Ajay Malviya

Enhanced recovery program for hip and knee replacement reduces death rate

Background and purpose Multimodal techniques can aid early rehabilitation and discharge of patients following primary joint replacement. We hypothesized that this not only reduces the economic burden of joint replacement by reducing length of stay, but also helps in reduction of early complications. Patients and methods We evaluated 4,500 consecutive unselected total hip replacements and total knee replacements regarding length of hospital stay, mortality, and perioperative complications. The first 3,000 underwent a traditional protocol while the other 1,500 underwent an enhanced recovery protocol involving behavioral, pharmacological, and procedural modifications. Results There was a reduction in 30-day death rate (0.5% to 0.1%, p = 0.02) and 90-day death rate (0.8% to 0.2%, p = 0.01). The median length of stay decreased from 6 days to 3 days (p < 0.001), resulting in a saving of 5,418 bed days. Requirement for blood transfusion was reduced (23% to 9.8%, p < 0.001). There was a trend of a reduced rate of 30-day myocardial infarction (0.8% to 0.5%. p = 0 .2) and stroke (0.5% to 0.2%, p = 0.2). The 60-day deep vein thrombosis figures (0.8% to 0.6%, p = 0.5) and pulmonary embolism figures (1.2% to 1.1%, p = 0.9) were similar. Re-admission rate remained unchanged during the period of the study (4.7% to 4.8%, p = 0.8). Interpretation This large observational study of unselected consecutive hip and knee arthroplasty patients shows a substantial reduction in death rate, reduced length of stay, and reduced transfusion requirements after the introduction of a multimodal enhanced recovery protocol.

Reduced short-term complications and mortality following Enhanced Recovery primary hip and knee arthroplasty: results from 6,000 consecutive procedures.

Background and purpose Enhanced Recovery (ER) is a well-established multidisciplinary strategy in lower limb arthroplasty and was introduced in our department in May 2008. This retrospective study reviews short-term outcomes in a consecutive unselected series of 3,000 procedures (the “ER” group), and compares them to a numerically comparable cohort that had been operated on previously using a traditional protocol (the “Trad” group). Methods Prospectively collected data on surgical endpoints (length of stay (LOS), return to theater (RTT), re-admission, and 30- and 90-day mortality) and medical complications (stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, myocardial infarction, and pneumonia within 30 days; deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism within 60 days) were compared. Results ER included 1,256 THR patients and 1,744 TKR patients (1,369 THRs and 1,631 TKRs in Trad). The median LOS in the ER group was reduced (3 days vs. 6 days; p = 0.01). Blood transfusion rate was also reduced (7.6% vs. 23%; p < 0.001), as was RTT rate (p = 0.05). The 30-day incidence of myocardial infarction declined (0.4% vs. 0.9%; p = 0.03) while that of stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism was not statistically significantly different. Mortality at 30 days and at 90 days was 0.1% and 0.5%, respectively, as compared to 0.5% and 0.8% using the traditional protocol (p = 0.03 and p = 0.1, respectively). Interpretation This is the largest study of ER arthroplasty, and provides safety data on a consecutive unselected series. The program has achieved a statistically significant reduction in LOS and in cardiac ischemic events for our patients, with a near-significant decrease in return to theater and in mortality rates.

Metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty.

The effects of elevated levels of metal ions in patients who have undergone metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty are not fully understood. The effects of femoral head size on serum metal-ion levels have been the subject of conflicting reports, and further investigation is needed to evaluate the impact of acetabular and femoral component alignment. The conduct of clinical trials of metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties has been inadequate as few investigators have used a randomized controlled design to compare metal-on-metal bearings with other bearing surfaces. Additional clinical research needs to include appropriate validated patient-reported outcome measures, activity monitoring, and health economics.

