Clinical Outcome of Different Post-operative Prophylactic Strategies on Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism after Total Knee Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of different postoperative prophylactic strategies on the rates of symptomatic venous thromboembolic events (VTE) incidence after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS. A retrospective study of patients who had undergone primary TKA procedure was performed from January 2015 through July 2020. Outcomes examined prophylaxis medication used during inpatient care and outpatient care, amount of medication, length of medication, complications occurring within 90 days postoperatively, including symptomatic VTE (deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)), gastrointestinal bleeding requiring medical attention, change in management protocols after post-operative complications and mortality. RESULTS. 5,663 cases were included (mean age 66±10years, mean BMI 34.1±7.1kg/m2). The overall post-operative complication rate was 0.9% (DVT: 0.5%, PE: 0.3%, VTE: 0.04%, and GI bleeding: 0.09%). Enoxaparin (Lovenox) use as inpatient anticoagulation medication was significantly reduced (67% vs 13%, p<0.001), and apixaban (Eliquis) was significantly increased (6% vs 49%, p<0.001). Average hospital stays were significantly reduced among the years (3±2days vs 2±1days, p<0.001), and complication rates were not significantly different between the five years (~1%, p<0.001). Most post-operative complications occurred on either aspirin 325mg (36%) or apixaban (26%). However, the relative risk ratio results indicating that utilization of warfarin (Coumadin), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and aspirin 81 mg as outpatient anticoagulation medication were more likely to increase the risk of symptomatic VTE incidence compared to other anticoagulants. The average time of complication detected was 21±21days (range: 1-87days). >54% of complication events occurred after the patient had completed their medication (enoxaparin, rivaroxaban and apixaban).  CONCLUSIONS. The observed incidence of symptomatic VTE in this study is similar to previous studies regardless of the type of postoperative inpatient or outpatient prophylaxis prescribed. The ultimate choice of prophylaxis should remain with the treating physician and their knowledge of a particular patient’s medical history

Impact of Cigarette Smoking on Re-operation and Revision Surgery after Femoral Neck Fracture Treatment

Introduction. Smokers and nicotine users have a higher risk of femoral neck fracture non-union and prolonged time to fracture union. The impact of smoking resulting in revision surgery after fixation of femoral neck fractures, however, rarely has been studied. The aim of this retrospective study was to review if cigarette smoking had an influence on re-operation and revision after femoral neck fracture treatment. Methods. Three groups of patients (Group 1: active smokers; Group 2: former smokers; and Group 3: non-smokers) who sustained a femoral neck fracture from January 2012 through August 2018 were included. Outcomes investigated included femoral neck fracture type, operative fixation type, fixation failure, and time interval between initial fixation and revision. Results. A total of 1,452 subjects were identified (Group 1: 165 subjects; Group 2: 507 subjects; and Group 3: 780 subjects). In the male population, Groups 1 and 2 had higher rates of femoral neck fracture than Group 3. Twelve cases required revisions (Group 1: three cases (6%); Group 2: two cases (2%); Group 3: seven cases (4%)), with all but one revision within the first year following initial fixation. Group 1 patients tended to be younger than the other two groups. Conclusion. Smoking has a positive association with the risk of femoral neck fracture amongst active and former male smokers. This study concluded that active smokers have a higher risk of non-union compared with non-smokers or former smokers. Smoking history, especially heavy or long-term, should play a role in deciding which fixation construct type to use for femoral neck fractures

Use of Electrocautery to Facilitate Suture Passage Through the Greater Trochanter of the Femur: A Biomechanical Study

Introduction. The specific aims of this study were to evaluate (1) the axial force reduction of suture passage utilizing electrocautery when applied to hip abductor repair, (2) the temperature change caused while using electrocautery for suture passage, and (3) the failure loads and failure modes utilizing this technique. Methods. Five matched pairs of fresh-frozen femurs were used and classified into with electrocautery on needle (study group) and without electrocautery on needle (control group). Two bicortical osseous tunnels were made around the insertion of the gluteus medius tendon. Each specimen was sequentially tested in a needle penetration test and a single load-to-failure test. A No. 5 Ethibond suture with a straight needle was used. Results. Electrocautery reduced the peak axial force for bone penetration in 40% (near cortex) and 70% (far cortex) of the trials, and no significant difference was detected between groups or between two osseous tunnels. The average peak force was significantly higher for the far cortex for both groups and for both osseous tunnels compared to the near cortex. There was no significant change in temperature of the tunnel site with electrocautery. 90% of the samples experienced bone tunnel failure for the study group compared to 70% in the control group. The average ultimate failure load for the study group was lower compared with the control group, but this finding was not statistically significant (range: 6%-15%). Conclusions. Suture passage using electrocautery does not significantly decrease the peak force needed to pass a needle directly through the greater trochanter

