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Background: Postoperative emergency department (ED) utilization significantly reduces patient satisfaction and increases health care spending. Purpose: To identify the incidence, risk factors, and reasons for ED visits within 90 days of Achilles tendon repair (ATR). Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3 Methods: This study utilized the PearlDiver database to identify all instances of primary ATR. Patient age, sex, Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI), region, and insurance coverage were extracted. The incidence, timing, and primary diagnoses for those with an ED visit 90 days post-ATR were extracted. Also, the 90-day total cost was determined and compared for those with and without a postoperative ED visit. Welch t test and Pearson chi-square test were used to determine significant differences between groups. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine risk factors associated with ED utilization after ATR. Results: Of the 82,604 patients with an ATR identified in the database, 6939 (8.4%) had ≥1 ED visit. Of ED visits, 1506 (21.7%) occurred in the first week after ATR and 3587 (51.7%) occurred in the first 4 weeks after ATR. The mean 90-day cost for those with an ED visit was significantly greater than those without an ED visit ($7330 ± $13,383 vs $3515 ± $5787; P < .001). Independent risk factors associated with ED utilization within 90 days were younger age (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; P < .001), female sex (OR, 1.26; P < .001), higher ECI (OR, 1.17; P < .001), a history of tobacco use (OR, 1.57; P < .001), and having Medicaid insurance (OR, 1.73; P < .001). Most ED visits within the first 2 weeks after ATR were for surgical-site pain (53.6%), with 62.4% of diagnoses being directly related to the surgical site. After 2 weeks following ATR, pain persisted as the most common reason for ED utilization (20.9%). Conclusion: More than 8% of patients had ≥1 ED visit within 90 days of ATR, with over half occurring in the first 4 weeks. This markedly increased health care spending. Addressing regional disparities, improving Medicaid acceptance policies, and enhancing perioperative care plans, such as multimodal pain management and addressing the psychological aspects of pain, may reduce the incidence and economic burden of postoperative ED visits.

Abstract Despite the reported benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), prior studies have shown that TRT is correlated with increased incidence of adverse outcomes after orthopedic procedures. There is a paucity of literature assessing the outcomes of patients on preoperative TRT undergoing distal radius open reduction and internal fixation (DR-ORIF). Our purpose was to evaluate rates of surgical and medical complications in patients on TRT undergoing DR-ORIF with a matched control cohort. The PearlDiver database was queried for patients who used TRT within 3 months prior to the index procedure. Patients were matched 1:4 with nonuser controls using propensity score matching. Matching was conducted based on age, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, hypogonadism, osteoporosis, and other comorbidities. Complications were assessed at 90 days and 2 years. Statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square tests. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each complication. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value of < 0.05. The matched group included 657 TRT users and 2,236 controls. There were significant differences in depression (control: 40.6% vs. TRT: 45.7%, p = 0.02) and rates of hypogonadism (control: 74.1% vs. TRT: 77.9%, p = 0.05) between the groups. No other statistically significant demographic or characteristic differences were noted. TRT use was not associated with increased surgical or medical complication rates at 90 days postoperatively. At 2 years, TRT use was associated with a greater incidence of revision (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.34–5.85) and nonunion (OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.59–4.81). There were no other associations noted at 2 years. Preoperative TRT was associated with an increased risk of revision surgery and nonunion at 2 years postoperatively. No other significant associations in the risk of major or minor complications were observed. Level III

Objectives: Tobacco use is a known modifiable risk factor for postoperative complications and revision surgery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Prior studies focus on “tobacco” as a broad categorization of traditional cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco, and other forms of nicotine use. It is unclear if differences in the type of nicotine used lead to similar adverse outcomes after ACLR. Thus, the purpose of this study was to (1) assess the incidence of postoperative complications among ACLR patients who use smokeless tobacco, and (2) compare these outcomes with those of patients who do not use tobacco and those who smoke cigarettes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study utilizing a large insurance database was conducted. Patients undergoing primary ACLR without concomitant knee procedures with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. Smokeless tobacco only users, cigarette only users, and non-tobacco users were matched based on demographic variables and comorbidities. Postoperative complications within 90 days of surgery and subsequent knee surgery within 2 years were compared among groups. Multivariable logistic regressions were employed to control for confounding variables. Results: After applying exclusion criteria, there were 241,194 ALCR patients eligible for analysis. Of these, there were 898 (0.37%) patients that used smokeless tobacco only, 22,062 (9.1%) patients that exclusively used cigarettes, and 207,462 (86%) patients that did not use any tobacco products. Compared to non-users, smokeless tobacco users demonstrated increased risk of emergency department (ED) utilization (20.4% vs 8.7%, OR: 6.29; 95% CI: 3.70-10.9, p<0.001), pneumonia (1.2% vs 0.5%, OR: 3.36; 95% CI: 1.41-7.90, p=0.005), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (1.2% vs 0.1%, OR:12.7; 95% CI: 3.77-52.8, p<0.001) within 90 days of surgery. Additionally, smokeless tobacco users had a markedly increased risk of subsequent ACLR (13.5% vs 3.2%, OR: 4.75; 95% CI: 3.60-6.26, p<0.001) and meniscus surgery (12.9% vs 4.9%, OR: 2.89; 95% CI: 2.23-3.73, p<0.001) within 2 years compared to controls. When compared to cigarette smokers, smokeless tobacco users showed increased risk of ED visits (20.6% vs 19.3%, OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.25-1.90, p<0.001), pneumonia (1.2% vs 0.6%, OR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.33-7.78, p=0.008), and AKI (1.3% vs 0.3%, OR: 7.63; 95% CI: 2.72-22.5, p<0.001) within 90 days. They also demonstrated a significantly increased risk of subsequent ACLR (13.4% vs 4.1%, OR: 4.81; 95% CI: 3.58-6.47, p<0.001) and meniscus surgery (12.8% vs 5.5%, OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 2.45-4.26, p<0.001) within 2 years when compared to cigarette smokers. Conclusions: Smokeless tobacco use was associated with increased risk of medical complications, ED utilization, and subsequent procedures compared to non-user controls and traditional smokers. These findings highlight the importance of considering specific forms of tobacco use in preoperative screening for patients undergoing ACLR.

