Payor Reform Opportunities for Spine Surgery: Part II: The Potential Emergence of Population Health.

The pressures on spine surgery to adopt value-based reimbursement models are being seen in the increased implementation of bundled payment strategies. Given that bundled payment models typically link payments to the initiation of the surgical episode in question, despite their potential cost-saving attributes, financial incentives remain tied to the volume of services being provided. As payors and policy makers look to find savings by focusing on waste and variation of care, more comprehensive models such population health strategies are now being develop and deployed. The clinical delivery and cost variation currently seen in spine health management make spine surgery an acute target of such population health strategies. Spine surgeons should understand the forces driving such changes and the opportunities to optimize performance within them.

Payor Reform Opportunities for Spine Surgery: Part III: Population Health Programs and Converging Strategies.

As the cost of health care continues to rise, government and commercial payors are implementing strategies as a means of reducing the overall expenditure of health care dollars. The largest savings will be not just in more cost-effective treatments but in strategies that can avoid the need for treatments in the first place. Although the savings from popular payor reform strategies like bundled payments are tied to the initiation of the clinical episode, population health programs utilize a variety of tactics to decrease the need for health care utilization overall. However, the payor reform landscape is seeing some convergence of strategies as varying tactics can be complimentary. Given the dramatic rise in expenditures on spine surgery and related services, spine surgeons should understand how population health and other efforts will inevitably influence spine health care delivery going forward.

Biomechanical characteristics of subscapularis-sparing approach for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: A technique for retaining the superior 50% of the subscapularis insertion for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty has been described. This cadaveric study biomechanically evaluates this subscapularis-sparing approach and compares it with a complete subscapularis release and repair technique to determine whether there is a higher load to failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve matched pairs of human cadaveric arms were distributed into 3 test groups. Group 1 consisted of specimens with and without a 100% subscapularis release. Group 2 consisted of specimens with and without an inferior 50% subscapularis release. Group 3 consisted of specimens with either an inferior 50% or 100% release of the subscapularis footprint and repair. All tendon repairs were performed using bone tunnels and sutures. Specimens were biomechanically tested using non-destructive cyclic and tensile failure-inducing loads. RESULTS: In matched pairs, the following comparative results were obtained: native intact subscapularis specimens exhibited a load to failure of 1341.20 ± 380.10 N compared with 380.10 ± 138.79 N in the 100% release specimens (P = .029), native intact subscapularis specimens exhibited a load to failure of 1209.74 ± 342.18 N compared with 744.33 ± 211.77 N in the 50% release specimens (P = .057), and 50% release and repair specimens exhibited a load to failure of 704.62 ± 165.53 N compared with 305.52 ± 91.39 N in the 100% release and repair group (P = .029). CONCLUSION: Preservation of the superior 50% of the subscapularis demonstrates a higher load to failure compared with complete subscapularis release and repair using bone tunnels.

Payor Reform Opportunities for Spine Surgery: Part I: Background and Stimulus for Bundled Payments.

Spine surgery, and orthopedic surgery overall, is being increasingly scrutinized by payors due to large projected increases in utilization. The unsustainability of the fee-for-service payment system has lead payors to investigate novel value and risk-based contracting strategies on an episode of care basis and on a population health basis. These forays into progressive models for spine surgery have been supported by the successes demonstrated by advanced payor reform programs from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in other areas of musculoskeletal medicine. Whether they are focused on lower extremity arthroplasty or spinal surgery, these pressures are forcing hospitals and physicians to align to improve quality and reduce costs through new structures and relationships. However, in many respects spine surgery has been years behind the wave of market pressures seen in other orthopedic subspecialties, such as arthroplasty. As such, the recognition and understanding of the forces and motivations driving the massive pressures responsible for these will better equip the spine surgeon to adapt and ultimately master such transformations.

Evolving Beyond Craft Surgery Is Both Inevitable and Essential.