Bilateral Pectoralis Major Tendon Rupture While Performing Intermediate Level Bench Press

Simultaneous bilateral pectoralis major (PM) tendon rupture is a rare injury. To our knowledge, there have been only three previously reported cases of this type of injury.1–3 These patients sustained the injury while attempting a 360° turn on gymnastic rings,1 bench-pressing a heavier-than-normal load without an appropriate warm-up period,2 and performing dips on wide-grip parallel bars.3 We present a case of a patient who sustained simultaneous bilateral PM tendon ruptures while performing intermediate level bench-pressing with an appropriate warm-up period

Patients with Complex Chronic Diseases: Perspectives on Supporting Self-Management

A Complex Chronic Disease (CCD) is a condition involving multiple morbidities that requires the attention of multiple health care providers or facilities and possibly community (home)-based care. A patient with CCD presents to the health care system with unique needs, disabilities, or functional limitations. The literature on how to best support self-management efforts in those with CCD is lacking. With this paper, the authors present the case of an individual with diabetes and end-stage renal disease who is having difficulty with self-management. The case is discussed in terms of intervention effectiveness in the areas of prevention, addiction, and self-management of single diseases. Implications for research are discussed

Automated telephone communication systems for preventive healthcare and management of long-term conditions

Background Automated telephone communication systems (ATCS) can deliver voice messages and collect health-related information from patients using either their telephone’s touch-tone keypad or voice recognition software. ATCS can supplement or replace telephone contact between health professionals and patients. There are four different types of ATCS: unidirectional (one-way, non-interactive voice communication), interactive voice response (IVR) systems, ATCS with additional functions such as access to an expert to request advice (ATCS Plus) and multimodal ATCS, where the calls are delivered as part of a multicomponent intervention. Objectives To assess the effects of ATCS for preventing disease and managing long-term conditions on behavioural change, clinical, process, cognitive, patient-centred and adverse outcomes. Search methods We searched 10 electronic databases (the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE; Embase; PsycINFO; CINAHL; Global Health; WHOLIS; LILACS; Web of Science; and ASSIA); three grey literature sources (Dissertation Abstracts, Index to Theses, Australasian Digital Theses); and two trial registries (www.controlled-trials.com; www.clinicaltrials.gov) for papers published between 1980 and June 2015. Selection criteria Randomised, cluster- and quasi-randomised trials, interrupted time series and controlled before-and-after studies comparing ATCS interventions, with any control or another ATCS type were eligible for inclusion. Studies in all settings, for all consumers/carers, in any preventive healthcare or long term condition management role were eligible. Data collection and analysis We used standard Cochrane methods to select and extract data and to appraise eligible studies. Main results We included 132 trials (N = 4,669,689). Studies spanned across several clinical areas, assessing many comparisons based on evaluation of different ATCS types and variable comparison groups. Forty-one studies evaluated ATCS for delivering preventive healthcare, 84 for managing long-term conditions, and seven studies for appointment reminders. We downgraded our certainty in the evidence primarily because of the risk of bias for many outcomes. We judged the risk of bias arising from allocation processes to be low for just over half the studies and unclear for the remainder. We considered most studies to be at unclear risk of performance or detection bias due to blinding, while only 16% of studies were at low risk. We generally judged the risk of bias due to missing data and selective outcome reporting to be unclear. For preventive healthcare, ATCS (ATCS Plus, IVR, unidirectional) probably increase immunisation uptake in children (risk ratio (RR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18 to 1.32; 5 studies, N = 10,454; moderate certainty) and to a lesser extent in adolescents (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.11; 2 studies, N = 5725; moderate certainty). The effects of ATCS in adults are unclear (RR 2.18, 95% CI 0.53 to 9.02; 2 studies, N = 1743; very low certainty). For screening, multimodal ATCS increase uptake of screening for breast cancer (RR 2.17, 95% CI 1.55 to 3.04; 2 studies, N = 462; high certainty) and colorectal cancer (CRC) (RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.88 to 2.55; 3 studies, N = 1013; high certainty) versus usual care. It may also increase osteoporosis screening. ATCS Plus interventions probably slightly increase cervical cancer screening (moderate certainty), but effects on osteoporosis screening are uncertain. IVR systems probably increase CRC screening at 6 months (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.48; 2 studies, N = 16,915; moderate certainty) but not at 9 to 12 months, with probably little or no effect of IVR (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.99, 1.11; 2 studies, 2599 participants; moderate certainty) or unidirectional ATCS on breast cancer screening. Appointment reminders delivered through IVR or unidirectional ATCS may improve attendance rates compared with no calls (low certainty). For long-term management, medication or laboratory test adherence provided the most general evidence across conditions (25 studies, data not combined). Multimodal ATCS versus usual care showed conflicting effects (positive and uncertain) on medication adherence. ATCS Plus probably slightly (versus control; moderate certainty) or probably (versus usual care; moderate certainty) improves medication adherence but may have little effect on adherence to tests (versus control). IVR probably slightly improves medication adherence versus control (moderate certainty). Compared with usual care, IVR probably improves test adherence and slightly increases medication adherence up to six months but has little or no effect at longer time points (moderate certainty). Unidirectional ATCS, compared with control, may have little effect or slightly improve medication adherence (low certainty). The evidence suggested little or no consistent effect of any ATCS type on clinical outcomes (blood pressure control, blood lipids, asthma control, therapeutic coverage) related to adherence, but only a small number of studies contributed clinical outcome data. The above results focus on areas with the most general findings across conditions. In condition-specific areas, the effects of ATCS varied, including by the type of ATCS intervention in use. Multimodal ATCS probably decrease both cancer pain and chronic pain as well as depression (moderate certainty), but other ATCS types were less effective. Depending on the type of intervention, ATCS may have small effects on outcomes for physical activity, weight management, alcohol consumption, and diabetes mellitus. ATCS have little or no effect on outcomes related to heart failure, hypertension, mental health or smoking cessation, and there is insufficient evidence to determine their effects for preventing alcohol/ substance misuse or managing illicit drug addiction, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS, hypercholesterolaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, spinal cord dysfunction or psychological stress in carers. Only four trials (3%) reported adverse events, and it was unclear whether these were related to the intervention