Objectives: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are widely used for pain control in musculoskeletal conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine if long-term use of NSAIDs increases the incidience of rotator cuff tears. Methods: A retrospective comparative study using a national insurance database was performed. All patients who had a diagnosis of long-term NSAID use with active records in the database for at least 1 year or 2 years were identified. These patients were matched 1:1 to controls without NSAID use based on age, gender, and Elixhauser comorbidity index. Rotator cuff tendon tear rates were compared between each group. Sub-group analyses in the following age-ranges for each sex was also done: 35-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66-75. Results: A total of 499,240 patients who had a history of long-term NSAID use were evaluated. 10,180 patients sustained a rotator cuff tear compared to 7,471 control patients (2.04% vs. 1.50%, respectively), with an adjusted OR of 1.18 (95% CI: 1.14-1.21; P<0.001). Male chronic NSAID users in the 46 to 55 age range had higher rates of rotator cuff tears compared to control patients of the same demographics (OR: 1.41; 95% CI 1.30 – 1.52; P<0.001). Female chronic NSAID users in the 46 to 55 age range had higher rates of rotator cuff tears compared to control patients of the same demographics (OR: 1.40; 95% CI 1.31 – 1.49; P<0.001). Comparable results were seen in the 56-65 age range for both males and females. Further, chronic NSAID users (n=1,888; 18.5%) underwent rotator cuff repair at higher rates compared to controls (n=1,223; 16.4%). Conclusions: Long-term NSAID use significantly increases the rates of rotator cuff tendon tears at the 1-year and 2-year follow-up periods, which is particularly notable in the middle-aged population. These findings suggest that middle aged patients with long-term NSAID use may be at a higher risk for rotator cuff tendon tears.

Background: Patellofemoral instability (PFI) is a condition that leads to recurrent dislocation events and is typically secondary to extensor mechanism malalignment and rotational deformities. To correct malalignment, a tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) can be performed; however, an understanding of the associated complications, recurrence rates, and potential for reoperation is necessary. Purpose: To systematically review the literature to determine the incidence of postoperative complications, rate of recurrent instability, and all-cause reoperation rate after TTO for PFI. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence 4. Methods: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were queried for studies that reported complications after TTO. No date limits were applied. A total of 1050 studies were identified. Complications were categorized into “minor” and “major” groups using a modified Clavien-Dindo Classification. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine complication rates, recurrent instability, and all-cause reoperation, utilizing a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. A meta-analysis for recurrent instability was subgrouped according to follow-up periods of ≤2 years and >2 years. Results: A total of 38 studies were included, comprising 1546 patients, representing 1733 knees. The study dates ranged from 1989 to 2024, and the level of evidence ranged from 2 to 4. The weighted mean age at surgery was 24.1 years (range, 20-54 years), and 67% of patients were women. The weighted mean follow-up of all studies was 4.2 years. Overall, 197 minor complications, 39 major complications, 90 recurrent instability events, and 275 reoperations were identified. The minor complication rate was 9% (range, 0%-65% [95% CI, 6%-13%]). The major complication rate was 3% (range, 0%-10% [95% CI, 3%-4%]). Seven studies had a ≤2-year follow-up, and the remaining 31 studies had a >2-year follow-up. The recurrent instability rate was 3% in studies with ≤2 years of follow-ups (range, 0%-26% [95% CI, 1%-13%]). In studies with >2 years of follow-up, the recurrent instability rate was 8% (range, 0%-31% [95% CI, 6%-12%]). The all-cause reoperation rate was 16% (range, 0%-54% [95% CI, 11%-21%]). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis identified the incidence of complications (17%), the rate of recurrent instability (3%-8%), and the all-cause reoperation rate (16%) after TTO. TTO, performed alone or in combination with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for the treatment of PFI, reliably improved clinical outcome scores in the setting of variable complication rates. Interestingly, rates of recurrent instability increased over time, and most reoperations were undertaken for hardware removal rather than revision patellar stabilization surgery.

