Bingham, Joshua S.

Introduction Krackow Type II valgus deformity is defined by attenuation of the medial collateral ligament (MCL). However, little quantitative information exists about associated intra-operative MCL laxity. Furthermore, a corollary may exist in varus deformity with associated lateral ligament laxity but is poorly described. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (raTKA) includes quantitative assessment of intraoperative ligament function. This study evaluated whether increased preoperative medial or lateral radiographic joint space width (JSW) in valgus or varus knees, was associated with increased intraoperative soft tissue laxity of the respective compartment. Methodology Intraoperative data from 348 consecutive raTKAs with 270 varus knees (hip-knee-ankle angle [HKA]<-2°), and 78 valgus knees, (HKA>2°) were retrospectively reviewed. For varus knees, lateral JSW was measured on preoperative, standing anteroposterior radiographs to determine lateral widening (threshold 8.0mm). For valgus knees, medial JSW was evaluated to determine medial widening (threshold 7.0mm). Intraoperative medial and lateral gaps at 0° and 90° had been recorded during manual stress testing. Linear regression was performed to determine associations between intra-operative gaps, radiographic JSW, and HKA. Results 51 varus knees demonstrated lateral widening and 15 valgus knees had medial widening. In varus knees, lateral JSW was positively associated with the lateral extension (β=0.76, P <0.001) and flexion (β=0.74, P <0.001) gaps. Similarly, for valgus knees, medial JSW was positively associated with the medial extension (β=0.75, P <0.001) and flexion (β=0.77, P <0.001) gaps. Conclusion Increased preoperative radiographic JSW of the medial and lateral compartment in valgus and varus knees, predicted increased intraoperative gaps of that compartment, consistent with ligament attenuation.

Purpose To compare lower extremity soft tissue injury and revision surgery rates for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) compared with matched controls. Methods This retrospective cohort study used a deidentified claims database. Patients were included if they carried an International Classification of Diseases code for AN or BN. Respective matched cohorts for AN and BN were created using propensity score matching. Primary and revision surgeries for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, knee collateral ligament reconstruction, meniscus repair or meniscectomy, and any ankle ligament reconstruction were identified by their CPT codes. Patients over the age of 40 and without a minimum 2‐year follow‐up after primary surgery were excluded. Differences in prevalence and revision rates were analyzed. Results A total of 56,146 patients with AN and 42,630 patients with BN were included in this study with equal numbers in respective matched cohorts. Patients with BN showed an increased risk of ACL injury (relative risk = 1.32, P = .019), medial collateral ligament injury (1.17, 0.04), calcaneofibular sprain (1.92, <0.001), deltoid sprain (1.41, 0.004), and unspecified ankle sprain (1.44, <0.001). Patients with AN showed an increased risk for calcaneofibular sprain (1.25, 0.007), deltoid sprain (1.28, 0.015), and unspecified ankle sprain (1.17, <0.001). Patients with BN were more likely to have revision ACL repair (1.89, 0.02), partial meniscus revision (3.44, <0.001) and any meniscus revision (4.74, <0.001) while patients with AN were more likely to have an ACL revision (2.81, <0.001), partial meniscus (4.37, <0.001), and any meniscus (4.52, <0.001). Conclusions In this study, patients with AN and BN had a significantly increased risk for various knee and ankle injuries and revision surgeries compared with matched controls. Additionally, patients with AN and BN who sustained these injuries were more likely to undergo a revision surgical procedure within the first 5 years of the primary procedure. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.

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.

Abstract Background Little research exists regarding geographic comparisons within the United States for Medicaid reimbursement. We compared Medicaid reimbursement for a broad range of orthopedic surgery codes from each state on a geographic and state level. Methods We obtained Medicaid reimbursement rates in each state for 211 orthopedic procedure codes along with corresponding work Relative Value Units (wRVUs). Rates were divided by wRVUs to control for differences between procedures and subspecialties. States were designated as either West, Midwest, South, or Northeast. Kruskal-Wallis tests with Dunn’s post-hoc analyses ascertained differences between regions and each orthopedic subspecialty by state. Coefficient of variation (CoV) values were calculated to measure the amount of variability in rates. A Kruskall-Wallis with Dunn’s post-hoc test assessed differences in quartiles for reimbursement compared to a square miles per orthopedic surgeon ratio. Results The West region reimbursed the highest at $72.92/wRVU and the Northeast reimbursed the lowest at $51.78. Hand surgery was the highest reimbursing subspecialty ($94.58/wRVU) and Oncology the lowest ($62.89/wRVU). The CoV ranged from 0.15–0.77 by state and 0.27–0.50 by subspecialty. A linear regression model between wRVU-adjusted Medicaid reimbursement and square miles per surgeon yielded an R2 value of 0.453. States with the most land area relative to orthopedic surgeons reimbursed significantly higher. Conclusion The West geographic region is associated with the highest Medicaid reimbursement for orthopedic procedures, and the Northeast the lowest. Wide variability was seen in rates, both between states and within states. Large, sparsely-populated states may increase Medicaid reimbursement as a tactic to attract physicians. Level of Evidence: IV; Economic Analysis