Given the increasing emphasis in health care on improving outcomes, reproducible results, and creating value for the patient, orthopedic surgery in particular must necessarily continue to progress away from an individualized and a surgeon-specific technical craft and toward a highly automated and computer-integrated process in which surgeon and digitized systems interact to provide the most reproducible and consistent outcomes possible. In doing so, orthopedic surgery would follow the same path that every other highly reliable and safety conscious industry has adopted by absolute necessity. This evolution should therefore not be discouraged but rather embraced and accelerated.

Assessment of rotator cuff repair integrity using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: This study compared ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of the repaired rotator cuff to determine concordance between these imaging studies. METHODS: We performed a concordance study using the data from a prospective nonrandomized multicenter study at 13 centers. A suture bridge technique was used to repair 113 rotator cuff tears that were between 1 and 4 cm wide. Repairs were evaluated with MRI and ultrasound at multiple time points after surgery. The MRI scans were read by a central radiologist and the surgeon, and the ultrasounds were read by a local radiologist or the surgeon who performed the ultrasound. RESULTS: The concordance between the central radiologist's MRI reading and the investigator's MRI readings at all time points was 89%, with a κ coefficient of 0.60. The concordance between the central radiologist's MRI and ultrasound readings at all time points was 85%, with a κ coefficient of 0.40. The concordance between the investigator's MRI and ultrasound readings was 92%, with a κ coefficient of 0.70. CONCLUSIONS: In the community setting, ultrasound may be used to evaluate the integrity of a repaired rotator cuff tendon and constitutes a comparable alternative to MRI when evaluating the integrity of a rotator cuff repair. Clinical investigators should compare their postoperative ultrasound results with their postoperative MRI results for a certain time period to establish the accuracy of ultrasound before relying solely on ultrasound imaging to evaluate the integrity of their rotator cuff repairs.

Clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic comparison of subscapularis tenotomy and lesser tuberosity osteotomy for total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a lesser tuberosity osteotomy has been promoted as an alternative to tenotomy for release of the subscapularis during shoulder arthroplasty. To our knowledge, no direct comparison of the clinical results of the two techniques has been presented. METHODS: Thirty-five shoulders in thirty-four consecutive patients with osteoarthritis who had a primary total shoulder arthroplasty, performed with use of a standard subscapularis tenotomy (Group 1) or lesser tuberosity osteotomy (Group 2) to release the subscapularis, were evaluated retrospectively at an average of thirty-three months. Group 1 consisted of fifteen shoulders in fourteen patients (seven in males and eight in females, with an average age of sixty-seven years). Group 2 consisted of twenty shoulders in twenty patients (fourteen males and six females, with an average age of sixty-nine years). Assessment included a physical examination, clinical outcome questionnaires, conventional radiography, ultrasound examination of the subscapularis, and measurement of internal rotation strength. RESULTS: The postoperative total Penn Shoulder Scores improved significantly from the preoperative levels in both groups (mean and standard deviation, 29 +/- 15 points to 81 +/- 20 points [p < 0.00001] in Group 1 and 29 +/- 16 points to 92 +/- 11 points [p < 0.00001] in Group 2). However, the postoperative mean total Penn Shoulder Score was higher in Group 2 (92 +/- 11 points) than in Group 1 (81 +/- 20 points) (p = 0.04). At one year, an abnormal subscapularis on ultrasound was associated with a lower mean Penn Shoulder Score in Group 1 (73 +/- 19 points compared with 92 +/- 3 points; p = 0.01). However, at a minimum two-year follow-up, this difference was not significant (mean, 74 +/- 24 points and 86 +/- 15 points, respectively; p = 0.25). There were more abnormal subscapularis tendons in Group 1 (six attenuated tendons and one full-thickness tear) than in Group 2 (two attenuated tendons). Internal rotation strength did not differ between the groups when controlled for sex (mean, 117 +/- 8 N and 127 +/- 21 N for males in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively [p = 0.22] and 77 +/- 27 N and 101 +/- 26 N, respectively, for females [p = 0.1]). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques resulted in improved clinical outcome scores. The lesser tuberosity osteotomy resulted in higher clinical outcome scores, a lower rate of subscapularis tendon tears, and universal healing of the osteotomy. This technique offers a means by which the rate of postoperative subscapularis tears may be reduced in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty.

