Incidence, predictors, and timing of post-operative stroke following elective total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative stroke is a rare but potentially devastating complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of the current study was to determine the incidence, independent risk factors, and timing of stroke following THA and TKA utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement (NSQIP) database. METHODS: Patients who underwent elective primary THA and TKA were identified in the 2005-2016 NSQIP database. Thirty-day postoperative strokes were identified, timing was characterized, and an incidence curve was created. Multivariate analyses determined the independent predictors of these strokes. RESULTS: Of 333,117 patients identified, 286 (0.09%) experienced a stroke. Given that THA vs TKA was not a univariate predictor of stroke, the two procedures were considered together. The majority (65%) of strokes occurred before discharge. Of the strokes observed, 25% occurred by postoperative day one, 50% by postoperative day two, and 75% by postoperative day nine. Independent risk factors for postoperative stroke were: age (60-69 years old odds ratio [OR] = 4.2; 70-79 years old OR = 8.1; ≤80 years old OR = 16.1), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (ASA≥3 OR = 1.7), and smoking [OR = 1.6). CONCLUSION: The incidence of stroke after THA/TKA was low at 0.09%, with the majority occurring prior to discharge and half occurring by postoperative day two. Patients who were older, sicker, or who were smokers were at greater risk of postoperative stroke. These findings can be used to council patients and to optimize patient care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective comparative study.

Demographics, mechanism of injury, and associated injuries of 25,615 patients with talus fractures in the National Trauma Data Bank.

BACKGROUND: Extensive research has been conducted concerning the epidemiology of fractures of the calcaneus and ankle. However, less work has characterized the population sustaining talus fractures, necessitating the analysis of a large, national sample to assess the presentation of this important injury. METHODS: The current study included adult patients from the 2011 through 2015 National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) who had talus fractures. Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), mechanism of injury (MOI), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and associated injuries were evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 25,615 talus fracture patients, 15,607 (61%) were males. The age distribution showed a general decline in frequency as age increased after a peak incidence at 21 years of age. As expected, CCI increased as age increased. The mechanism of injury analysis showed a decline in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and an increase in falls as age increased. ISS was generally higher for MVAs compared to falls and other injuries.Overall, 89% of patients with a talus fracture had an associated injury. Among associated bony injuries, non-talus lower extremity fractures were common, with ankle fractures (noted in 42.7%) and calcaneus fractures (noted in 27.8%) being the most notable. The most common associated internal organ injuries were lung (noted in 19.0%) and intracranial injuries (noted in 14.9%). CONCLUSION: This large cohort of patients with talus fractures defined the demographics of those who sustain this injury and demonstrated ankle and calcaneus fractures to be the most commonly associated injuries. Other associated orthopaedic and non-orthopaedic injuries were also defined. In fact, the incidence of associated lumbar spine fracture was similar to that seen for calcaneus fractures (14%) and nearly 1 in 5 patients had a thoracic organ injury. Clinicians need to maintain a high suspicion for such associated injuries for those who present with talus fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, retrospective study.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and severe, catheter-induced vasospasm associated with excessive consumption of a caffeinated energy drink.

Excessive consumption of over-the-counter stimulants is associated with coronary vasospasm, thrombotic complications, and sudden cardiac death. Their effects on cerebrovascular physiology are not yet described in the neurointerventional literature. Patients are increasingly exposed to high levels of these vasoactive substances in the form of caffeinated energy drinks and specialty coffees. We report a case of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and severe, catheter-induced vasospasm during attempted endovascular repair of a ruptured anterior communicating artery (AComA) aneurysm in the setting of excessive energy drink consumption. We review the literature and alert clinicians to this potentially serious complication.