Aseptic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Modular Fluted Tapered Stems.

BACKGROUND: Modular fluted tapered (MFT) femoral components are frequently utilized in aseptic revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs). However, long-term follow-up has been limited. The purpose of this study was to update our prior series at long-term follow-up, with specific emphasis on implant survivorship, radiographic results, and complications in a large cohort of aseptic revision THAs using MFT stems. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 515 aseptic femoral revisions performed with 2 MFT stem designs in the total joint registry of a single tertiary care academic institution from 1999 to 2013. Serial radiographs were reviewed for subsidence of >5 mm. The mean follow-up (and standard deviation) was 10 ± 5 years (range, 2 to 21 years). A competing risk model accounting for death was utilized. RESULTS: The 15-year cumulative incidence of any revision was 12%. There were 57 revisions, 27 of which involved revision of the fluted tapered component (FTC). Dislocation (n = 19), periprosthetic joint infection (n = 15), and aseptic loosening of the FTC (n = 11) were the most common reasons for revision. The 15-year cumulative incidence of any reoperation was 16%. The 15-year cumulative incidences were 6% for any FTC revision and 2% for FTC revision for aseptic loosening. Stem subsidence of >5 mm occurred in 2% of unrevised cases, and all but 1 stem was stable at the most recent follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This large series of MFT stems used in aseptic revision THAs had a 2% incidence of subsequent revision of the FTC for aseptic loosening at 15 years. Dislocation and infection were the most common reasons for any revision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Porous Tantalum Tibial Metaphyseal Cones in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: Excellent 10-Year Survivorship.

BACKGROUND: Highly porous metal tibial metaphyseal cones (TMCs) are commonly utilized in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to address bone loss and obtain biologic fixation. Mid-term (5 to 10 year) studies have previously demonstrated excellent survivorship and high rates of osseointegration, but longer-term studies are lacking. We aimed to assess long-term (≥ 10 year) implant survivorship, complications, and clinical and radiographic outcomes after revision TKA with TMCs. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2011, 228 revision TKAs utilizing porous tantalum TMCs with stemmed tibial components were performed at a single institution and were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age at revision was 65 years, the mean body mass index was 33, and 52% were women. Implant survivorship, complications, and clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed. The mean follow-up was 6.3 years. RESULTS: The 10-year survivorship free of aseptic loosening leading to TMC removal was 97%, free of any TMC removal was 88%, free of any re-revision was 66%, and free of any reoperation was 58%. The most common indications for re-revision were periprosthetic joint infection, instability, and aseptic femoral component loosening. The 10-year nonoperative complication rate was 24%. The mean Knee Society scores increased from 38 preoperatively to 69 at 10 years. There were 8 knees that had evidence of partial, progressive tibial radiolucencies at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Porous tantalum TMCs demonstrated persistently durable longer-term survivorship with a low rate of implant removal. The rare implant removals for component loosening or instability were offset by those required for periprosthetic joint infection, which accounted for 80% of cone removals. Porous tantalum TMCs provide an extremely reliable tool to address tibial bone loss and achieve durable long-term fixation in revision TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Surgical Approach and Body Mass Index Impact Risk of Wound Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that wound complications may differ by surgical approach after total hip arthroplasty (THA), with particular attention toward the direct anterior approach (DAA). However, there is a paucity of data documenting wound complication rates by surgical approach and the impact of concomitant patient factors, namely body mass index (BMI). This investigation sought to determine the rates of wound complications by surgical approach and identify BMI thresholds that portend differential risk. METHODS: This multicenter study retrospectively evaluated all primary THA patients from 2010 to 2023. Patients were classified by skin incision as having a laterally based approach (posterior or lateral approach) or DAA (longitudinal incision). We identified 17,111 patients who had 11,585 laterally based (68%) and 5,526 (32%) DAA THAs. The mean age was 65 years (range, 18 to 100), 8,945 patients (52%) were women, and the mean BMI was 30 (range, 14 to 79). Logistic regression and cut-point analyses were performed to identify an optimal BMI cutoff, overall and by approach, with respect to the risk of wound complications at 90 days. RESULTS: The 90-day risk of wound complications was higher in the DAA group versus the laterally based group, with an absolute risk of 3.6% versus 2.6% and a multivariable adjusted odds ratio of 1.5 (P < .001). Cut-point analyses demonstrated that the risk of wound complications increased steadily for both approaches, but most markedly above a BMI of 33. CONCLUSIONS: Wound complications were higher after longitudinal incision DAA THA compared to laterally based approaches, with a 1% higher absolute risk and an adjusted odds ratio of 1.5. Furthermore, BMI was an independent risk factor for wound complications regardless of surgical approach, with an optimal cut-point BMI of 33 for both approaches. These data can be used by surgeons to help consider the risks and benefits of approach selection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The Chitranjan S. Ranawat Award: Manipulation Under Anesthesia to Treat Postoperative Stiffness After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) occurs in 4% of patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Anti-inflammatory medications may target arthrofibrosis pathogenesis, but the data are limited. This multicenter randomized clinical trial investigated the effect of adjuvant anti-inflammatory medications with MUA and physical therapy on range of motion (ROM) and outcomes. METHODS: There were 124 patients (124 TKAs) who developed stiffness after primary TKA for osteoarthritis enrolled across 15 institutions. All received MUA when ROM was < 90° at 4 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Randomization proceeded via a permuted block design. Controls received MUA and physical therapy, while the treatment group also received one dose of pre-MUA intravenous dexamethasone (8 mg) and 14 days of oral celecoxib (200 mg). The ROM and clinical outcomes were assessed at 6 weeks and 1 year. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. RESULTS: The ROM significantly improved a mean of 46° from a pre-MUA ROM of 72 to 118° immediately after MUA (P < .001). The ROM was similar between the treatment and control groups at 6 weeks following MUA (101 versus 99°, respectively; P = .35) and at one year following MUA (108 versus 108°, respectively; P = .98). Clinical outcomes were similar at both end points. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter randomized clinical trial, the addition of intravenous dexamethasone and a short course of oral celecoxib after MUA did not improve ROM or outcomes. However, MUA provided a mean ROM improvement of 46° immediately, 28° at 6 weeks, and 37° at 1 year. Further investigation in regards to dosing, duration, and route of administration of anti-inflammatory medications remains warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1, RCT.

