Nicholas Kusnezov

Postoperative myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest following primary total knee and hip arthroplasty: rates, risk factors, and time of occurrence.

BACKGROUND Cardiac complications are a major cause of postoperative morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the rates, risk factors, and time of occurrence for cardiac complications within thirty days after primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. METHODS The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set from 2006 to 2011 was used to identify all total knee arthroplasties and total hip arthroplasties. Cardiac complications occurring within thirty days after surgery were the primary outcome measure. Patients were designated as having a history of cardiac disease if they had a new diagnosis or exacerbation of chronic congestive heart failure or a history of angina within thirty days before surgery, a history of myocardial infarction within six months, and/or any percutaneous cardiac intervention or other major cardiac surgery at any time. An analysis of the occurrence of all major cardiac complications and deaths within the thirty-day postoperative time frame was performed. RESULTS For the 46,322 patients managed with total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty, the cardiac complication rate was 0.33% (n = 153) at thirty days postoperatively. In both the total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty groups, an age of eighty years or more (odds ratios [ORs] = 27.95 and 3.72), hypertension requiring medication (ORs = 4.74 and 2.59), and a history of cardiac disease (ORs = 4.46 and 2.80) were the three most significant predictors for the development of postoperative cardiac complications. Of the patients with a cardiac complication, the time of occurrence was within seven days after surgery for 79% (129 of the 164 patients for whom the time of occurrence could be determined). CONCLUSIONS An age of eighty years or more, a history of cardiac disease, and hypertension requiring medication are significant risk factors for developing postoperative cardiac complications following primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. Consideration should be given to a preoperative cardiology evaluation and co-management in the perioperative period for individuals with these risk factors.

Predictors of length of stay after elective total shoulder arthroplasty in the United States

BACKGROUND Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is an increasingly used treatment of glenohumeral arthritis and proximal humerus fractures. However, patient-specific characteristics affecting length of hospital stay postoperatively have not been elucidated. METHODS All patients undergoing primary unilateral TSA between 2005 and 2011 were isolated from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and selected surgical variables were extracted, and length of stay was established as the primary end point of interest. Risk factors were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals by bivariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS A total of 2004 patients were identified; the average age was 68.8 years, and 57% were women. Mean length of stay after TSA was 2.2 days (standard deviation, 1.7), and 91% of cases received hospital discharge in <3 days. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified renal insufficiency (OR, 11.35; P = .0002), increased age (OR, 2.13; P = .011), longer operative time (OR, 1.94; P = .0041), and American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3 (OR, 1.86; P = .0016) as the most significant risk factors for length of stay. Gender also influenced length of stay; women were more likely to stay ≥4 days (OR, 0.44; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Perioperative risk stratification and preoperative counseling are paramount for patients undergoing TSA, particularly for those individuals with cardiac and renal disease or of advancing age. These variables may effectively predict prolonged hospital stay after TSA.

The Rising Incidence of Degenerative and Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis of the Knee in the United States Military.

BACKGROUND This investigation sought to quantify incidence rates (IRs) and risk factors for primary and secondary (ie, posttraumatic) osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in an active military population. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of United States military active duty servicemembers with first-time diagnosis of primary (International Classification of Disease, 9th Edition code: 715.16) and secondary (International Classification of Disease, 9th Edition code: 715.26) OA of the knee between 2005 and 2014 using the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database. IRs and 95% CIs were expressed per 1000 person-years, with stratified subgroup analysis adjusted for sex, age, race, military rank, and branch of military service. Relative risk factors were evaluated using IR ratios and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 21,318 cases of OA of the knee were identified among an at-risk population of 13,820,906 person-years for an overall IR of 1.54 per 1000 person-years, including 19,504 cases of primary (IR: 1.41) and 1814 cases of secondary OA (IR: 0.13). The IRs of both primary and secondary OA increased significantly from 2005 to 2014. Increasing age (P < .0001); black race (P < .001); senior military rank (P < .0001); and Army, Marines, and Air Force services (P < .0001) were significantly associated with an increased risk for knee OA. CONCLUSION This study is the first large-scale report of knee OA in a young athletic population. An increasing incidence and several risk factors for knee OA were identified, indicating a need for better preventative strategies and forecasting the increased anticipated demands for knee arthroplasty among US military servicemembers.

Sternoclavicular Reconstruction in the Young Active Patient: Risk Factor Analysis and Clinical Outcomes at Short-Term Follow-up.