Use of Medicare Claims to Identify US Hospitals with a High Rate of Surgical Site Infection after Hip Arthroplasty

ObjectiveTo assess the ability of Medicare claims to identify US hospitals with high rates of surgical site infection (SSI) after hip arthroplasty.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingAcute care US hospitals.ParticipantsFee-for-service Medicare patients 65 years of age and older who underwent hip arthroplasty in US hospitals from 2005 through 2007.MethodsHospital rankings were derived from claims codes suggestive of SSI, adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities, while using generalized linear mixed models to account for hospital volume. Medical records were obtained for validation of infection on a random sample of patients from hospitals ranked in the best and worst deciles of performance. We then calculated the risk-adjusted odds of developing a chart-confirmed SSI after hip arthroplasty in hospitals ranked by claims into worst- versus best-performing deciles.ResultsAmong 524,892 eligible Medicare patients who underwent hip arthroplasty at 3,296 US hospitals, a patient who underwent surgery in a hospital ranked in the worst-performing decile based on claims-based evidence of SSI had 2.9-fold higher odds of developing a chart-confirmed SSI relative to a patient with the same age, sex, and comorbidities in a hospital ranked in the best-performing decile (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.7).ConclusionsMedicare claims successfully distinguished between hospitals with high and low SSI rates following hip arthroplasty. These claims can identify potential outlier hospitals that merit further evaluation. This strategy can also be used to validate the completeness of public reporting of SSI

Quantifying interhospital patient sharing as a mechanism for infectious disease spread

BACKGROUND. Assessments of infectious disease spread in hospitals seldom account for interfacility patient sharing. This is particularly important for pathogens with prolonged incubation periods or carrier states. METHODS. We quantified patient sharing among all 32 hospitals in Orange County (OC), California, using hospital discharge data. Same-day transfers between hospitals were considered "direct" transfers, and events in which patients were shared between hospitals after an intervening stay at home or elsewhere were considered "indirect" patient-sharing events. We assessed the frequency of readmissions to another OC hospital within various time points from discharge and examined interhospital sharing of patients with Clostridium difficile infection. RESULTS. In 2005, OC hospitals had 319,918 admissions. Twenty-nine percent of patients were admitted at least twice, with a median interval between discharge and readmission of 53 days. Of the patients with 2 or more admissions, 75% were admitted to more than 1 hospital. Ninety-four percent of interhospital patient sharing occurred indirectly. When we used 10 shared patients as a measure of potential interhospital exposure, 6 (19%) of 32 hospitals "exposed" more than 50% of all OC hospitals within 6 months, and 17 (53%) exposed more than 50% within 12 months. Hospitals shared 1 or more patient with a median of 28 other hospitals. When we evaluated patients with C. difficile infection, 25% were readmitted within 12 weeks; 41% were readmitted to different hospitals, and less than 30% of these readmissions were direct transfers. CONCLUSIONS. In a large metropolitan county, interhospital patient sharing was a potential avenue for transmission of infectious agents. Indirect sharing with an intervening stay at home or elsewhere composed the bulk of potential exposures and occurred unbeknownst to hospitals. © 2010 by The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. All rights reserved