Reduced medium-term mortality following primary total hip and knee arthroplasty with an enhanced recovery program: A study of 4,500 consecutive procedures

Background and purpose Our unit started to use routine multimodal techniques to enhance recovery for hip and knee arthroplasty in 2008. We have previously reported earlier discharge, a trend toward a reduction in complications, and a statistically significant reduction in mortality up to 90 days after surgery. In this study, we evaluated the same cohort to determine whether survival benefits were maintained at 2 years. Patients and methods We prospectively evaluated 4,500 unselected consecutive total hip and knee replacements. The first 3,000 underwent a traditional protocol (TRAD) and the later 1,500 underwent an enhanced recovery protocol (ER). Mortality data were collected from the Office of National Statistics (UK). Results There was a difference in death rate at 2 years (TRAD vs. ER: 3.8% vs. 2.7%; p = 0.05). Survival probability up to 3.7 years post surgery was significantly better in patients who underwent an ER protocol. Interpretation This large prospective case series of unselected consecutive patients showed a reduction in mortality rate at 2 years following elective lower-limb hip and knee arthroplasty following the introduction of a multimodal enhanced recovery protocol. This survival benefit supports the routine use of an enhanced recovery program for hip and knee arthroplasty.

Impact of arthroscopy of the hip for femoroacetabular impingement on quality of life at a mean follow-up of 3.2 years

The benefit of arthroscopy of the hip in the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in terms of quality of life (QoL) has not been reported. We prospectively collected data on 612 patients (257 women (42%) and 355 men (58%)) with a mean age at the time of surgery of 36.7 years (14 to 75) who underwent arthroscopy of the hip for FAI under the care of a single surgeon. The minimum follow-up was one year (mean 3.2 years (1 to 7)). The responses to the modified Harris hip score were translated using the Rosser Index Matrix in order to provide a QoL score. The mean QoL score increased from 0.946 (-1.486 to 0.995) to 0.974 (0.7 to 1) at one year after surgery (p < 0.001). The mean QoL score in men was significantly higher than in women, both before and one year after surgery (both p < 0.001). However, the mean change in the QoL score was not statistically different between men and women (0.02 (-0.21 to 0.27) and 0.04 (-0.16 to 0.87), respectively; p = 0.12). Linear regression analysis revealed that the significant predictors of a change in QoL score were pre-operative QoL score (p < 0.001) and gender (p = 0.04). The lower the pre-operative score, the higher the gain in QoL post-operatively (ρ = -0.66; p < 0.001). One year after surgery the QoL scores in the 612 patients had improved in 469 (76.6%), remained unchanged in 88 (14.4%) and had deteriorated in 55 (9.0%).

The impact of national guidelines for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism on the complications of arthroplasty of the lower limb

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) produces recommendations on appropriate treatment within the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales. The NICE guidelines on prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in orthopaedic surgery recommend that all patients be offered a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The linked hospital episode statistics of 219 602 patients were examined to determine the rates of complications following lower limb arthroplasty for the 12-month periods prior to and following the publication of these guidelines. These were compared with data from the National Joint Registry (England and Wales) regarding the use of LMWH during the same periods. There was a significant increase in the reported use of LMWH (59.5% to 67.6%, p < 0.001) following the publication of the guidelines. However, the 90-day venous thromboembolism events actually increased slightly following total hip replacement (THR, 1.69% to 1.84%, p = 0.06) and remained unchanged following total knee replacement (TKR, 1.99% to 2.04%). Return to theatre in the first 30 days for infection did not show significant changes. There was an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, which was significant following THR (0.11% to 0.16%, p = 0.04). The recommendations from NICE are based on predicted reductions in venous thromboembolism events, reducing morbidity, mortality and costs to the NHS. The early results in orthopaedic patients do not support these predictions, but do show an increase in complications.

Complications and Survival Analyses of Hip Arthroscopies Performed in the National Health Service in England: A Review of 6,395 Cases

PURPOSE Our study aimed to identify the complications of hip arthroscopies with particular emphasis on the 30-day readmission rate; 90-day deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) rate and mortality rate; revision hip arthroscopy rate; and in particular, survivorship with conversion to total hip replacement (THR) as the endpoint. METHODS The records of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were extracted from the administrative hospital admissions database covering all admissions to the National Health Service hospitals in England using ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision) and OPCS-4 (Office of Population Censuses and Surveys Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures, fourth revision) codes. RESULTS A total of 6,395 hip arthroscopies were included in the study period. The 30-day readmission rate was 0.5%; both the 90-day DVT rate and PE rate were 0.08%; and the 90-day mortality rate was 0.02%. THR was performed in 680 patients (10.6%) at a mean of 1.4 years after the index operation, and 286 patients (4.5%) underwent revision hip arthroscopy at a mean of 1.7 years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed an 8-year survival rate of 82.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.9% to 84.2%), whereas Cox proportional hazard analysis adjusting for age, gender, and Charlson comorbidity score showed an 8-year survival rate of 86%. Female patients had a 1.68 times (95% CI, 1.41 to 2.01) higher risk of conversion to THR than male patients, and patients aged 50 years or older had a 4.65 (95% CI, 3.93 to 5.49) times higher risk of requiring hip replacement than patients younger than 50 years. CONCLUSIONS In this large series of 6,395 hip arthroscopies looking at the national data from the English National Health Service, our null hypothesis has been supported, and we have determined that the rate of short-term complications, in particular the risk of DVT and PE after this operation, is low. Higher age and female gender are significant predictors of conversion to THR, with Cox proportional hazard analyses showing a survivorship rate of 86% at 8 years after adjustment for confounding variables. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Hip Flexion After Birmingham Hip Resurfacing : Role of Cup Anteversion, Anterior Femoral Head-Neck Offset, and Head-Neck Ratio

