Trousdale, Robert T

Background: Prior studies have reported higher rates of periprosthetic fracture, superficial infection, and neurologic deficit with the direct anterior approach (DAA), and higher rates of dislocation with the posterior approach (PA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite these differences, the overall clinical burden of complications between approaches remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the profiles, severity, impact, and resolution of 5 clinically important complications between DAA and PA THA. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 11,783 consecutive primary THAs performed between 2010 and 2021 across 3 centers within a single healthcare system, using either the DAA (n = 4,451) or the PA (n = 7,332). Complications assessed included dislocation, infection, periprosthetic fracture (PPFx), aseptic loosening, and neurologic deficit. Severity was graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification (I = minor, V = death). Impact was defined by reoperation burden, and outcomes were categorized as resolved or persistent. Kaplan-Meier survivorship and propensity-weighted Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare complication risk. Results: The overall 1-year risk of surgical complications did not differ between DAA and PA (hazard ratio [HR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-1.06; p = 0.208). Dislocation occurred more frequently with PA THA than DAA THA (1.9% vs. 0.4%; HR, 5.20; 95% CI, 3.04-8.90; p < 0.001). Superficial infections were more frequent with the DAA (1.6% vs. 0.8%; HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.68-3.53; p < 0.001). The risk of deep infection, PPFx, aseptic loosening, and neurologic deficit did not differ significantly between approaches. Among patients with complications, the proportion classified as severe (Clavien-Dindo III–V) was similar, and adjusted analyses showed no difference in the odds of severe complications (adjusted odds ratio 1.34 for PA vs DAA; 95% CI, 0.95-1.91; p = 0.099). Complication impact and resolution were likewise comparable. Conclusion: Although the profile of complications differed between DAA and PA THA, the severity, early clinical impact, and resolution of complications appeared similar. Notably, DAA was associated with a lower risk of dislocation and a higher risk of superficial infection compared with PA THA. Level of Evidence: Level III , Retrospective Comparative Study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a bupivacaine and meloxicam extended-release (ER) intra-articular injection for pain during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the real-world evidence with regard to analgesic efficacy of that medication has been limited. This randomized clinical trial investigated the efficacy of this new medication compared with our standard periarticular injection for postoperative analgesia after primary TKA. Methods: Eligible patients undergoing primary, unilateral TKA for osteoarthritis at our academic center were enrolled. Patients were blinded and were randomized 1:1 to the bupivacaine-meloxicam ER (ZYNRELEF) injection group or the standard injection (ropivacaine, ketorolac, epinephrine) control group. A standardized, multimodal analgesic pathway was implemented. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores and tallies of opioid consumption were collected. The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) for NRS pain, adjusted for opioid consumption, over 72 hours. The minimal clinically important difference was considered to be 30%. Power analysis determined a minimum of 44 patients per group. The final groups included 53 patients in the experimental group and 48 patients in the control group. Results: Similar postoperative analgesia was observed, with an AUC for the adjusted NRS pain score up to 72 hours of 331 in the experimental group and 373 in the control group (p = 0.09). The mean maximum NRS pain scores were similar and reflected good, but not complete, analgesia. Scores were 3 to 5 on the day of the surgery, 4 to 6 on postoperative day (POD) 1, 5 to 6 on POD 2, and 4 to 5 on POD 3 (p > 0.05). One patient in the experimental group and 2 patients in the control group had early postoperative complications, none of which was deemed to be related to the analgesic choice. Conclusions: This randomized clinical trial demonstrated similar analgesia with a bupivacaine-meloxicam ER solution and a standard periarticular injection up to 72 hours after primary TKA. Cost, reimbursement, and convenience may ultimately prove to be more important than analgesic differences when choosing between these 2 effective options for managing postoperative pain. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.