Welcome to Current Orthopaedic Practice eNews. Keep your clinical knowledge up to date with Orthopaedics in Brief. This month, find out why anticoagulant therapy may be used too frequently in orthopaedic patients. Learn how managing shoulder dislocation in older patients differs from that in younger patients. Discover whether total hip arthroplasty changes pelvic tilt, and more.

This month's Practice Management offers a patient's impressions of a primary care practice as formed during a routine check-up. Next time you are a patient at another care provider's office, consider performing an informal practice management appraisal. What elements might you adopt at your practice? What do you see that you want to avoid?

In Article of the Month, please enjoy free access to an article from the current issue of Techniques in Orthopaedics.

Have a comment or suggestion? Contact me at editor@c-orthopaedicpractice.com.

Sincerely,
Nanci Kulig
Editor, COP eNews
editor@c-orthopaedicpractice.com

back to top

Number of knee replacements soars since 1990s

The United States has seen a run on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures during the past 2 decades, a new study shows. The annual primary volume of TKA procedures increased 162%, from 93,230 to 243,802, between 1991 and 2010. Per capita utilization increased 99% (from 31.2 procedures per 10,000 Medicare enrollees in 1991 to 62.1 procedures per 10,000 in 2010).
     Investigators conducted an observational study involving more than 3.2 million Medicare patients who underwent primary TKA or revision TKA. Researchers analyzed changes in primary and revision TKA volume, per capita utilization, hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission rates, and adverse outcomes.
     In addition to the increase in primary TKA procedures, revision TKA increased by 106% during the 2 decades studied (from 9650 to 19,871). Per capita TKA revisions increased 59% (from 3.2 procedures per 10,000 Medicare enrollees in 1991 to 5.1 procedures per 10,000 in 2010).
     For primary TKA, hospital LOS decreased from 7.9 days between 1991 and 1994 to 3.5 days between 2007 and 2010. From 1991 to 2010, rates of adverse outcomes resulting in readmission remained stable for primary TKA, but rates of all-cause 30-day readmission increased from 4.2% to 5.0%. For revision TKA, the decrease in hospital LOS was accompanied by an increase in rate of all-cause 30-day readmission, from 6.1% to 8.9%, and an increase in rate of readmission for wound infection, from 1.4% to 3.0%.
     Investigators also documented that greater numbers of obese and diabetic patients undergo TKA these days. In addition, more patients receive outpatient rehabilitation today compared with 2 decades ago.
     Investigators credit the increased volume of TKA procedures, in part, to the large number of aging baby boomers. High success rates with the surgery may spur a larger proportion of that aging population to elect to have the procedure.

Source: Cram P, Lu X, Kates SL, Singh JA, Li Y, et al. Total knee arthroplasty volume, utilization, and outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries, 1991-2010. JAMA. 2012;308(12):1227-1236.

Uncovering the risks for infection after spinal surgery

Investigators set out to identify the independent risk factors for development of a surgical site infection (SSI) after spinal surgery. Although not conclusive, strong evidence suggests that 6 factors are related to SSI among patients who undergo spinal surgery.
     Investigators evaluated 36 observational studies involving 2439 patients with SSI after spinal surgery. The studies covered a range of indications and surgical procedures and were published between 1998 and 2012.
     In total, 46 independent factors were evaluated for risk of SSI. There was strong evidence for 6 factors: 1) obesity/body mass index; 2) longer operation times; 3) diabetes, 4) smoking; 5) history of previous SSI; and 6) type of surgical procedure.
     Although there is no conclusive evidence for why postoperative SSI occurs, these findings can help guide clinicians to choose an optimal prophylactic strategy, depending on patient factors. Further research is required to evaluate the effects of these risk factors fully.

Source: Xing D, Ma JX, Ma XL, Song DH, Wang J, et al. A methodological, systematic review of evidence-based independent risk factors for surgical site infections after spinal surgery. Eur Spine J. 2012;Sep 22. [Epub ahead of print]

Accuracy of frozen section histopathologic analysis vs. microbiologic cultures

Investigators conducted a study to determine the accuracy of intraoperative frozen-section histopathologic analysis to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection. Intraoperative frozen sections of periprosthetic tissues performed well in predicting a diagnosis of culture-positive periprosthetic joint infection, but they were only moderately accurate in excluding this diagnosis.
     Investigators conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that compared histologic results of frozen sections with microbiologic cultures obtained at the same time during revision total hip or total knee arthroplasty. Twenty-six studies involving 3269 patients who underwent revision hip or knee arthroplasty met the inclusion criteria. In all, 796 (24.3%) of the patients had a culture-positive periprosthetic joint infection.
     No significant difference was noted in the diagnostic accuracy of microbiologic cultures and frozen section histopathologic analysis using common thresholds of 5 or 10 polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) per high-power field. Based on results, investigators recommended that frozen section histopathologic analysis be considered a valuable part of the diagnostic work-up for patients scheduled for revision arthroplasty. The optimal diagnostic threshold (number of PMN per high-power field) required to distinguish periprosthetic joint infection from aseptic failure could not be discerned.