We aimed to investigate the factors affecting range of flexion after hip resurfacing. A total of 82 cases, operated by a single surgeon, were assessed at a mean of 43 months. The Einzel-Bild-Roentgen-Analysis for the acetabular cup software was used to measure socket orientation. Range of flexion had a moderate positive correlation with cup anteversion (R = 0.26, P = .017), weak but significant negative correlation with neck diameter (R = -0.23, P = .042), and none with anterior femoral head-neck offset. Using multivariate analysis that adjusted for age, sex, cup anteversion and inclination, head-neck offset ratio, head-neck ratio, and neck diameter, the only significant correlate of flexion was cup anteversion (P = .017). Care should be taken during cup placement to allow adequate anteversion to be maintained in Birmingham hip resurfacing because this can affect flexion range of motion.

Acute primary total knee arthroplasty for peri-articular knee fractures in patients over 65 years of age

Peri-articular knee fractures in osteoporotic or osteoarthritic bone present a challenge to fixation, mobilisation or non-operative management. We present a series of 15 proximal tibial and 11 distal femoral fractures treated with total knee arthroplasty at over mean follow-up period of 38.8 months. The mean age of the patients was 80 years. The choice of the implant and level of constraint was determined as per the nature of injury and preference of the surgeon dealing with the fracture. Patients were allowed rapid mobilisation with immediate full weight-bearing. Good clinical results were achieved with fracture healing, sound fixation and well-aligned flexible knees. Mean Knee Society knee score was 90.2; Knee Society function score was 35.5; Oxford Knee score was 39.5; and Short Form (SF)-36 physical function score was 37.3 and mental score 50.6. Good correlation was noted between Knee society knee score and SF-36 physical function score (Pearsons 0.76, p=0.001), suggesting that generic health would dictate the final function achieved, whilst high knee scores suggest the satisfactory results of the operation. Analogous to arthroplasty for hip fractures, this technique should be considered as a treatment option in elderly peri-articular knee fractures with osteoporosis and/or osteoarthritis.

Correlation of the AOFAS scores with a generic health QUALY score in foot and ankle surgery.

Background: The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) is one scoring system used to assess and monitor the progress of patients after foot and ankle surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trend of the AOFAS score over a period of time and correlate it with the QUALY score, which is a valid and reliable scoring system. Methods: All patients undergoing surgery by one foot and ankle surgeon between January, 2001, and July, 2003, were reviewed. The preoperative AOFAS and QUALY and postoperative scores at 3, 6 and 12 months, and yearly were collected prospectively. Results: This study includes 204 operative procedures in 159 patients. The mean age of the patients was 51.9 (range 12 to 89) years. The AOFAS scores increased from a mean of 45.5 preoperatively to 76.5 at 3 months and reached a peak of 81.5 at 6 months and then started to decrease to 79.2 at 12 months. This fall, though seemingly marginal, was significant (p < 0. 01). This trend seems to be consistent for all the procedures. The 6-month AOFAS score was found to have a higher correlation with the final QUALY score (r 2 = 0.423) than the 12-month AOFAS score (r 2 = 0.326). Conclusions: The AOFAS score has low levels of correlation with the validated generic health QUALY score. Our study suggests that scores collected preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months after surgery, and annually there after may be best. The 3-month score may not be necessary. We recommend that a generic health score such as the QUALY score be used in conjunction with the AOFAS score to reflect outcome.