ABSTRACT Musculoskeletal infection (MSKI) remains a major problem after trauma and elective orthopedic surgery. Chronic MSKI is related to the formation of biofilm, which impairs diagnosis and effective treatments. Therefore, to understand and communicate global standards and best practices, the 2025 International Consensus Meeting (ICM) on MSKI created a Biofilm Section to address crucial aspects of biofilm biology pertaining to its mechanisms of drug resistance and immune evasion, and potential approaches to overcome them. This featured a 2‐year process, with final voting and discussion on May 8–10, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey. This Consensus Article is the effort of the Biofilm Basic Mechanisms Workgroup, which interpreted the results on ICM questions related to (1) the infectious microenvironment; (2) appropriate inocula in preclinical research; (3) biofilm behavior in infected tissues; and (4) synergy within biofilms and with other comorbidities. Collectively, we find that this field has the necessary research tools to discover the pathophysiology of orthopedic implant‐associated biofilm development and maturation, perform clinically relevant studies in animal models, and elucidate mechanisms that allow opportunistic infections in compromised tissues and patients with other health issues.

Abstract Purpose Iliopsoas tendinitis following total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been described to result from acetabular component overhang as well as prominent femoral collars. Yet, a portion of patients experience iliopsoas tendinitis in the setting of well-positioned components. The purpose of this study was to assess anatomic factors predisposing to iliopsoas tendinitis after THA. Methods Patients with THAs performed at three academic institutions who subsequently underwent arthroscopic iliopsoas release were retrospectively reviewed from 2015 to 2025 and propensity matched in a 1:3 fashion to a control group of THAs without subsequent iliopsoas release. Controls were matched by age, surgery date, laterality, sex, surgical approach, and implanted femoral component. Patients with iliopsoas tendinitis and subsequent release (THA-IP) were evaluated for anterior acetabular component overhang and femoral collar overhang, when a collar was present. We also evaluated the absolute and relative profile of the lesser trochanter on anteroposterior radiographs, understanding that when less of the lesser trochanter is visualized, the trochanter is anatomically displaced posterolaterally, resulting in a more arduous route from the inner pelvic origin of the iliopsoas to its insertion on the femur. Results Forty-five patients (mean age: 57±11; 71% female; 19 direct anterior, 10 anterolateral, 16 posterior approach) undergoing THA-IP were analyzed and matched to 135 controls. Both groups demonstrated a median cup size of 54 mm and head size of 36 mm. Average time to iliopsoas release after THA was 4 years. Anterior cup overhang of &gt;2 mm was present in 49% of THA-IP patients, with 18% having collared femoral components, and 9% demonstrating collar overhang of &gt;2 mm. Overall, 19 THA-IP patients had &lt;2 mm of cup and collar overhang and 26 patients had &gt;2 mm of overhang. THA-IP patients with &lt;2 mm of cup and collar overhang had significantly greater relative posterolateralization of the lesser trochanter compared to those with overhang of &gt;2 mm (p=0.010) and to controls (p=0.037). Conclusion Visualizing “Less of the Lesser” on anteroposterior hip radiographs and associated posterolateralization of the lesser trochanter may be an anatomic risk factor for iliopsoas tendinitis following THA, even in the presence of satisfactorily positioned components.

Introduction: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely performed elective procedure globally. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a serious complication following TKA. Hematogenous seeding from distant infections is a recognized mechanism of PJI. However, to our knowledge, there are no published reports of hematogenous PJI originating from acute epididymo-orchitis. Case Report: A 74-year-old male presented to the emergency department following a ground-level fall on his right knee. He was diagnosed with a knee effusion and discharged for outpatient follow-up. Approximately one week later, the patient presented to his primary care physician with right scrotal swelling and was diagnosed with epididymitis and started on oral antibiotics. The following day, he underwent right knee arthrocentesis which was positive for an acute PJI. The patient then underwent a double debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) procedure and was discharged on a six-month course of oral antibiotics. Eight months after the double DAIR, the patient developed right knee swelling and erythema. Right knee aspiration was positive for a persistent PJI, and the patient underwent resection arthroplasty with insertion of an antibiotic spacer. Conclusion: Hematogenous spread of epididymoorchitis resulting in PJI is a rare and underreported complication that has not been fully understood in the literature. In this case, several risk factors—such as the presence of a prosthetic joint, recent trauma, and chronic corticosteroid use—may have increased the patient’s susceptibility to infection. Close monitoring of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and white blood cell count can aid in the early detection of septic arthritis and contribute to improved patient outcomes.