Source: Tsaras G, Maduka-Ezeh A, Inwards CY, Mabry T, Erwin PJ, et al. Utility of intraoperative frozen section histopathology in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;94(18):1700-1711.

Osteoarthritis of the knee: linking tissue abnormalities with physical findings

In patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, biomechanical factors and physical examination findings are associated with tissue abnormalities, according to evidence obtained via conventional radiography and high-resolution 3.0-T MRI.
     In a study involving 105 patients with osteoarthritis, quadriceps weakness was associated with cartilage integrity, effusion, and synovitis (all detected with MRI), and joint space narrowing detected with conventional radiography (CR). Knee joint laxity was associated with MRI-detected cartilage integrity, CR-detected joint space narrowing, and osteophyte formation. Multiple tissue abnormalities detected with MRI, including cartilage integrity, osteophytes, and effusion, were associated with physical examination findings such as crepitus.
     Investigators observed a significant association between quadriceps weakness and both effusion and synovitis, as detected with MRI. Inflammation was detected in more than one third of patients, which emphasizes the inflammatory component of osteoarthritis and the potential importance of anti-inflammatory therapies in knee osteoarthritis.

Source: Knoop J, Dekker J, Klein JP, et al. Biomechanical factors and physical examination findings in osteoarthritis of the knee: associations with tissue abnormalities assessed by conventional radiography and high resolution 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Arthritis Res Ther. 2012 Oct 5;14(5):R212. [Epub ahead of print]

Does total hip arthroplasty change pelvic tilt?

How great is the variation in pelvic tilt after total hip arthroplasty (THA)? It is less than 2 degrees on average, new data show.
     Investigators measured the variation in pelvic tilt in 30 patients before THA and the effect of THA on pelvic tilt in the same patients more than a year after surgery. A CT scan was obtained in each patient, for CT-based surgical navigation, as were preoperative and postoperative standing and supine radiographs. Each of the radiographs was used to calculate pelvic tilt via a novel and validated 2-dimensional/3-dimensional matching technique.
     Average supine pelvic tilt changed less than 2 degrees, from 4.4 ± 6.4 degrees before THA to 6.3 ± 6.6 degrees after THA. Average standing pelvic tilt changed less than 1 degree, from 1.5 ± 7.2 degrees before THA to 2.0 ± 8.3 degrees after THA. Preoperative pelvic tilt correlated with postoperative tilt in both supine and standing positions.

Source: Murphy WS, Klingenstein G, Murphy SB, Zheng G. Pelvic tilt is minimally changed by total hip arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2012 Sep 22. [Epub ahead of print]

Use of anticoagulants too frequent after orthopaedic surgery?

Although orthopaedic patients are at high risk for pulmonary embolism, results of a study suggest that pulmonary embolism may be overdiagnosed. The investigators recommend that clinicians evaluate the nature of a clinically relevant pulmonary embolism and assess the timing, risks, and outcomes of therapeutic anticoagulation in surgical patients.
     Recent literature shows the incidence of pulmonary embolism to be increasing without a corresponding increase in mortality. This finding may suggest that increasingly sensitive tests may be picking up small emboli. The size and location of a clot or clots may affect therapy decisions. A risk-benefit evaluation can be helpful in deciding on a course of treatment.
     Although there is no consensus regarding optimal treatment for patients with pulmonary embolism, investigators say the results of recent studies indicate that physicians who treat orthopaedic surgery and trauma patients may need to use broader criteria to screen for potentially dangerous clots before beginning anticoagulant therapy. Future studies may provide the information to develop guidelines for treating orthopaedic patients with small clots.

Sources: Tornetta P, Bogdan Y. Pulmonary embolism in orthopaedic patients: diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 201; 20:586-595. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Anti-clotting therapy may be used too often following orthopaedic surgery or trauma. [press release]. September 1, 2012.

Managing shoulder dislocation in older patients

Treating shoulder dislocation poses different diagnostic and treatment challenges in older patients than in younger patients, according to a new study that analyzes these differences and suggests a way to evaluate older patients that could help improve diagnosis and management of interrelated injuries. Approximately 20% of all shoulder dislocations occur in patients age 60 years and older. Although shoulder dislocation can occur at about the same rates in both younger and older patients, injuries in older patients are more likely to be overlooked or misdiagnosed, resulting in years of persistent pain and disability.
     Older patients who sustain a primary shoulder dislocation are much less likely than younger patients to have a recurrence, but they are more likely to sustain injuries to the rotator cuff, axillary nerve, or brachial plexus. In older patients, the incidence of rotator cuff tears in shoulder dislocation ranges from 35% to 86%.
     Concomitant injuries, especially of the rotator cuff, often are missed or mistaken for nerve palsies. Older patients with persistent shoulder pain and dysfunction after dislocation should be evaluated carefully for rotator cuff pathologic processes. Today, older patients are much more active than patients in the same age group were a decade ago. Careful evaluation of all shoulder injuries in older patients is important to avoid injury mismanagement.