Investigation Into the Effects of Intra-Articular Steroid on Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis in Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded pilot study was to determine the rates of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and assess joint space width in the presence or absence of a single intra-articular injection of corticosteroid after an acute, intra-articular distal radius fracture (DRF). METHODS: Forty patients received a single, intra-articular, radiocarpal joint injection of 4 mg of dexamethasone (DEX) (n = 19) or normal saline placebo (n = 21) within 2 weeks of a surgically or nonsurgically treated intra-articular DRF. The primary outcome measure was minimum radiocarpal joint space width (mJSW) on noncontrast computed tomography scans at 2 years postinjection. Secondary outcomes were obtained at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postinjection and included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Michigan Hand Questionnaire; Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation; wrist range of motion; and grip strength. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, there was no difference in mean mJSW between the DEX group (2.2 mm; standard deviation, 0.6; range, 1.4-3.2) and the placebo group (2.3 mm; standard deviation, 0.7; range, 0.9-3.9). Further, there were no differences in any secondary outcome measures at any postinjection follow-up interval. CONCLUSIONS: Radiocarpal joint injection of corticosteroid within 2 weeks of an intra-articular DRF does not appear to affect the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis within 2 years follow-up in a small pilot cohort. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Impact of High Fat Diet and Sex in a Rabbit Model of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, characterized by fibrosis of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) mediated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß). Risk factors for CTS include metabolic dysfunction and age. Additionally, the incidence of CTS is higher in women. In this study we hypothesized that a high-fat diet (HFD), a common driver of metabolic dysfunction, would promote SSCT fibrosis found in CTS and that this response would be sex dependent. To test this, we examined the effects of HFD and sex on SSCT fibrosis using our established rabbit model of CTS. Forty-eight (24 male, 24 female) adult rabbits were divided into four groups including HFD or standard diet with and without CTS induction. SSCT was collected for histological and gene expression analysis. HFD promoted SSCT thickening and upregulated profibrotic genes, including TGF-ß. Fibrotic genes were differentially expressed in males and females. Interestingly while the prevalence of CTS is greater in women than in men, the converse is observed in the presence of metabolic dysfunction. This work recapitulates this clinical observation and begins to elucidate the sex-based differences found in SSCT fibrosis. This knowledge should drive further research and may lead to metabolic and sex specific therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with CTS.

Contemporary mortality rate and outcomes in nonagenarians after aseptic revision hip and knee arthroplasty.

