The Journal of arthroplasty
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Cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is an important risk factor for complications in surgical patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of cirrhosis with postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and costs among patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). ⋯ Patients with cirrhosis who are undergoing TKA or THA are at a significantly increased risk for perioperative complications, increased LOS, and higher costs. The perioperative complications and costs were highest among patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effectiveness and Safety of Fixed-Dose Tranexamic Acid in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.
Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead to greater blood loss and higher risk of venous thromboembolism. The effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in simultaneous bilateral TKAs have not been clearly defined. We presumed that a fixed dose of TXA may be a preferable alternative for ease of administration in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKAs. ⋯ Fixed dose of TXA for patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKAs was effective and safe in reducing total blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion needs without any additional thromboembolic risk. However, TXA administered intravenously did not significantly reduce the hidden blood loss.
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The modified frailty index (mFI) has been shown to predict adverse outcomes in multiple nonorthopedic surgical specialties. This study aimed to assess whether mFI is a predictor of adverse events in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). ⋯ mFI ≥0.45 is an independent predictor of Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications in TKA/THA patients with greater odds ratios than age >75, body mass index ≥40, American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥4. mFI should be considered for risk stratifying joint arthroplasty patients preoperatively and perhaps determining immediate postoperative destination.
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Multimodal pain protocols have been proposed to achieve improved long-acting postoperative analgesia. Controlling postoperative pain after joint arthroplasty is especially important as it relates to patient satisfaction and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative pain, time to ambulation, and overall narcotic usage between patients who received either a femoral nerve block with a periarticular bupivacaine injection or a periarticular bupivacaine and extended-release liposomal bupivacaine injection after primary total knee arthroplasty. ⋯ Liposomal bupivacaine resulted in a decrease need for breakthrough pain medication, improved pain scores at 12 hours, and an earlier time to ambulation compared to a combined femoral nerve block and periarticular bupivacaine injection.
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Review Meta Analysis
Aspirin as Thromboprophylaxis in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) comprises pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis and is a complication of particular concern in lower limb arthroplasty. In recent years, aspirin has emerged as a potential alternative thromboprophylactic agent, particularly after its acceptance as a recommended agent by the American College of Chest Physicians. Aspirin is favorable due to its relative cost-effectiveness and convenience compared to novel oral anticoagulants and warfarin. However, its efficacy since its inclusion in the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines remains unclear. The present systematic review aimed to establish the efficacy of aspirin in preventing VTE in total hip and knee arthroplasty. ⋯ Aspirin, both alone and in multimodal approaches to thromboprophylaxis, confers a low rate of VTE, with a low risk of major bleeding complications. However, the evidence for its use is limited by the low quality of studies and variation in dose in dosing regimes. Future randomized controlled trials should investigate the efficacy of aspirin, as well as the ideal dosing protocol for its use in thromboprophylaxis in arthroplasty.