The Journal of arthroplasty
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The purpose of this study is to compare patient-reported outcomes and revision rates between medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) patients based on the presence of medial bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and/or partial- vs full-thickness cartilage loss. ⋯ Medial tibial BMLs were not associated with inferior outcomes, either in patients with partial- or full-thickness cartilage loss. Although the current results do not allow for the presence of preoperative BML to be considered an indication for UKA, these results definitively support that BMLs are not a contraindication for medial UKA.
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Frailty is described as decreased physiological reserve and typically increasing with age. Hospitals are being penalized for reoperations and readmissions, which can affect reimbursement. The purpose of this study was to determine if the modified frailty index (MFI) could be used as a risk assessment tool for preoperative counseling and to make an objective decision on whether to perform total hip arthroplasty (THA) on a frail patient. ⋯ MFI is a simple and effective risk assessment tool to preoperatively counsel and make an objective decision on whether to perform THA on a frail patient.
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Oral multimodal analgesia for hip and knee arthroplasty is increasingly used as part of enhanced recovery protocols designed to minimize early postoperative pain and to facilitate early discharge, while minimizing undesirable side effects related to single-agent opioid administration. ⋯ Oral multimodal analgesia incorporating a combination of opioid and nonopioid analgesics, selective and nonselective anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and gabapentinoids are recommended as a part of a pre-emptive approach to pain management in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. Reduction of opioid consumption and minimization of side effects are primary outcomes, and prevention of chronic pain can positively affect long-term results.
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Review Meta Analysis
A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review Evaluating Skin Closure After Total Knee Arthroplasty-What Is the Best Method?
Many cost drivers of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been critically evaluated to meet the heightened quality-associated expectations of performance-based care. However, assessing the efficacy of the different modalities of skin closure has been an underappreciated topic. The present study aims to provide further insight by conducting a meta-analysis and systematic review evaluating the rates of common complications and perioperative quality outcomes associated with different suture and staple skin closure techniques after TKA. ⋯ Primary skin incision closure with staples demonstrated lower wound complications, decreased wound closure times, and an overall reduction in resource utilization. Given these outcomes, the use of staples after TKA may have several subtle clinical advantages over sutures.
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"Frailty" is a marker of physiological decline of multiple organ systems, and the frailty index identifies patients who are more susceptible to postoperative complications. The purpose of this study is to validate the modified frailty index (MFI) as a predictor of postoperative complications, reoperations, and readmissions in patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). ⋯ Utilization of the MFI is a valid method in predicting postoperative complications, reoperations, and readmissions in patients undergoing primary TKA and can provide an effective and robust risk assessment tool to appropriately counsel patients and aid in preoperative optimization.