so does the financial burden of these services. Despite efforts to optimize spending and bundled care payments, THA and TKA costs still need to be assessed. Our study explores the relationship between perioperative costs and length of stay (LOS) for THA and TKA. METHODS: A total of 614 patients undergoing THA or TKA at a single private practice with LOS from zero to 3 days were identified. All patients were insured by private or Medicare Advantage insurance from a single provider. Primary outcomes included total costs and their relationship with LOS, classified into surgeon reimbursement, facility costs, and anesthesia costs. Secondary outcomes included readmission rates and discharge disposition. Analyses involved Student t-test, analysis of variance, and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Longer LOS was associated with increased total, facility, and anesthesia costs. Costs for THA patients were stable except for reduced surgeon reimbursement with longer LOS. Patients undergoing TKA experienced an increase in facility costs with longer LOS. Total facility and anesthesia costs increased with LOS for Medicare Advantage patients, but surgeon reimbursement remained stable. Privately insured patients experienced higher total and facility costs but stable surgeon reimbursement and anesthesia costs regardless of LOS. CONCLUSION: Our study shows an increase in total cost with longer LOS, especially pronounced in privately insured patients. A notable reduction was observed in the surgeon reimbursement for Medicare Advantage patients with extended LOS. These findings underscore the need for efficient surgical practices and postoperative care strategies to optimize hospital stays and control costs.

Identification of Surgeon Outliers to Improve Cost Efficiency: A Novel Use of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Quality Payment Program.

BACKGROUND: Bundled payment programs for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have become popular among both private and public payers. Because these programs provide surgeons with financial incentives to decrease costs through reconciliation payments, there is an advantage to identifying and emulating cost-efficient surgeons. The objective of this study was to utilize the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Payment Program (QPP) in combination with institutional data to identify cost-efficient surgeons within our region and, subsequently, identify cost-saving practice patterns. METHODS: Data was obtained from the CMS QPP for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeons within a large metropolitan area from January 2019 to December 2021. A simple linear regression determined the relationship between surgical volume and cost-efficiency. Internal practice financial data determined whether patients of identified surgeons differed with respect to x-ray visits, physical therapy visits, out-of-pocket payments to the practice, and whether surgery was done in hospital or surgical center settings. RESULTS: There were 4 TKA and 3 THA surgeons who were cost-efficiency outliers within our area. Outliers and nonoutlier surgeons had patients who had similar body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Score, and age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index scores. Patients of these surgeons had fewer x-ray visits for both TKA and THA (1.06 versus 1.11, P < .001; 0.94 versus 1.15, P < .001) and lower out-of-pocket costs ($86.10 versus $135.46, P < .001; $116.10 versus $177.40, P < .001). If all surgeons performing > 30 CMS cases annually within our practice achieved similar cost-efficiency, the savings to CMS would be $17.2 million for TKA alone ($75,802,705 versus $93,028,477). CONCLUSIONS: The CMS QPP can be used to identify surgeons who perform cost-efficient surgeries. Practice patterns that result in cost savings can be emulated to decrease the cost curve, resulting in reconciliation payments to surgeons and institutions and cost savings to CMS.

Prior Authorization Leads to Administrative Burden and Delays in Treatment in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients.

BACKGROUND: The prior authorization (PA) process is often criticized by physicians due to increased administrative burden and unnecessary delays in treatment. The effects of PA policies on total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have not been well described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the use of PA in a high-volume orthopaedic practice across 4 states. METHODS: We prospectively collected data on 28,725 primary THAs and TKAs performed at our institution between 2020 and 2023. Data collected included patient demographics, payer approval or denial, time to approval or denial, the number of initial denials, the number of peer-to-peer (P2P) or addenda, and the reasons for denial. RESULTS: Seven thousand five hundred twenty eight (56.4%) patients undergoing THA and 8,283 (54%) patients undergoing TKA required PA, with a mean time to approval of 26.3 ± 34.6 and 33.7 ± 41.5 days, respectively. Addenda were requested in 608 of 7,528 (4.6%) THA patients and 737 of 8,283 (8.9%) TKA patients. From a total of 312 (4.1%) THA patients who had an initial denial, a P2P was requested for 50 (0.7%) patients, and only 27 (0.4%) were upheld after the PA process. From a total of 509 (6.1%) TKA patients who had an initial denial, a P2P was requested for 55 (0.7%) patients, and only 26 (0.3%) were upheld after the PA process. The mean time to denial in the THA group was 64.7 ± 83.5, and the most common reasons for denial were poor clinical documentation (25.9%) and lack of coverage (25.9%). The mean time to denial in the TKA group was 63.4 ± 103.9 days, and the most common reason for denial was not specified by the payer (46.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of PA to approve elective THA and TKA led to increased surgical waiting times and a high administrative burden for surgeons and healthcare staff.