Three-dimensional volume-rendering computed tomography for measuring humeral version.

HYPOTHESIS: Humeral version is highly variable in human beings. Accurate assessment of humeral version may allow for more anatomic reconstruction at shoulder arthroplasty. Two-dimensional (2D) computed tomography (CT) has been used to measure humeral version but has limitations of poor interobserver reproducibility and strict dependence on arm positioning during image acquisition. This study evaluated a new technique, 3-dimensional (3D) volume rendering, for measuring humeral version. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight dried human humerus specimens were included in the study. Gold standard measurements of humeral version were obtained by use of metallic beads and fluoroscopy. The specimens were then scanned at CT in 2 different positions, 1 neutral to the table and 1 angled at 20 degrees . The image data sets were used to measure humeral version in each bone with both the standard 2D technique and the new 3D technique. Measurements were performed by 3 readers at 2 different time points. Readers were blinded to the gold standard results and each others' measurements. RESULTS: For all readers, 3D measurements averaged within 4.3 degrees of the gold standard. For 2 of the 3 readers, 3D measurements were more accurate than 2D measurements. For all 3 readers, intraobserver variability was better with the 3D technique. For all reader pairs, interobserver variability was better with the 3D technique. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a 3D volume-rendering CT technique to measure humeral version accurately and consistently that is independent of patient positioning.

Glenohumeral arthrodesis after failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: While there have been numerous reports concerning glenohumeral arthrodesis for many indications, there is little available information specific to glenohumeral arthrodesis performed after failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of glenohumeral arthrodesis in the setting of severe glenohumeral bone loss and deltoid muscle and rotator cuff insufficiency following failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiographic data on seven consecutive patients treated with glenohumeral arthrodesis following a failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty between 1997 and 2004. The average duration of clinical follow-up was four years (range, 1.5 to eight years). RESULTS: Five of the seven patients demonstrated an intact fusion at the time of the latest follow-up. Four of the seven patients had undergone additional bone-grafting procedures in an effort to obtain union. Two of these patients ultimately had a persistent nonunion despite the additional procedures for bone-grafting and revision of the fixation hardware. Overall, the average subjective clinical outcome score (Penn Shoulder Score) improved significantly from 17 points (range, 8 to 33 points) to 58 points (range, 31 to 77 points) (p = 0.008). The most common complication was delayed union requiring additional procedures for bone-grafting and revision of the fixation hardware. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of a failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty with concomitant extensive glenohumeral bone loss and soft-tissue deficiencies is extremely challenging. The results of this study suggest that glenohumeral arthrodesis can yield satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, both the patient and the surgeon should be aware of the complex nature of this surgery and the frequent need for additional surgical procedures to obtain fusion.