Background: Orthopaedic surgeons routinely delay surgical management of femoral neck fractures in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to decrease perioperative bleeding and associated complications. However, this practice contradicts the principles of hip fracture management, as early surgery is associated with morbidity and mortality benefits. The purpose of this study was to quantify the association of DOAC use and perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) for femoral neck fractures. We hypothesized that early surgical intervention on a patient taking a DOAC medication would not lead to worse perioperative outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 2,833 patients who underwent primary THA or HA for femoral neck fractures between December 31, 2017, and January 29, 2024, across our hospital system. The patients taking a DOAC were divided into 3 groups based on the time since the last DOAC intake: 1 day, 2 days, and ≥3 days. Propensity matching was performed 1:1, accounting for age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, preoperative chronic kidney disease stage, preoperative hemoglobin, body mass index, and hospital type. Subanalyses utilizing linear and conditional logistic regression models were performed to assess differences in outcomes between the groups that had a DOAC withheld and the control groups. Results: The mean age of all patients was 81 ± 10 years, 1,805 patients (64%) were women, and 207 patients (7%) were taking a DOAC prior to surgery. Despite comparable preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels between the groups that had a DOAC withheld and the control groups (all p > 0.05), the patients who had a DOAC withheld for 1 day were more likely to receive a postoperative blood transfusion (23.1% compared with 0%; p = 0.002). This difference in transfusion rate was not observed in other cohorts. There were no differences in medical complications, reoperation, discharge disposition, or mortality between the groups that had a DOAC withheld and the matched controls at any time point. Conclusions: Delaying surgical management due to DOAC medications may be unnecessary in patients undergoing arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures. Consideration should be given to adjusting transfusion triggers to reduce unwarranted blood transfusions in patients taking a DOAC. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: Patient-level value analysis (PLVA) has been applied to several orthopaedic procedures but has not yet been utilized to assess the value of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 1-year episode of care for TKA with use of PLVA to identify characteristics that influence value at both the patient and surgeon level. Methods: The institutional patient-reported outcome (PRO) database was queried for all patients who underwent TKA from 2020 to 2022. Patients were excluded on the basis of an index revision procedure, a pathology other than primary osteoarthritis, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, robotic-assisted TKA, incomplete baseline or 1-year PROs, concomitant procedures (i.e., bilateral TKA or hardware removal), complications requiring readmission or reoperation, TKA without patellar resurfacing, the use of constrained implants, incomplete cost information, or other hip or knee arthroplasty procedure during the 1-year episode of care. PROs of interest included preoperative and 1-year postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Joint Replacement (KOOS-JR) scores. Episode-of-care costs were calculated using time-driven activity-based costing. The 1-year value quotient (V KOOS ) was calculated for each patient as the ratio of the 1-year change in KOOS-JR score to the total episode-of-care cost. Results: A total of 684 patients (62% female; mean age, 68 ± 8 years) met the inclusion criteria. The mean KOOS-JR score significantly increased from baseline (53 ± 11) to 1 year (79 ± 14; p < 0.001), with a mean improvement of 26 ± 16. The mean total episode-of-care cost was $9,563 ± $2,370. There was no significant correlation between episode-of-care costs and the change in KOOS-JR score (r = 0.02; p = 0.581). Surgery performed at an ambulatory surgery center (p < 0.001) and as an outpatient procedure (p = 0.036) were predictive of lower costs. Patient-specific instrumentation (p < 0.001) and a tibial stem extension (p < 0.001) were predictive of higher costs. Older age (p = 0.023) and male sex (p = 0.007) were predictive of less improvement in KOOS-JR scores from baseline to 1 year. Conclusions: Our study identified patient and surgical characteristics that drive costs and PROs in TKA. PLVA can be used to identify “bright spots” in orthopaedic procedures to optimize care delivery. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: There has been minimal literature evaluating how a prior myocardial infraction (MI) influences outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how the timing, type, and treatment of MI prior to TKA affect postoperative cardiac complications, general medical complications, and surgical complications. Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted using a large insurance database. Patients undergoing primary TKA for osteoarthritis were included. Patients who had experienced MI within 2 years before TKA were identified and were matched 1:4 with patients who had not had such an MI on the basis of demographic variables and comorbidities. Patients who had a prior MI were stratified into 4 groups based on the timing of the MI: 0 to <6 months, 6 to <12 months, 12 to <18 months, and 18 to 24 months before TKA. The rates of postoperative cardiac, general medical, and surgical complications were compared between groups. Subanalyses on the prior MI type, treatment, and location were performed. Results: Prior MI was associated with increased risks of postoperative MI (odds ratio [OR], 3.97 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.20 to 4.93]), heart failure (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.24 to 1.75]), and 90-day mortality (OR, 2.15 [95% CI, 1.41 to 3.28]). The risk of postoperative MI was highest for those with MI within 6 months before TKA (OR, 6.86 [95% CI, 5.34 to 8.82]). Type-1 MI, ST-elevation MI (STEMI), non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI), and anterior and inferior MIs were linked to elevated postoperative MI and/or mortality risks, with timing closer to surgery further amplifying the risk. Percutaneous coronary intervention within 6 months before TKA also increased postoperative risks. Type-2 MI within 6 months before TKA was associated with an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection compared with controls (OR, 4.23 [95% CI, 1.67 to 10.67]). Conclusions: Patients who had a prior MI, particularly within 6 months before TKA, had significantly elevated risks of postoperative MI, heart failure, and mortality. Outcomes varied by MI type, treatment, and location, with type-1 MIs and STEMIs increasing the postoperative mortality risk. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.