Gloves Contamination During Revision Surgery for Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

BACKGROUND: The use of double gloving has become a standard practice for joint replacement surgeons. However, since there are limited data on how gloves are contaminated during both primary and revision arthroplasty, no precise protocol exists to direct surgeons on when, or if, to change their gloves. The goals of this preliminary study were to evaluate the contamination of gloves during total joint arthroplasties (TJAs). METHODS: We included 25 infected cases and 10 primaries, which were performed at the same institution using the same surgical protocol from 3 fellowship trained surgeons. Samples were taken every 20 minutes from the start of the surgery until the joint was irrigated. Procedural steps were noted. To evaluate cross-contamination during infected cases, we sampled gloves using blood agar plates. In primary cases, culture swabs of anterior chamfer cuts and sterile instruments on the back table were used as negative controls. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used as an adjunct to identify low virulence bacteria. RESULTS: In the primary cases, all samples were found culture negative but 3 (8.1%) of the 37 samples were found to have a low, unidentifiable bacterial mass via NGS testing. In the infected cases, 41 (59.4%) of the 69 samples yielded positive microbial results. The positivity rate was higher in the samples collected after the arthrotomy was performed (70%) compared to samples collected before the arthrotomy was performed (40%), and the surgeon was only dissecting superficial layers (P = .502). CONCLUSION: Gloves seem to be a common source of cross-contamination in the intraoperative field during revision TJA. Due to the higher percent of positive samples following the opening of the joint, we hypothesize that the arthrotomy allows for the spread of bacteria across the operative site. While further investigation is necessary to formulate a precise protocol for the changing of gloves during TJA, it may be beneficial to perform a thorough irrigation of the joint and change of the gloves immediately following arthrotomy.

Lower Revenue Surplus in Medicare Advantage Versus Private Commercial Insurance for Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Analysis of a Single Payor Source at One Institution.

BACKGROUND: Since the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010, reductions in Medicare reimbursement have led to larger discrepancies between the relative cost of Medicare patients and privately insured patients. The purpose of this study was to compare reimbursement between Medicare Advantage and other insurance plans in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Patients of a single commercial payor source who underwent primary unilateral TKA or THA at 1 institution between the dates of January 4 and June 30, 2021, were included (n = 833). Variables included insurance type, medical comorbidities, total costs, and surplus amounts. The primary outcome measure was revenue surplus between Medicare Advantage and Private Commercial plans. t-tests, Analyses of Variance, and Chi-Squared tests were used for analysis. A THA represented 47% of cases and a TKA 53%. Of these patients, 31.5% had Medicare Advantage and 68.5% had Private Commercial insurance. Medicare Advantage patients were older and had higher medical comorbidity risk for both TKA and THA. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in medical costs between Medicare Advantage and Private Commercial insurance for THA ($17,148 versus $31,260, P < .001) and TKA ($16,723 versus $33,593, P < .001). Additionally, differences were seen in surplus amounts between Medicare Advantage and Private Commercial insurance for THA ($3,504 versus $7,128, P < .001) and TKA ($5,581 versus $10,477, P < .001). Deficits were higher in Private Commercial patients undergoing TKA (15.2 versus 6%, P = .001). CONCLUSION: The lower average surplus associated with Medicare Advantage plans may lead to financial strain on provider groups who care for these patients and face additional overhead costs.

Management of Isolated Greater Trochanter Fractures Associated With Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic hip fractures are recognized complications associated with total hip arthroplasty. Over the past decade, there has been a 2.5-fold increase in the incidence of periprosthetic fractures which is expected to grow exponentially in the future. Most of these fractures require surgical fixation or revision arthroplasty. Fractures of the greater trochanter represent a subset of periprosthetic fractures for which there is currently no consensus in the literature regarding the optimal management. The purpose of this review was to outline the management strategies available to address these fractures, with formulation of recommendations for fractures sustained intraoperatively, postoperatively, and in the setting of primary and revision total hip arthroplasty.