The influence of three-dimensional computed tomography images of the shoulder in preoperative planning for total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Arthritic changes to glenoid morphology can be difficult to fully characterize on both plain radiographs and conventional two-dimensional computer tomography images. We tested the hypothesis that three-dimensional imaging of the shoulder would increase inter-rater agreement for assessing the extent and location of glenoid bone loss and also would improve surgical planning for total shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Four shoulder surgeons independently and retrospectively reviewed the preoperative computed tomography scans of twenty-four arthritic shoulders. The blinded images were evaluated with conventional two-dimensional imaging software and then later with novel three-dimensional imaging software. Measurements and preoperative judgments were made for each shoulder with use of each imaging modality and then were compared. The glenoid measurements were glenoid version and bone loss. The judgments were the zone of maximum glenoid bone loss, glenoid implant fit within the glenoid vault, and how to surgically address abnormal glenoid version and bone loss. Agreement between observers was evaluated with use of intraclass correlation coefficients and the weighted kappa coefficient (kappa), and we determined if surgical decisions changed with use of the three-dimensional data. RESULTS: The average glenoid version (and standard deviation) measured -17 degrees +/- 2.2 degrees on the two-dimensional images and -19 degrees +/- 2.4 degrees on the three-dimensional images (p < 0.05). The average posterior glenoid bone loss measured 9 +/- 2.3 mm on the two-dimensional images and 7 +/- 2 mm on the three-dimensional images (p < 0.05). The average anterior bone loss measured 1 mm on both the two-dimensional and the three-dimensional images. However, the intraclass correlation coefficients for anterior bone loss increased significantly with use of the three-dimensional data (from 0.36 to 0.70; p < 0.05). Observers were more likely to locate mid-anterior glenoid bone loss on the basis of the three-dimensional data (p < 0.05). The use of three-dimensional data provided greater agreement among observers with regard to the zone of glenoid bone loss, glenoid prosthetic fit, and surgical decision-making. Also, when the judgment of implant fit changed, observers more often determined that it would violate the vault walls on the basis of the three-dimensional data (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of three-dimensional imaging can increase inter-rater agreement for the analysis of glenoid morphology and preoperative planning. Important considerations such as the extent and location of glenoid bone loss and the likelihood of implant fit were influenced by the three-dimensional data.

Inter-rater reliability of an arthritic glenoid morphology classification system.

To our knowledge, no independent analysis of the inter-rater agreement of the widely used Walch classification for osteoarthritic glenoid morphology has been performed. The computed tomography scans of 24 shoulders with primary osteoarthritis were used by 4 experienced shoulder surgeons to classify the glenoids independently according to Walch et al. The weighted kappa statistic was calculated to determine the inter-rater and intrarater agreement among observers. The overall inter-rater agreement for the Walch classification was fair (kappa = 0.37) when classified into the 5 types (A1, A2, B1, B2, and C). Agreement for the various subclassifications was as follows: A1, kappa = 0.22; A2, kappa = 0.33; B1, kappa = 0.17; B2, kappa = 0.32; and C, kappa = 0.86. When the classification system was simplified to just the 3 major types (A, B, and C), overall agreement was moderate (kappa = 0.44). Agreement for each type was moderate for A (kappa = 0.59) and B (kappa = 0.59) and almost perfect for C (kappa = 0.89). Overall intrarater agreement was fair (kappa = 0.37). We conclude that only fair agreement was found among experienced shoulder surgeons when classifying arthritic shoulders using the classification system of Walch et al. A glenoid classification scheme that relies more upon glenoid morphology and less upon humeral head position may demonstrate greater observer agreement and, therefore, may offer greater value.

The three-dimensional glenoid vault model can estimate normal glenoid version in osteoarthritis.

Glenohumeral arthroplasty can involve correcting pathologic glenoid tilt or version. Predicting the physiologic glenoid version for a particular individual can be difficult. We propose using a previously validated, 3-dimensional, glenoid vault model as a template to predict normal glenoid version. Computed tomography scans of both shoulders were obtained in 14 subjects with unilateral glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Custom-developed graphic software was used to create a 3-D reconstruction of each scapula. Within the software, the vault model was placed in a best-fit orientation into each glenoid vault independently by 3 observers who were blinded to the contralateral scapula. Measurement differences between the glenoid and vault model were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Standard errors of measurement (SEM) were calculated. Interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed. The healthy glenoid version averaged -7.0 degrees (SEM, 0.7 degrees ; range, 0 degrees to -14 degrees ). The arthritic glenoid version averaged -15.6 degrees (SEM, 0.7 degrees ; range, 1 degrees to -33 degrees ; P < .0001). The version of the implanted vault model measured -7.1 degrees (SEM, 0.7 degrees ; range, -1 degrees to -15 degrees ) on the healthy side and -7.2 degrees (SEM, 0.7 degrees ; range -2 degrees to -11 degrees ) on the arthritic side. Measurements between observers were not significantly different (P = .98). Interobserver and intraobserver correlation coefficients were 0.79 (P < .001) and 0.80 (P < .001). In the arthritic glenoid, the vault model reproducibly closely approximated the version of the normal contralateral glenoid, -7.2 degrees vs -7.0 degrees (P = .99) and is a novel and accurate method of estimating the normal glenoid version. This technique may be valuable in correcting pathologic glenoid version due to arthritis.