Aims: Nonagenarians (aged 90 to 99 years) have experienced the fastest percent decile population growth in the USA recently, with a consequent increase in the prevalence of nonagenarians living with joint arthroplasties. As such, the number of revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in nonagenarians is expected to increase. We aimed to determine the mortality rate, implant survivorship, and complications of nonagenarians undergoing aseptic revision THAs and revision TKAs. Methods: Our institutional total joint registry was used to identify 96 nonagenarians who underwent 97 aseptic revisions (78 hips and 19 knees) between 1997 and 2018. The most common indications were aseptic loosening and periprosthetic fracture for both revision THAs and revision TKAs. Mean age at revision was 92 years (90 to 98), mean BMI was 27 kg/m2 (16 to 47), and 67% (n = 65) were female. Mean time between primary and revision was 18 years (SD 9). Kaplan-Meier survival was used for patient mortality, and compared to age- and sex-matched control populations. Reoperation risk was assessed using cumulative incidence with death as a competing risk. Mean follow-up was five years. Results: Mortality rates were 9%, 18%, 26%, and 62% at 90 days, one year, two years, and five years, respectively, but similar to control populations. There were 43 surgical complications and five reoperations, resulting in a cumulative incidence of reoperation of 4% at five years. Medical complications were common, with a cumulative incidence of 65% at 90 days. Revisions for periprosthetic fractures were associated with higher mortality and higher 90-day risk of medical complications compared to revisions for aseptic loosening. Conclusion: Contemporary revision THAs and TKAs appeared to be relatively safe in selected nonagenarians managed with multidisciplinary teams. Cause of revision affected morbidity and mortality risks. While early medical and surgical complications were frequent, they seldom resulted in reoperation.

Primary total knee arthroplasty in patients with post-polio syndrome.

Aims: Knowledge on total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in patients with a history of poliomyelitis is limited. This study compared implant survivorship and clinical outcomes among affected and unaffected limbs in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis undergoing TKAs. Methods: A retrospective review of our total joint registry identified 94 patients with post-polio syndrome undergoing 116 primary TKAs between January 2000 and December 2019. The mean age was 70 years (33 to 86) with 56% males (n = 65) and a mean BMI of 31 kg/m2 (18 to 49). Rotating hinge TKAs were used in 14 of 63 affected limbs (22%), but not in any of the 53 unaffected limbs. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analyses were completed. The mean follow-up was eight years (2 to 19). Results: The ten-year survivorship free from revision was 91% (95% confidence interval (CI) 81 to 100) in affected and 84% (95% CI 68 to 100) in unaffected limbs. There were six revisions in affected limbs: three for periprosthetic femoral fractures and one each for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), patellar clunk syndrome, and instability. Unaffected limbs were revised in four cases: two for instability and one each for PJI and tibial component loosening. The ten-year survivorship free from any reoperation was 86% (95% CI 75 to 97) and 80% (95% CI 64 to 99) in affected and unaffected limbs, respectively. There were three additional reoperations among affected and two in unaffected limbs. There were 12 nonoperative complications, including four periprosthetic fractures. Arthrofibrosis occurred in five affected (8%) and two unaffected limbs (4%). Postoperative range of motion decreased with 31% achieving less than 90° knee flexion by five years. Conclusion: TKAs in post-polio patients are complex cases associated with instability, and one in four require constraint on the affected side. Periprosthetic fracture was the main mode of failure. Arthrofibrosis rates were high and twice as frequent in affected limbs.

Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Dialysis-Dependent Patients: 35% Mortality at 5 years.

BACKGROUND: Limited knowledge exists on contemporary results of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in dialysis-dependent patients. We sought to analyze the mortality rates and cumulative incidences of any revision or reoperation in dialysis-dependent patients undergoing primary THAs. METHODS: We identified 24 dialysis-dependent patients who underwent 28 primary THAs between 2000 and 2019 using our institutional total joint registry. Mean age was 57 years (range, 32 to 86), with 43% being women and mean body mass index was 31 (range, 20 to 50). The leading cause for dialysis was diabetic nephropathy (18%). The mean preoperative creatinine and glomerular filtration rate were 6 mg/dL and 13 mL/min, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survivorship methods and a competing risk analysis using death as the competing risk were performed. The mean follow-up was 7 years (range, 2 to 15). RESULTS: The 5-year survivorship free from death was 65%. The 5-year cumulative incidence of any revision was 8%. There were a total of 3 revisions as follows: 2 for aseptic loosening of the femoral component and one for a Vancouver B2 fracture. The 5-year cumulative incidence of any reoperation was 19%. There were 3 additional reoperations, and all were irrigation and debridement. Postoperative creatinine and glomerular filtration rate were 6 mg/dL and 15 mL/min, respectively. At a mean of 2 years after THA, 25% successfully received a renal transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Dialysis-dependent patients undergoing primary THAs had high 5-year mortality (35%) but an acceptably low cumulative incidence of any revision. While renal metrics remained consistent after THA, only one in 4 patients underwent successful renal transplant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Frank Stinchfield Award: Creation of a Patient-Specific Total Hip Arthroplasty Periprosthetic Fracture Risk Calculator.