Sources: Murthi AM, Ramirez MA. Shoulder dislocation in the older patient. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2012;20(10):615-622. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Shoulder dislocation in older patients poses different challenges in diagnosis, treatment [press release]. October 4, 2012.

The skeleton . . . as an endocrine organ?

Surprising discoveries in the field of skeletal biology suggest that bone cells produce endocrine hormones that regulate phosphate and glucose homeostasis. In a new report, investigators describe the features of these new endocrine pathways and consider their physiologic importance in the context of energy metabolism and mineral homeostasis.
     Consideration of research in evolutionary and comparative biology suggests that a driving force for the emergence of these hormonal pathways was the development of a large, energy-expensive musculoskeletal system. Specialized bone cells also evolved and produced endocrine hormones to integrate the skeleton in global mineral and nutrient homeostasis.
     The recognition of bone as a true endocrine organ offers a fertile area for further research. This area of study could improve diagnosis and treatment of metabolic diseases, including osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus.

Source: Digirolamo DJ, Clemens TL, Kousteni S. The skeleton as an endocrine organ. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2012;Oct 9. doi: 10.1038/nrrheum.2012.157. [Epub ahead of print]

back to top

An office visit . . . through a patient's eyes

The next time you visit another doctor's office, consider performing a mini-practice management analysis. It's often educational . . . usually about what not to do in your practice. Customer service is severely lacking in most small businesses, but in health care, it can be close to nonexistent.
     The positive side of this situation is that your practice can stand out as stellar if you do a reasonably good job with customer service. Excellent customer service can provide a strong competitive advantage, and it doesn't cost anything. Great service can result in new patient referrals.
     Here is a review of a hypothetical patient's experience at his general practitioner's office. See if any of these situations could happen in your office:

• I arrived a few minutes early, and the office door was locked. I realize office hours start at 9 am, and I was 5 minutes early, but this got me off to a bad start. Really? I have to go back to my car and wait? Then someone else entered ahead of me, so my wait was longer. I learned not to arrive early next time. I may as well be a little bit late.
• When I went to check in, there was no one at the front desk. There was a staff member further inside the business office, but she did not look up from her work or acknowledge me. I felt like an interruption to tasks that were more important.
• I had to write my name and time of appointment on a sheet on the counter. I didn't like this, but I had no choice. I'm sure this is helpful to the staff, but I found myself thinking that good service is supposed to benefit the customer, not the staff.
• There is a sliding glass door at the front window. This glass barrier speaks volumes about how the practice feels about patient communication. The message I get is that staff want the bare minimum of communication with patients, or that staff members talk about patients.
• I sat down in a waiting room that was rather worn and shabby. There was an older TV mounted very high in a corner, but it was playing an annoying channel, and the volume seemed loud.
• I had a long wait, although I was one of the first patients of the day. Clearly, the doctor was not present, so I assumed that the physician makes no real effort to arrive when patients do.
• As I sat in the waiting room, I noticed many signs and notices taped to the walls around the front desk. I was not sure whether I was supposed to read these signs or how old they are. Those that I could read from my seat were negative, admonishing patients about actions that had offended the office staff in the past.
• I was finally called into the examination area, but I was not finished waiting. While I waited there, I could hear the staff talking through the paper-thin walls.
• When the doctor finally arrived, the professional service was fine. The physician is friendly, so we chatted awhile, and the usual clinical services were performed.
• During the check-out process, there was no explanation of charges or receipt given. A staff member said the office would bill my insurance and let me know whether there is an unpaid balance.
• As I left the office, I noticed that the waiting room was packed with people. Some were actually standing. I was struck with an insight that explains why customer service is lacking: this medical office has more patients than it can handle. It would still be nice if the staff and the practice cared about patients' needs, but from a business standpoint, it does not seem to be necessary.

Adapted from Neil B. Gailmard, OD, MBA, FAAO, editor, Optometric Management Tip of the Week.

back to top

Please submit any clinical questions you have or any solutions you've found to clinical problems at clinicalpearls@c-orthopaedicpractice.com. We'll do our best to answer your questions and share solutions.

back to top

Please enjoy free access to the article, "Labral Refixation: New Concepts and Techniques" from the current issue of Techniques in Orthopaedics. Free access to this article lasts until your next issue of COP eNews arrives, when you'll receive free access to a new article.

back to top

If you prefer not to receive e-mail from us, please use the following link
to remove your e-mail address from our list: Removal Request
View our Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2012 | Terms of Use

You are receiving this e-mail because you have agreed to receive e-mail communications
from Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Inc.

Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Inc. | Two Commerce Square, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | (215) 521-8300

Please take a moment to make sure your newsletters don't get marked as spam.
Add info@mylwwjournals.com to your 'approved senders' list or address book.