Objective: To determine the functional outcomes in young, active individuals after sternoclavicular (SC) joint reconstruction. Design: Level IV, case series. Setting: United States military hospitals, 2008–2012. Patients/Participants: Retrospective review of all consecutive patients from the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool was performed. Patients who underwent other open-shoulder procedures (eg, acromioclavicular joint reconstruction), those of nonmilitary or retired status, and patients with under 12-month minimum follow-up without medical separation were excluded from further analysis. Intervention: Open reconstruction of SC joint dislocation. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes of interest were clinical failure and medical separation due to persistent shoulder girdle dysfunction. Demographic data, surgical technique, outcomes, complications, and occupational military outcomes were recorded. Results: Fourteen patients, with an average age of 26 years, experienced 8 anterior (57.1%) and 6 posterior (42.9%) SC joint dislocations. Four patients (28.6%) presented with dysphagia or dyspnea, and 10 patients (71.4%) had a missed diagnosis with an average of 13 months until diagnosis. Twelve of 14 (85.7%) patients underwent figure-of-eight tendon reconstruction, and 10 (71.4%) were able to return to full active military duty at an average 26.8 ± 12.9 months follow-up. There were 6 complications in 5 patients (35.7%), whereas 2 (14.3%) reported persistent instability and 2 (14.3%) required reoperation. Conclusions: SC joint dislocations are rare injuries that are frequently missed on clinical presentation in this study. However, acute or delayed surgical reconstruction may afford predictable rates of return to function in young active military service members. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Effect of Operative Technique on Ulnar Nerve Strain following Surgery for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to compare the amount of strain on the ulnar nerve based on elbow position after in situ release, subcutaneous transposition, submuscular transposition, and medial epicondylectomy.MethodsSix matched cadaver upper extremity pairs underwent ulnar nerve decompression, transposition in a sequential fashion, while five elbows underwent medial epicondylectomy. A differential variable reluctance transducer (DVRT) was placed in the ulnar nerve. An in situ release, a subcutaneous transposition, and a submuscular transposition were performed sequentially with the strain being measured after each procedure in neutral, full elbow flexion, and extension positions. The strain was then averaged and compared for each procedure. Five cadavers underwent medial epicondylectomy and were similarly tested.ResultsAfter the in situ release, there was no statistically significant change in strain in either flexion or extension. After a subcutaneous transposition, there was a statistically significant decrease in strain in full elbow flexion but not in extension. Similarly after a submuscular transposition, there was a statistically significant decrease in strain in full flexion but not in extension. There was not a statistically significant change in strain with medial epicondylectomy.ConclusionAn in situ release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow may relieve pressure on the nerve but does not address the problem of strain which may be the underlying pathology in many cases of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). Transposition of the ulnar nerve anterior to the medial epicondyle addresses the problem of strain on the ulnar nerve. In addition, it does not create an increased strain on the ulnar nerve with elbow extension.

Use of an Irrigation Pump System in Arthroscopic Procedures

Since its inception, arthroscopic surgery has become widely adopted among orthopedic surgeons. It is therefore important to have an understanding of the basic principles of arthroscopy. Compared with open techniques, arthroscopic procedures are associated with smaller incisions, less structural damage, improved intra-articular visualization, less pain in the immediate postoperative period, and faster recovery for patients. Pump systems used for arthroscopic surgery have evolved over the years to provide improved intraoperative visualization. Gravity flow systems were described first and are still commonly used today. More recently, automated pump systems with pressure or dual pressure and volume control have been developed. The advantages of automated irrigation systems over gravity irrigation include a more consistent flow, a greater degree of joint distention, improved visualization especially with motorized instrumentation, decreased need for tourniquet use, a tamponade effect on bleeding, and decreased operative time. Disadvantages include the need for additional equipment with increased cost and maintenance, the initial learning curve for the surgical team, and increased risk of extra-articular fluid dissection and associated complications such as compartment syndrome. As image quality and pump systems improve, so does the list of indications including diagnostic and treatment modalities to address intra-articular pathology of the knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, elbow, and ankle joints. This article reviews the current literature and presents the history of arthroscopy, basic science of pressure and flow, types of irrigation pumps and their functions, settings, applications, and complications. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e474-e478.].