BACKGROUND: Many risk factors have been described for periprosthetic femur fracture (PPFFx) following total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet a patient-specific risk assessment tool remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to develop a high-dimensional, patient-specific risk-stratification nomogram that allows dynamic risk modification based on operative decisions. METHODS: We evaluated 16,696 primary nononcologic THAs performed between 1998 and 2018. During a mean 6-year follow-up, 558 patients (3.3%) sustained a PPFFx. Patients were characterized by individual natural language processing-assisted chart review on nonmodifiable factors (demographics, THA indication, and comorbidities), and modifiable operative decisions (femoral fixation [cemented/uncemented], surgical approach [direct anterior, lateral, and posterior], and implant type [collared/collarless]). Multivariable Cox regression models and nomograms were developed with PPFFx as a binary outcome at 90 days, 1 year, and 5 years, postoperatively. RESULTS: Patient-specific PPFFx risk based on comorbid profile was wide-ranging from 0.4-18% at 90 days, 0.4%-20% at 1 year, and 0.5%-25% at 5 years. Among 18 evaluated patient factors, 7 were retained in multivariable analyses. The 4 significant nonmodifiable factors included the following: women (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.6), older age (HR = 1.2 per 10 years), diagnosis of osteoporosis or use of osteoporosis medications (HR = 1.7), and indication for surgery other than osteoarthritis (HR = 2.2 for fracture, HR = 1.8 for inflammatory arthritis, HR = 1.7 for osteonecrosis). The 3 modifiable surgical factors were included as follows: uncemented femoral fixation (HR = 2.5), collarless femoral implants (HR = 1.3), and surgical approach other than direct anterior (lateral HR = 2.9, posterior HR = 1.9). CONCLUSION: This patient-specific PPFFx risk calculator demonstrated a wide-ranging risk based on comorbid profile and enables surgeons to quantify risk mitigation based on operative decisions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Prognostic.

John N. Insall Award: Randomized Clinical Trial of Cementless Versus Cemented Tibial Components: Durable and Reliable at a Mean 10-Years Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Cementless fixation is gaining popularity for primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). The prior 5-year results of our randomized clinical trial that included 3 different tibial designs found minimal differences. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the 10-year results in the same cohort. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2006, 389 primary TKAs were randomized: traditional modular cemented tibia (135); hybrid (cemented baseplate with uncemented pegs) monoblock tibia (128); and cementless monoblock tibia (126). Implant survivorships, radiographs, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Mean age at TKA was 68 years (range, 41 to 85), 46% were male, and mean body mass index was 32 (range, 21 to 59). The mean follow-up was 10 years. RESULTS: The 10-year survivorship free of any revision was similar between the hybrid monoblock and cementless monoblock groups at 96%, but lower (89%) for the traditional modular cemented tibia (P = .05). The traditional modular cemented tibia group had significantly more revisions for aseptic tibial loosening than the other 2 groups (7 versus 0%) at 10 years (P = .003). The traditional modular cemented tibia group had significantly more nonprogressive radiolucent lines than the hybrid and cementless monoblock groups (24, 12, and 9%, respectively). Clinical outcomes were similar and excellent between all 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Cementless and hybrid monoblock tibial components have excellent implant survivorship (96%) with no cases of aseptic tibial loosening to date. The traditional cemented modular tibial group had a 7% cumulative incidence of aseptic loosening at 10 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, Prospective Randomized Control Trial.