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) are approved for type 2 diabetes treatment. Given the link between diabetes-associated metabolic inflammation and increased carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) risk, the aim of this study was to investigate development of CTS in diabetic patients who both were and were not taking GLP-1 therapy using a large claims database. Methods: A retrospective cohort study used a national claims database to identify diabetic patients. Those prescribed GLP-1 therapy were matched to controls by age, sex, comorbidity index, tobacco use, and obesity. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the 2-year CTS incidence, controlling for various health conditions and socioeconomic factors. Secondary analysis also evaluated the rate of carpal tunnel release (CTR) after being diagnosed with CTS. Results: Glucagon-like peptide-1 therapy significantly reduced 2-year CTS diagnosis risk (odds ratio [OR] 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-0.52; P < .001). Independent risk factors for increased CTS incidence included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis, coronary artery disease, depression, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Of patients who developed CTS, GLP-1 therapy was associated with increased odds of undergoing CTR (OR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.08-1.41; P = .002). Conclusions: Glucagon-like peptide-1 therapy is associated with decreased CTS risk in diabetic patients—potentially due to improved metabolic health—and increased odds of undergoing CTR once diagnosed. Further research is needed to clarify GLP-1 therapy’s role in reducing nervous system and musculoskeletal disease burden.

» Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion increased orthopaedic surgery access and utilization among Medicaid patients, including for racial and ethnic minorities. » Despite improved coverage, Medicaid patients continue to face significant real-world barriers to orthopaedic care, including lower appointment success and longer wait times compared with privately insured patients. » Evidence on cost and quality impacts remains limited, with early signals of increased reimbursements, higher charges, and some quality improvements postexpansion.

Background: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) has undergone numerous changes to promote care for patients at high social risk. However, the effect of these changes on surgeon MIPS performance and caseload selection remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how orthopaedic surgeon MIPS scores, demographics, practice characteristics, and patient populations varied on the basis of patient social risk in 2017 compared with 2021. Methods: CMS data were utilized to examine U.S. orthopaedic surgeons. Surgeons were placed into social-risk quintiles on the basis of the proportion of their patients who were dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, with the highest quintile representing the highest social risk. Demographics, practice location characteristics, patient data, and MIPS performance were assessed for the years 2017 and 2021. Differences between social-risk quintiles were assessed utilizing chi-square, Student t, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: In 2017, surgeons with caseloads at the highest, compared with the lowest, social risk had lower MIPS performance scores (mean [and standard deviation], 66.0 ± 37.6 versus 70.1 ± 33.5; p < 0.001). However, in 2021, orthopaedic surgeons with caseloads at the highest, compared with the lowest, social risk had significantly higher MIPS performance scores (mean, 88.7 ± 16.9 versus 81.5 ± 18.3; p < 0.001). In terms of demographics, in 2021, orthopaedic surgeons with caseloads at the highest, compared with the lowest, social risk were more often women (9.2% versus 3.6%; p < 0.001), more often had a DO degree (11.2% versus 6.6%; p < 0.001), more recently graduated from medical school (mean, 23.0 ± 12.9 versus 25.7 ± 10.9 years; p < 0.001), and worked in areas with higher Distressed Communities Index (DCI) distress scores (mean, 56.9 ± 27.3 versus 35.1 ± 25.2; p < 0.001). Similar findings were present in 2017. Conclusions: The addition of the Complex Patient Bonus to the MIPS in 2020 may have reduced performance inequities in MIPS scoring for surgeons with caseloads at high social risk. However, the demographics and practice patterns of the orthopaedic surgeons caring for populations at the highest social risk remained consistent between years. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III . 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.

Purpose To evaluate which patient factors are associated with specific metrics of poor access to care in patients with a rotator cuff tear (RCT). Methods The All of Us Database was utilized to form a cohort of patients with RCT between May 2018 and May 2023. Patients with a diagnosis of RCT using Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine clinical terms were included. The association of RCT diagnosis and patient‐specific factors on self‐reported outcomes of “delayed care,” “could not afford care,” “skipped medication,” and “have not seen provider in more than 1 year” were analyzed. Statistical tests performed were univariate regression and multivariable logistic regression. Results In total, 4,265 patients with RCT who completed the access to care survey were included. In the RCT cohort, 26.7% reported delayed care, 24.9% reported an inability to afford care, 12.1% reported skipped medications, and 1.7% reported not seeing a provider in more than 1 year. Multivariable analysis of patient treatment and demographic features revealed younger age, female sex, lower income, poor physical health, and poor mental health to be strongly associated with higher reported rates of delayed care, inability to afford care, and skipped medications. History of rotator cuff repair, marital status, and sexual orientation were not associated with reported poor access to care. Conclusions A quarter of patients with rotator cuff tears report delays in overall medical care and inability to afford care. Among patients diagnosed with RCT, patients of younger age, female sex, low income, and poor physical and mental health have higher odds of decreased access to health care. Clinical Relevance Health care disparities and access to care are topics that should be investigated to reduce them.