Incidence of Rapidly Progressive Osteoarthritis Following Intra-articular Hip Corticosteroid Injection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery recommends intra-articular corticosteroid injections (CSIs) for managing hip osteoarthritis (OA) based on short-term, prospective studies. Recent retrospective studies have raised concerns that CSIs may lead to rapidly progressive OA (RPOA). We sought to systematically review the literature of CSIs for hip OA to estimate the incidence of RPOA. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify original research of hip OA patients receiving CSIs. Overall, 27 articles involving 5831 patients published from 1988 to 2022 were included. Study design, patient characteristics, CSI details, follow-up, and cases of RPOA were recorded. Studies were classified by their ability to detect RPOA based on follow-up. Random effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the incidence of RPOA for studies able to detect RPOA. Results: The meta-analytic estimate of RPOA incidence was 6% (95% confidence interval, 3%-9%) based on 10 articles classified as able to detect RPOA. RPOA definitions varied from progression of OA within 6 months to the presence of destructive changes. These studies were subject to bias from excluding patients with missing post-CSI radiographs. The remaining 17 articles were classified as unable to detect RPOA, including all of the studies cited in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery recommendation. Conclusions: The incidence of RPOA after CSIs remains unknown due to variation in definitions and follow-up. While RPOA following CSIs may be 6%, many cases are not severe, and this may reflect selection bias. Further research is needed to understand whether clinically significant RPOA is incident enough to limit CSI use.

Nutritional Laboratory Studies Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty: Practice Versus Publication.

BACKGROUND: Recent emphasis has been placed on nutritional status assessment prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA), including multiple American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons publications recommending specific laboratory studies; however, the frequency with which surgeons obtain these laboratory studies remains unclear. We sought to assess the incidence of ordering nutritional laboratory studies in the 90 days prior to TKA, utilizing data from a large administrative claims database. METHODS: With use of the PearlDiver database, we identified 557,670 patients undergoing primary TKA from 2011 to 2020 with a metabolic panel or blood cell count claim within 90 days prior to TKA. We then determined the incidence of prealbumin, transferrin, vitamin D, and zinc laboratory tests claimed 90 days prior to TKA. Associations between claims and the year of surgery, patient demographics, and clinical characteristics were assessed by comparing proportions and chi-square testing. RESULTS: Nutritional laboratory studies were infrequently claimed within 90 days prior to TKA, with studies for prealbumin being performed in 2.2% of patients; transferrin, 1.9%; vitamin D, 10.2%; and zinc, 0.2%. From 2011 to 2020, there was a moderate but steady increase in the proportion of patients with claims for prealbumin (change from 0.8% in 2011 to 3.4% in 2020; p < 0.001), transferrin (0.8% to 2.7%; p < 0.001), and vitamin D (7.6% to 9.4%; p < 0.001) laboratory tests but there was less of a change for zinc (0.1% to 0.2%; p < 0.001). There were weak-to-absent associations of age, gender, obesity, diabetes, and anemia with laboratory claims. CONCLUSIONS: Despite multiple publications and recommendations, nutritional laboratory studies are infrequently ordered prior to TKA. Although there has been a slight increase in the use of nutritional laboratory studies over the past decade, patient factors such as gender and obesity were not associated with this increase. Understanding current practice patterns may help target future areas for improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Total Hip Arthroplasty Learning Curves Based on Approach for New Fellowship-trained Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: There is concern that the direct anterior (DA) approach is associated with a steeper learning curve than the posterolateral (PL) approach in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to investigate if the learning curve is similar for newly trained arthroplasty fellowship-trained surgeons using the DA and PL approaches. METHODS: The first 100 primary THA cases of six DA and PL fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons were identified and divided into 50 case cohorts. Demographics, indications for surgery, and 90-day Hip Society standardized complications were collected. Variables were analyzed using independent sample t tests, chi-square tests, or Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: In total, there were 600 patients, and no notable differences were observed in revision surgeries, surgical complications, and total complications between the DA and PL groups. Both groups had lower revision surgery rates, surgical complications, and total complications during their second 50 cases. Higher revision surgeries, and surgical and total complication rates were observed among all surgeons during the first 50 cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: No differences were observed in the learning curve when comparing the DA and PL approach. With proper training, early-career surgeons can safely perform THA with similar complication rates regardless of the approach.