Extensively Porous-Coated Stems Demonstrate Excellent Long-Term Survivorship in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Extensively porous-coated cylindrical stems have demonstrated excellent results in revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs). However, most studies are midterm follow-ups and of modest cohort size. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes of a large series of extensively porous-coated stems. METHODS: From 1992 to 2003, 925 extensively porous-coated stems were utilized in revision THAs at a single institution. The mean age was 65 years, and 57% of patients were males. Harris hip scores were calculated, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Radiographic assessment for stem fixation was categorized as either in-grown, fibrous stable, or loose according to Engh criteria. Risk analysis used Cox proportional hazard method. The mean follow-up was 13 years. RESULTS: Mean Harris hip scores improved from 56 to 80 at the last follow-up (P < .001). Fifty-three femoral stems (5%) were rerevised: 26 for aseptic loosening, 11 for stem fractures, 8 for infection, 5 for periprosthetic femoral fractures, and 3 for dislocation. Cumulative incidence of aseptic femoral loosening and femoral rerevision for any reason were 3% and 6.4% at 20 years, respectively. Nine of eleven stem fractures occurred with 10.5-13.5 mm diameters (mean 6 years). Radiographic review of unrevized stems demonstrated 94% bone-ingrown. Demographics, femoral bone loss, stem diameter, and length were not predictors of femoral rerevision. CONCLUSION: In this large series of revision THAs using a single extensively porous-coated stem design, the cumulative incidence of rerevision for aseptic femoral loosening was 3% at 20 years. These data confirm the durability of this stem in femoral revision, providing a long-term benchmark for newer uncemented revision stems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective study.

Spinal Versus General Anesthesia in Contemporary Revision Total Knee Arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: Interest in spinal anesthesia utilization in revision total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) is rising. This study investigated the pain control, length of stay (LOS), and complications associated with spinal versus general anesthesia in a single institution series of revision TKAs. METHODS: We identified 3,711 revision TKAs (3,495 patients) from 2001 to 2016 using our institutional total joint registry. There were 66% who had general anesthesia and 34% who had spinal anesthesia. Mean age, sex, and BMI were similar between groups at 67 years, 53% women, and 32, respectively. Data were analyzed using inverse probability of treatment weighted models based on propensity scores that accounted for patient and operative factors. Mean follow-up was 6 years (range, 2 to 17). RESULTS: Patients treated with spinal anesthesia required fewer postoperative oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) (P < .0001) and had lower numeric pain rating scale scores (P < .001). Spinal anesthesia was associated with shorter LOS (4.0 versus 4.6 days; P < .0001), less cases of altered mental status (AMS; Odds Ratio (OR) 2.0, P = .004), less intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (OR 1.6, P = .02), fewer re-revisions (OR 1.7, P < .001), and less reoperations (OR 1.4, P < .001). There was no difference in the incidence of VTE (P = .82), 30-day readmissions (P = .06), or 90-day readmissions (P = .18) between anesthetic techniques. CONCLUSION: We found that spinal anesthesia for revision TKAs was associated with significantly lower pain scores, reduced OME requirements, and decreased LOS. Furthermore, spinal anesthesia was associated with fewer cases of AMS, ICU admissions, and re-revisions even after accounting for numerous patient and operative factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Normative Femoral and Tibial Lengths in a Modern Population of Twenty-First-Century U.S. Children.

BACKGROUND: The Green-Anderson (GA) leg-length data remain the gold standard for the age-based assessment of leg lengths in children despite their methodologic weaknesses. We aimed to summarize current growth trends among a cross-sectional cohort of modern U.S. children using quantile regression methods and to compare the median femoral and tibial lengths of the modern U.S. children with those of the GA cohort. METHODS: A retrospective review of scanograms and upright slot-scanning radiographs obtained in otherwise healthy children between 2008 and 2020 was completed. A search of a radiology registry revealed 3,508 unique patients between the ages of 2 and 18 years for whom a standard-of-care scanogram or slot-scanning radiograph had been made. All patients with systemic illness, genetic conditions, or generalized diseases that may affect height were excluded. Measurements from a single leg at a single time point per subject were included, and the latest available time point was used for children who had multiple scanograms made. Quantile regression analysis was used to fit the lengths of the tibia and femur and overall leg length separately for male patients and female patients. RESULTS: Seven hundred patients (328 female and 372 male) met the inclusion criteria. On average, the reported 50th percentile tibial lengths from the GA study at each time point were shorter than the lengths in this study by 2.2 cm (range, 1.4 to 3.3 cm) for boys and 2 cm (range, 1.1 to 3.1 cm) for girls. The reported 50th percentile femoral lengths from the GA study at each time point were shorter than the lengths in this study by 1.8 cm (range, 1.1 to 2.5 cm) for boys and 1.7 cm (range, 0.8 to 2.3 cm) shorter for girls. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed new growth charts for femoral and tibial lengths in a modern U.S. population of children. The new femoral and tibial lengths at nearly all time points are 1 to 3 cm longer than traditional GA data. The use of GA data for epiphysiodesis could result in underestimation of expected childhood growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Propensity Scores: Confounder Adjustment When Comparing Nonrandomized Groups in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Many studies in arthroplasty research are based on nonrandomized, retrospective, registry-based cohorts. In these types of studies, patients belonging to different treatment or exposure groups often differ with respect to patient characteristics, medical histories, surgical indications, or other factors. Consequently, comparisons of nonrandomized groups are often subject to treatment selection bias and confounding. Propensity scores can be used to balance cohort characteristics, thus helping to minimize potential bias and confounding. This article explains how propensity scores are created and describes multiple ways in which they can be applied in the analysis of nonrandomized studies. Please visit the following (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqgxl_nZWS4&t=3s) for a video that explains the highlights of the paper in practical terms.

