The Journal of arthroplasty
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In an effort to improve quality and reduce costs, payments are being increasingly tied to value through alternative payment models, such as episode-based payments. The objective of this study was to better understand the pattern and variation in outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries receiving lower extremity joint arthroplasty over 90-day episodes of care. ⋯ Outcomes in our national cohort of Medicare beneficiaries receiving lower extremity joint arthroplasties varied across procedure types and patient characteristics. Future research examining trends in access to care, resource use, and care quality over bundled episodes will be important for addressing the challenges of value-based payment reform.
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Gross trunnion failure (GTF) is a rare complication in total hip arthroplasty (THA) reported across a range of manufacturers. Specific lots of the Stryker low friction ion treatment (LFIT) anatomic cobalt chromium alloy (CoCr) V40 femoral head were recalled in August 2016. In part, the recall was based out of concerns for disassociation of the femoral head from the stem and GTF. ⋯ In our series of the recalled LFIT CoCr femoral head, the risk of impending GTF or head-neck taper corrosion should be considered as a potential diagnosis in a painful LFIT femoral head and Accolade titanium-molybdenum-zirconium-iron alloy THA with unknown etiology. Almost half of the failures we observed included sizes outside of the voluntary recall.
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Total joint arthroplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures performed for end-stage osteoarthritis. The increasing demand for knee and hip arthroplasties along with the improvement in life expectancy has created a substantial medical and economic impact on the society. ⋯ The best method for providing anesthesia and analgesia for total joint arthroplasty has not been defined. Yet, emerging evidence suggests that the type of anesthesia can affect morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing these procedures.
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Recent emphasis on bundled payments and outcomes tracking has increased the focus on preoperative optimization in patients undergoing elective lower extremity arthroplasty. Since patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have an increased risk of adverse perioperative pulmonary events, screening for undiagnosed OSA is sometimes included as part of preoperative risk assessment. However, there are limited data regarding quantification of OSA risk in lower extremity arthroplasty patients, and little is known about the utility of quantitative OSA screening and the risk of pulmonary complications in hip and knee arthroplasty patients who receive intrathecal morphine anesthetic. ⋯ In patients receiving intrathecal morphine as part of a multimodal pain regimen undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty, neither risk of adverse pulmonary events nor length of stay appeared to correlate with preoperative risk of undiagnosed OSA.
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Observational Study
Continued Inpatient Care After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Increases 30-Day Post-Discharge Complications: A Propensity Score-Adjusted Analysis.
Discharge destination, either home or skilled care facility, after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be associated with significant variation in postacute care outcomes. The purpose of this study was to characterize the 30-day postdischarge outcomes after primary TKA relative to discharge destination. ⋯ After controlling for predischarge characteristics, discharge to skilled care facilities vs home after primary TKA is associated with higher odds of numerous complications and unplanned readmission. These results support coordination of care pathways to facilitate home discharge after hospitalization for TKA whenever possible.