The Appropriateness of Preoperative Patient Reported Outcome Measures as an Indication for Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: While Medicare requires patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for many quality programs, some commercial insurers have begun requiring preoperative PROMs when determining patient eligibility for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Concerns exist these data may be used to deny THA to patients above a specific PROM score, but the optimal threshold is unknown. We aimed to evaluate outcomes following THA based on theoretical PROM thresholds. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 18,006 consecutive primary THA patients from 2016-2019. Hypothesized preoperative Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement (HOOS-JR) cutoffs of 40, 50, 60, and 70 points were used. Preoperative scores below each threshold were considered "approved" surgery. Preoperative scores above each threshold were considered "denied" surgery. In-hospital complications, 90-day readmissions, and discharge disposition were evaluated. HOOS-JR scores were collected preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively. Minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement was calculated using previously validated anchor-based methods. RESULTS: Using preoperative HOOS-JR thresholds of 40, 50, 60, and 70 points, the percentage of patients who would have been denied surgery was 70.4%, 43.2%, 20.3%, and 8.3%, respectively. For these denied patients, 1-year MCID achievement was 75.9%, 69.0%, 59.1%, and 42.1%, respectively. In-hospital complication rates for approved patients were 3.3%, 3.0%, 2.8%, and 2.7%, while 90-day readmission rates were 5.1%, 4.4%, 4.2%, and 4.1%, respectively. Approved patients had higher MCID achievement (P < .001) but higher nonhome discharge (P = .01) and 90-day readmissions rates (P = .036) than denied patients. CONCLUSION: Most patients achieved MCID at all theoretical PROM thresholds with low complication and readmission rates. Setting preoperative PROM thresholds for THA eligibility did not guarantee clinically successful outcomes.

Poor Patient Compliance Limits the Attainability of Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Completion Thresholds for the Comprehensive Care for Joint Arthroplasty Model.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) links patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with hospital reimbursement in some value-based models for total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study evaluates PROM reporting compliance and resource utilization using protocol-driven electronic collection of outcomes for commercial and CMS alternative payment models (APMs). METHODS: We analyzed a consecutive series of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from 2016 and 2019. Compliance rates were obtained for reporting hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint replacement (HOOS-JR.), knee disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint replacement (KOOS-JR.), and 12-item short form survey (SF-12) surveys preoperatively and postoperatively at 6-months, 1 year, and 2- years. Of 43,252 THA and TKA patients, 25,315 (58%) were Medicare-only. Direct supply and staff labor costs for PROM collection were obtained. Chi-square testing compared compliance rates between Medicare-only and all-arthroplasty groups. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) estimated resource utilization for PROM collection. RESULTS: In the Medicare-only cohort, preoperative HOOS-JR./KOOS-JR. compliance was 66.6%. Postoperative HOOS-JR./KOOS-JR. compliance was 29.9%, 46.1%, and 27.8% at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Preoperative SF-12 compliance was 70%. Postoperative SF-12 compliance was 35.9%, 49.6%, and 33.4% at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Medicare patients had lower PROM compliance than the overall cohort (P < .05) at all time points except preoperative KOOS-JR., HOOS-JR., and SF-12 in TKA patients. The estimated annual cost for PROM collection was $273,682 and the total cost for the entire study period was $986,369. CONCLUSION: Despite extensive experience with APMs and a total expenditure near $1,000,000, our center demonstrated low preoperative and postoperative PROM compliance rates. In order for practices to achieve satisfactory compliance, Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) compensation should be adjusted to reflect the costs associated with collecting these PROMs and CJR target compliance rates should be adjusted to reflect more attainable levels consistent with currently published literature.