Survival trends in young patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia: Over five decades of experience.

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, indolent lymphoma, that predominately affects the elderly. We report the outcomes of young WM patients, evaluated over five decades, compared to their older counterparts, matched for the time of diagnosis. Between January 1, 1960 and October 31, 2013, 140 (11.8%) WM patients were ≤50 years of age at diagnosis in our database, and their estimated 10-year overall survival (OS) was 74%, with death attributable to WM in a higher proportion of patients compared to their older (≥65 years) counterparts (91% vs. 58%, p = .0001). Young patients were grouped into three cohorts based on the timing of the initiation of therapy: Group 1 (1960-1977, n = 12), Group 2 (1978-1995, n = 48), and Group 3 (1996-2013, n = 74). Among young patients, there was no disease-specific survival (DSS) difference across the three periods, [median DSS at 13 years (95% CI 5-23), 16 years (95% CI 14-22), and 15 years (95% CI 10-NR; p = .41), respectively]. However, DSS for the older cohort incrementally improved (Group 1, median 5.2 years, Group 2: 9.6 years, Group 3: 12 years; p = .05) over these periods. The estimated average years-of-life lost for the young cohort was 11.2 years from diagnosis, based on the expected survival for a normal age- and sex-matched population. Despite a protracted disease course, nearly all young patients succumb to their disease. In contrast to the improved survival of the elderly patient population, the evolving treatment strategies in WM have not impacted the outcome of young patients; however, the impact of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors on this unique patient population remains to be determined.

How to Distinguish Correlation From Causation in Orthopaedic Research.

Correlations in observational studies are commonly misinterpreted as causation. Although correlation is necessary to establish a causal relationship between two variables, correlations may also arise due to chance, reverse causality, or confounding. There are several methods available to orthopaedic researchers to determine whether the observed correlations are causal. These methods depend on the key components of the study including, but not limited to, study design and data availability on confounders. In this article, we illustrate the main concepts surrounding correlation and causation using intuitive real-world examples from the orthopaedic literature. Please visit the following https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW7pFudZbHA&t=52s for a video that explains the highlights of the paper in practical terms.

Nuts and Bolts of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Orthopaedics.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are commonly used in orthopaedic clinical practice, comparative effectiveness research (CER), and label claims. In this paper, we provide an overview of PROs, their development, validation, and use in orthopaedic research with examples and conclude with practical guidelines for researchers and reviewers. We discuss considerations for conceptual framework, validity, reliability, factor analysis, and measurement of change with Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS), as an example. We also describe advantages of instruments developed based on item response theory and statistical analyses for data collected using PRO measures. Please visit the following (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p-DtZgUHOA&t=354s) for a video that explains the highlights of the paper in practical terms.

How to Develop and Validate Prediction Models for Orthopedic Outcomes.

Prediction models are common in medicine for predicting outcomes such as mortality, complications, or response to treatment. Despite the growing interest in these models in arthroplasty (and orthopaedics in general), few have been adopted in clinical practice. If robustly built and validated, prediction models can be excellent tools to support surgical decision making. In this paper, we provide an overview of the statistical concepts surrounding prediction models and outline practical steps for prediction model development and validation in arthroplasty research. Please visit the followinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yrit23Rkicfor a video that explains the highlights of the paper in practical terms.