Glenohumeral arthrodesis after failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: While there have been numerous reports concerning glenohumeral arthrodesis for many indications, there is little available information specific to glenohumeral arthrodesis performed after failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of glenohumeral arthrodesis in the setting of severe glenohumeral bone loss and deltoid muscle and rotator cuff insufficiency following failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiographic data on seven consecutive patients treated with glenohumeral arthrodesis following a failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty between 1997 and 2004. The average duration of clinical follow-up was four years (range, 1.5 to eight years). RESULTS: Five of the seven patients demonstrated an intact fusion at the time of the latest follow-up. Four of the seven patients had undergone additional bone-grafting procedures in an effort to obtain union. Two of these patients ultimately had a persistent nonunion despite the additional procedures for bone-grafting and revision of the fixation hardware. Overall, the average subjective clinical outcome score (Penn Shoulder Score) improved significantly from 17 points (range, 8 to 33 points) to 58 points (range, 31 to 77 points) (p = 0.008). The most common complication was delayed union requiring additional procedures for bone-grafting and revision of the fixation hardware. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of a failed prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty with concomitant extensive glenohumeral bone loss and soft-tissue deficiencies is extremely challenging. The results of this study suggest that glenohumeral arthrodesis can yield satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, both the patient and the surgeon should be aware of the complex nature of this surgery and the frequent need for additional surgical procedures to obtain fusion.

Quantitative analysis of glenoid bone loss in osteoarthritis using three-dimensional computed tomography scans.

The 3-dimensional (3D) shape of the glenoid vault has been defined previously and shown to be a complex, yet consistent, shape in individuals without glenoid pathology. We proposed assessing whether this conserved shape could be used as a template to measure glenoid bone loss in subjects with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Computed tomography (CT) scans of both shoulders were obtained from 12 subjects with unilateral glenohumeral osteoarthritis. The paired scapulae were reconstructed 3-dimensionally, using a previously developed graphic software package. Two methods of estimating glenoid bone loss were performed. First, using the software, a stereolithography model of the standardized vault shape was implanted into each glenoid and measurements made of the volume of the implant not contained within each vault. Second, direct measurements of the paired glenoid vault volumes were performed. The volume of the nonarthritic glenoid was used as a subject-specific template for normal glenoid vault volume for each pair. The glenoid bone volumes measured by each method were compared and Pearson's correlation coefficient determined. The average measurement of glenoid bone loss using the vault implant was within 0.8% (SD +/- 1.5%) of the measurement made using the contralateral, normal glenoid. For all patients, Pearson's correlation coefficient was .99, indicating a very high correlation between the two methods of measuring bone loss (P < .0001). The intricate, yet consistent 3D shape of the glenoid vault can be used as an accurate and reliable template to measure glenoid bone loss in glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Bone grafting severe glenoid defects in revision shoulder arthroplasty.

UNLABELLED: During revision total shoulder arthroplasty, bone grafting severe glenoid defects without concomitant reinsertion of a glenoid prosthesis may be the only viable reconstructive option. However, the fate of these grafts is unknown. We questioned the durability and subsidence of the graft and the associated clinical outcomes in patients who have this procedure. We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with severe glenoid deficiencies from aseptic loosening of a glenoid component who underwent conversion of a total shoulder arthroplasty to a humeral head replacement and glenoid bone grafting. Large cavitary defects were grafted with either allograft cancellous chips or bulk structural allograft, depending on the presence or absence of glenoid vault wall defects, without prosthetic glenoid resurfacing. Clinical outcomes (Penn Shoulder Score, maximum 100 points) improved from 23 to 57 at a minimum 2-year followup (mean, 38 months; range, 24-73 months). However, we observed substantial graft subsidence in all patients, with eight of 11 patients having subsidence greater than 5 mm; the magnitude of graft resorption did not correlate with clinical outcome scores. Greater subsidence was seen with structural than cancellous chip allografts. Bone grafting large glenoid defects during revision shoulder arthroplasty can improve clinical outcome scores, but the substantial resorption of the graft material remains a concern. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Prognostic study.

