Background: Preoperative optimization of risk factors has been suggested as a strategy to improve the value of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) care. We assessed the implementation of a TJA preoperative optimization protocol and its impact on length of hospital stay, discharge destination, 90-day readmissions, and hospital direct variable costs.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adults undergoing primary elective TJA from 07/2015-09/2016 at an urban tertiary care hospital. Post-implementation patients were preoperatively screened for 19 risk factors; results and recommended interventions were reported to surgeons, who had the option to postpone or continue surgery as scheduled. Metrics from hospital administrative databases were compared between post-implementation (02/2016-09/2016) and pre-implementation cohorts (07/2015-11/2015).

Results: The 314 post-implementation patients were slightly younger compared to the 351 pre-implementation patients (64.2 years vs 65.8 years, P = .02) and a higher percentage of patients had diabetes (18% vs 5.1%, P < .001). Of the 98% of post-implementation patients screened, 74% had at least 1 risk factor identified. Obstructive sleep apnea was the most common risk factor (52%), followed by depression (22%) and obesity (body mass index > 40 kg/m or 35-40 kg/m with comorbidities) (13%). Forty-six patients (20%) did not follow through with the recommended optimization before undergoing elective surgery. The post-implementation cohort had shorter average length of hospital stay (1.9 days vs 2.2 days, P < .001) and lower average total direct variable costs excluding implants ($5409 vs $5852, P < .001). There was no difference in patients discharged home (90% vs 89%, P = .53) or 90-day readmissions (4.1% vs 4.3%, P = .93).

Conclusion: In our experience, the majority of elective TJA patients have modifiable risk factors, indicating opportunity for preoperative intervention. Our evidence-based preoperative optimization program resulted in higher value care, demonstrated by similar outcomes with lower resource utilization.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2018.08.018DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

preoperative optimization
16
risk factors
12
post-implementation patients
12
patients
9
optimization protocol
8
length hospital
8
hospital stay
8
90-day readmissions
8
direct variable
8
elective tja
8

Similar Publications

The widespread adoption of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) screening has led to increased detection of small pulmonary nodules, necessitating accurate localization techniques for surgical resection. This review examines the evolution, efficacy, and safety of various localization methods for small pulmonary nodules. Studies focusing on localization techniques for pulmonary nodules ≤30 mm in diameter were included, with emphasis on technical success rates and complication profiles.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Importance: An increasing number of older adults are undergoing surgery. Older adults face significant challenges throughout the spectrum of perioperative care. No frameworks exist to support primary care clinicians in helping older adults navigate perioperative care beyond preoperative medical clearance.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A comparative study of curve flexibility assessment in supine traction, push-prone and push-prone traction radiographs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Spine Deform

January 2025

Spine Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Orthopedics, Lerdsin Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, 190 Silom Road, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand.

Study Design: A prospective comparative study.

Objectives: To compare the curve flexibility in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using supine traction push-prone and push-prone traction radiographs and to determine which method is more effective in predicting the postsurgical correction.

Background: Preserving spinal motion is one of the critical objectives in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Aim: To test a BiO-Optimizing Site Targeted (BOOST) approach to periodontal regeneration by the adjunctive use of locally delivered doxycycline (DOX) 2 weeks prior to minimally invasive surgery in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes at 1 year.

Methods: For this randomized clinical trial, stage III/IV periodontitis patients presenting sites with intrabony defects and bleeding on probing (BoP+) after steps 1-2 of periodontal treatment were included. Sites were treated via subgingival instrumentation with or without a BOOST approach by local DOX.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Skip lymph node metastasis (SLNM) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) involves cancer cells bypassing central nodes to directly metastasize to lateral nodes, often undetected by standard preoperative ultrasonography. Although multiple models exist to identify SLNM, they are inadequate for clinically node-negative (cN0) patients, resulting in underestimated metastatic risks and compromised treatment effectiveness. Our study aims to develop and validate a machine learning (ML) model that combines elastography radiomics with clinicopathological data to predict pre-surgical SLNM risk in cN0 PTC patients with increased risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM), improving their treatment strategies.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!