Preoperative Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Thresholds Should Not be Used for Indicating Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: While Medicare requires patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for many quality programs, some commercial insurers are requiring preoperative PROMs when determining eligibility for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Concerns exist that these data may be used to deny TKA to patients above a specific PROM score, but the optimal threshold is unknown. We aimed to evaluate TKA outcomes based on theoretical PROM thresholds. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 25,246 consecutive primary TKA patients from 2016 to 2019. Hypothesized preoperative knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint replacement cutoffs of 40, 50, 60, and 70 points were used. Preoperative scores below each threshold were considered "approved" surgery. Preoperative scores above each threshold were considered "denied" surgery. In-hospital complications, 90-day readmissions, and discharge disposition were evaluated. One-year minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement was calculated using previously validated anchor-based methods. RESULTS: For "denied" patients below thresholds 40, 50, 60, and 70 points, 1-year MCID achievement was 88.3%, 85.9%, 79.6%, and 77%, respectively. In-hospital complication rates for approved patients were 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.1%, and 2.1%, while 90-day readmission rates were 4.6%, 4.5%, 4.3%, and 4.3%, respectively. Approved patients had higher MCID achievement rates (P < .001) for all thresholds but higher nonhome discharge rates than denied patients for thresholds 40 (P < .001), 50 (P = .002), and 60 (P = .024). Approved and denied patients had similar in-hospital complication and 90-day readmission rates. CONCLUSION: Most patients achieved MCID at all theoretical PROMs thresholds with low complication and readmission rates. Setting preoperative PROM thresholds for TKA eligibility can help optimize patient improvement, but such a policy can create access to care barriers for some patients who would otherwise benefit from a TKA.

Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in Octogenarians Compared with Septuagenarians: Is There a Real Difference?

BACKGROUND: The increasing frequency of total hip arthroplasty (THA) as well as an aging population indicate that the need for revision THA will continue to grow, especially in older and potentially medically complex patients. The purpose of this study was to compare THA revision indications, perioperative complications, and readmissions between octogenarian and septuagenarian patients. We hypothesized that patients aged 80 to 89 years would have similar outcomes to patients aged 70 to 79 years undergoing revision THA. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2019, 572 revision THAs were performed at a single tertiary care hospital. Patients were stratified by age group: 70 to 79 years (n = 407) and 80 to 89 years (n = 165). Indication for revision, perioperative medical complications, and 90-day readmission were identified for each patient. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used to compare the groups. Logistic regression was used to assess medical complications and readmissions. RESULTS: Aseptic loosening was a more common indication for revision in patients aged 70 to 79 years (33.4% versus 26.7%; p < 0.001), while periprosthetic fracture was a more common indication for revision in those aged 80 to 89 years (30.9% versus 13.0%). Perioperative medical complications occurred more often in octogenarians (10.9% versus 3.0%; p = 0.001), with arrythmia being the most common type. Patients aged 80 to 89 years were at increased risk for medical complications (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5 to 7.3; p = 0.004) and readmission (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.7 to 6.3; p < 0.001) when adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and indication for revision. Octogenarians had a higher rate of reoperation following first-time revision than septuagenarians (10.3% versus 4.2%, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Octogenarians more commonly underwent revision THA for periprosthetic fracture and had higher rates of perioperative medical complications, 90-day readmissions, and reoperations than septuagenarians. Such findings should be considered when counseling patients on both primary and revision THAs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comparing Risk Assessment Between Payers and Providers: Inconsistent Agreement in Medical Comorbidity Records for Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The proper risk adjustment for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) relies on an accurate assessment of comorbidity profiles by both the payer and the institution. The purpose of this study was to determine how strongly comorbidities tracked by our institution agreed with the same comorbidities reported by payers in patients undergoing THA and TKA. METHODS: All patients of a single payer undergoing primary THA and TKA at a single institution between January 5, 2021 and March 31, 2022 were included (n = 876). There were 8 commonly collected medical comorbidities obtained from institutional medical records and matched with patient records reported by the payer. Fleiss Kappa tests were used to determine agreement of payer data with institutional records. There were 4 medical risk calculations collected from our institutional records and compared with an insurance member risk score reported by the payer. RESULTS: Comorbidities reported by the institution differed significantly from those reported by payers, with Kappa varying between 0.139 and 0.791 for THA, and 0.062 and 0.768 for TKA. Diabetes was the only condition to demonstrate strong agreement for both procedures (THA; k = 0.791, TKA; k = 0.768). The insurance member risk score demonstrates the closest association with total cost and surplus for THA regardless of insurance type and for TKA procedures paid for with private commercial insurance. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of agreement between medical comorbidities within payer and institutional records for both THA and TKA. These differences may put institutions at a disadvantage within value-based care models and when optimizing patients perioperatively.