Intraarticular distal humerus fracture complicated by osteogenesis imperfecta treated with primary total elbow arthroplasty: a case report.

Intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus are challenging problems for the treating surgeon. When these fractures are complicated by severe comminution and poor bone quality, open reduction and internal fixation may lead to poor clinical outcomes when compared with those treated with primary total elbow arthroplasty. The population in which this clinical scenario most often arises is the elderly. An unusual case is presented in which a 38-year-old individual was successfully treated with primary total elbow arthroplasty for a highly comminuted, intraarticular distal humerus fracture with severe osteopenia due to osteogenesis imperfecta in which standard plate osteosynthesis was unlikely to provide sufficient stable fixation.

Retrograde femoral nailing complicated by spurious fracture of the femoral neck.

The presence of a fracture of the femoral neck and ipsilateral diaphyseal femur fracture has been reported previously. In all femoral shaft fractures, scrutiny of the femoral neck is mandatory in order to direct proper management toward this potentially devastating complication. This report discusses a case of an intraoperative radiographic artifact secondary to retrograde nailing of a femoral shaft fracture which may be interpreted as an occult or iatrogenic ipsilateral fracture of the femoral neck. The etiology of this artifact and its proper interpretation are described.

Biomechanical comparison of posterior pelvic ring fixation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine relative stiffness of various methods of posterior pelvic ring internal fixation. DESIGN: Simulated single leg stance loading of OTA 61-Cl.2, a2 fracture model (unilateral sacroiliac joint disruption and pubic symphysis diastasis). SETTING: Orthopaedic biomechanic laboratory. OUTCOME VARIABLES: Pubic symphysis gapping, sacroiliac joint gapping, hemipelvis coronal plane rotation. METHODS: Nine different posterior pelvic ring fixation methods were tested on each of six hard plastic pelvic models. Pubic symphysis was plated. The pelvic ring was loaded to 1000N. RESULTS: All data were normalized to values obtained with posterior fixation with a single iliosacral screw. The types of fixation could be grouped into three categories based on relative stiffness of fixation: For sacroiliac joint gapping, group 1-fixation stiffness 0.8 and above (least stiff) includes a single iliosacral screw (conditions A and J), an isolated tension band plate (condition F), and two sacral bars (condition H); group 2-fixation stiffness 0.6 to 0.8 (intermediate stiffness) includes a tension band plate and an iliosacral screw (condition E), one or two sacral bars in combination with an iliosacral screw (conditions G and I); group 3-fixation stiffness 0.6 and below (greatest stiffness) includes two anterior sacroiliac plates (condition D), two iliosacral screws (condition B), and two anterior sacroiliac plates and an iliosacral screw (condition C). For sacroiliac joint rotation, group 1-fixation stiffness 0.8 and above includes a single iliosacral screw (conditions A and J), two anterior sacroiliac plates (condition D), a tension band plate in isolation or in combination with an iliosacral screw (conditions E and F), and two sacral bars (condition H); group 2-fixation stiffness 0.6 to 0.8 (intermediate level of instability) includes either one or two sacral bars in combination with an iliosacral screw (conditions G and I); group 3-fixation stiffness 0.6 and below (stiffest fixation) consists of two iliosacral screws (condition B) and two anterior sacroiliac plates and an iliosacral screw (condition C). DISCUSSION: Under conditions of maximal instability with similar material properties between specimens, differences in stiffness of posterior pelvic ring fixation can be demonstrated. The choice of which method to use is multifactorial.