Variables Affecting Return to Play After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in the National Football League

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in the National Football League (NFL). Limited literature exists regarding return to play (RTP) and the factors affecting RTP after ACL reconstruction in NFL players. Purpose/Hypothesis: To determine RTP rates after ACL reconstruction in NFL players and to ascertain which variables affect RTP in these players. We hypothesized that RTP in this population will be less than in the general population and similar to the limited studies published previously. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 92 NFL athletes who sustained ACL injuries requiring ACL reconstruction from 2013 to 2015 were retrospectively studied to determine rate of RTP and the variables affecting RTP. Results: Sixty-two percent (57/92) of NFL athletes returned to NFL game play prior to the end of the 2015-2016 postseason. ACL injuries were noted in 10 different player positions, with 81.5% of all injuries as isolated ACL injuries (75/92) and 18.5% with concomitant knee injuries. A significant difference in ability to RTP was found for players who sustained in-season injuries compared with those who sustained off-season/preseason injuries (P = .02). No significant differences in RTP were found for players who played less than 4 years in the NFL compared with those who played longer. The mean draft round of players who returned was 3.96, with the odds ratio favoring RTP at 4.44 (P = .003) for players drafted in the first 3 rounds of the NFL draft compared with those drafted in the fourth round or later. No significant differences were found with regard to playing surface, laterality, concomitant injury, previous ipsilateral or contralateral ACL reconstruction, final outcome of the game, or contact compared with noncontact injuries. Conclusion: The RTP rates we reported after ACL reconstruction in NFL players are similar to prior studies; however, running backs and wide receivers had lower rates of RTP than previously reported. As previously published, quarterbacks were found to have high RTP rates. Most ACL injuries take place during the preseason or early regular season. Early selection in the NFL draft was a strong predictor of ability to RTP.

Predictors of Hospital Readmission After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

The study was conducted to determine the incidence rate, risk factors, and postoperative conditions associated with 30-day readmission after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). A total of 3547 patients who underwent primary TSA were identified from the 2011-2013 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. The 30-day readmission rate was 2.9%. The only preoperative predictors of hospital readmission were American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of 3 or greater (odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.61) and a history of cardiac disease (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-4.31). Of patients with any perioperative complications, 42 (34%) were readmitted, and the presence of any complication increased the risk of readmission (odds ratio, 28.95; 95% confidence interval, 18.44-45.46). Periprosthetic joint infection, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and pneumonia were significant predictors of hospital readmission after TSA (P<.0001). The incidence of hospital readmission after TSA peaked within the first 5 days after discharge, and 26%, 32%, and 55% of all hospital readmissions occurred by postoperative days 5, 7, and 14, respectively. Pre-operative medical optimization to reduce the rates of postoperative complications, such as periprosthetic joint infection, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection, are likely to decrease the need for subsequent readmission. Patients should be counseled about these risk factors preoperatively. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e1-e10.].

Medial Malleolar Fractures and Associated Deltoid Ligament Disruptions: Current Management Controversies

Operative fixation of medial malleolar fractures, whether isolated or in the setting of bi- or trimalleolar fractures, remains controversial. Increasingly, anatomic reduction and internal fixation is used to treat medial malleolar fractures to avoid long-term sequelae of symptomatic nonunion and posttraumatic osteoarthritis. However, outcomes have not been significantly different between operative and nonoperative cohorts. Repair of associated deltoid ligament disruption is not common because of reportedly poor outcomes. This review provides an overview of the literature on medial malleolar fracture fixation and current treatment options. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(2):e216-e222.].

Triceps Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review

Background: Triceps tendon ruptures (TTR) are an uncommon injury. The aim of this systematic review was to classify diagnostic signs, report outcomes and rerupture rates, and identify potential predisposing risk factors in all reported cases of surgical treated TTR. Methods: A literature search collecting surgical treated cases of TTR was performed, identifying 175 articles, 40 of which met inclusion criteria, accounting for 262 patients. Data were pooled and analyzed focusing on medical comorbidities, presence of a fleck fracture on the preoperative lateral elbow x-ray film (Dunn-Kusnezov Sign [DKS]), outcomes, and rerupture rates. Results: The average age of injury was 45.6 years. The average time from injury to day of surgery was 24 days while 10 patients had a delay in diagnosis of more than 1 month. Renal disease (10%) and anabolic steroid use (7%) were the 2 most common medical comorbidities. The DKS was present in 61% to 88% of cases on the lateral x-ray film. Postoperatively, 89% of patients returned to preinjury level of activity, and there was a 6% rerupture rate at an average follow-up of 34.6 months. The vast majority (81%) of the patients in this review underwent repair via suture fixation. Conclusions: TTR is an uncommon injury. Risks factors for rupture include renal disease and anabolic steroid use. Lateral elbow radiographs should be scrutinized for the DKS in patients with extension weakness. Outcomes are excellent following repair, and rates of rerupture are low.