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The SPOT GRADE (SG), a Surface Bleeding Severity Scale, is a unique visual method for assessing bleeding severity based on quantitative determinations of blood flow. This study assessed the reliability of the SG scale in a clinical setting and collected initial data on the safety and efficacy of HEMOBLAST Bellows (HB), a hemostatic agent, in abdominal and orthopedic operations. Twenty-seven patients were enrolled across 3 centers and received the investigational device. Bleeding severity and hemostasis were independently assessed by 2 surgical investigators at baseline and at 3, 6, and 10 minutes after application of HB and compared for agreement. The mean paired κ statistic for assignment of SG scores was .7754. The mean paired κ statistics for determining eligibility for participation in the trial based on bleeding severity and the mean paired κ statistics determining the presence of hemostasis were .9301 and .9301, respectively. The proportion of patients achieving hemostasis within 3, 6, and 10 minutes of HB application were 50.0%, 79.2%, and 91.7%, respectively. There were no unanticipated adverse device effects and one possible serious adverse device effect, as determined by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC). The reliability of the SG scale was validated in a clinical setting. Initial data on the safety and efficacy of HB in abdominal and orthopedic operations were collected, and there were no concerns raised by the investigators or the IDMC.

Background: In an effort to combat the opioid epidemic, state legislation was passed to limit postoperative narcotic prescribing. The purpose of this study was to assess if the legislation had an impact on patients’ perception of pain management after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that patients would not perceive their pain management experience to be impacted. Methods: A prospective survey study was performed on all consenting patients undergoing primary THA or TKA at a large academic center from July 2019 to February 2020. Patients taking opioids preoperatively were excluded. Surveys given preoperatively and at 2 weeks postoperatively assessed patients' concerns surrounding postoperative pain control and their perception of the impact of a newly implemented legislation. Descriptive analysis and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients were performed. Results: Ninety-three patients met inclusion criteria and consented. Seventy-nine (29 THA and 50 TKA) completed both surveys. Preoperatively, 9.2% of patients were concerned that the legislation would impact their pain management, despite 43.0% having pain concerns. Postoperatively, 87.0% of patients felt that the legislation had no or mild effect on pain control. Although 36.7% of patients reported moderate to severe postoperative pain, 15.2% of patients reported being dissatisfied with pain control. There was no statistical correlation between preoperative pain concern and feelings that the legislation impacted pain. Conclusions: After primary THA and TKA, our data suggest that patients’ perception of their pain management was not impacted by the legislation. Prescribers should be reassured that the decreased allowable opioids does not hinder the patients’ perception of their pain management experience.

Systemic cobaltism is a debilitating complication of metal-on-metal (MoM) arthroplasty. In this report, we review a case of a 54-year-old female with metallosis from a MoM hip resurfacing and varying degrees of black discoloration of her tongue and metallic gustation as a result of systemic cobaltism. After explanting the metal components, thorough debridement, and conversion to ceramic-on-polyethylene arthroplasty, the patient’s oral mucosal discoloration and metallic gustation resolved. This represents the first documentation of systemic cobaltism from MoM hip resurfacing manifesting as oral mucosal discoloration and metallic gustation with resolution after explant, debridement, and conversion to ceramic-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty. Keywords: Metallosis, Metal on metal, Hip resurfacing, Systemic cobaltism, Tongue discoloration

Background: Serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are important tests in the initial diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection. Many surgeons also use these tests to determine if infection has resolved between stages of a 2-stage procedure, but little data exist regarding this practice. Methods: A retrospective review of our institutional total joint databases was conducted to determine sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of elevated ESR and/or CRP to diagnose persistent infection between stages. Results: Among 16 knees and 5 hips, sensitivity was 50% for CRP, 75% for ESR, and 100% when combined. The negative predictive value of persistent infection was 100% when neither test was elevated. Conclusions: Results of this study support the use of CRP and ESR as indicators of the resolution of periprosthetic joint infection between stages of 2-stage revision.

A 75-year-old woman who suffered a left femoral neck fracture underwent a left total hip arthroplasty using a Stryker Trident (Kalamazoo, MI) hemispherical acetabular shell and Modular Dual Mobility (MDM) metal liner. Post-operative radiographs demonstrated canted seating of the liner. The patient was taken immediately back to the operating room where the acetabular liner appeared well seated superiorly but was in a canted position inferiorly. Removal and replacement was performed and post-operative radiographs demonstrated complete seating. Subsequent follow up at 6 months demonstrated good clinical function with no adverse radiographic findings. Canted seating is a potential complication of the MDM metal liner. Providers should be aware of potential incomplete seating inferiorly despite the superior portion of the liner being well seated.

Background: Opioid addiction is endemic in the United States. We developed a standardized opioid-prescribing schedule (SOPS) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and evaluated opioid usage alongside Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain interference scores. We hypothesized that opioid usage would be less than prescribed and reducing prescription would decrease consumption without negatively impacting the PROMIS scores. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed on all patients undergoing primary THA and TKA from April 7, 2018, to August 10, 2019. Opioid consumption and pain interference were determined 2 weeks after discharge via telephone and email surveys. SOPSs were implemented during the study. Outcomes were compared in patients before and after the SOPS. Results: A total of 715 patients met inclusion criteria; 201 patients completed surveys. Before the SOPS, the mean opioid prescription was 81.2 ± 15.3 tablets for THA and 82.9 ± 10.6 for TKA. The mean usage was 35.1 ± 29.4 tablets and 35.4 ± 33.4, respectively. After the SOPS, the mean usage decreased to 19.4 ± 16.8 (P = .04) and 31.6 ± 20.9 (P = .52), respectively. After implementation of a second SOPS for THA, the mean number of tablets consumed was 21.5 ± 18.6 (P = .05 compared with pre-SOPS). The PROMIS 6B responses in patients who underwent THA demonstrated no significant changes. PROMIS 6B responses for TKA showed an increase in interference with recreational activities (P = .04) and tasks away from home (P = .04), but otherwise had no significant impact on reported scores. Conclusions: Implementation of the SOPS reduced postoperative opioid prescription and consumption without significantly impacting the reported pain interference, supporting the need to decrease opioid prescription after THA and TKA.

Background: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is common. However, risk factors for POUR and its consequences, specifically on postoperative renal function, have not been well defined. Methods: We performed a review of prospectively collected data on consecutive adult patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty from August 2014 to December 2015. Catheters were placed preoperatively and removed on the first or second postoperative day. The exclusion criterion was traumatic catheter insertion or the presence of fracture or neoplasm. Univariate and multiple logistic regression identified associations with POUR and its invasive therapies. Subgroup analysis of renal function by incidence of preoperative bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and POUR was performed with nonparametric testing. Results: A total of 591 operations met inclusion criteria. The incidence of POUR was 6.4% and was directly related to a positive history of BOO (odds ratio [OR]: 4.15) and increased the duration of urinary catheterization (OR: 1.04). These factors, in addition to preoperative incontinence (OR: 8.36, 28.69) and lengthier hospitalizations (OR: 1.37, 1.30), were significantly associated with intermittent straight catheterization and reinsertion of an indwelling catheter to treat POUR. Serum creatinine increased with combined preoperative BOO and POUR (+0.22 mg/dL) but was preserved in others (+0.02-0.04 mg/dL) (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Preoperative BOO and longer catheterization increased the risk of POUR and were associated with the use of invasive modalities to treat POUR. POUR was associated with a longer hospitalization and impaired renal function in those with preoperative BOO; therefore, renal function should be monitored closely and nephrotoxic medications used cautiously when using urinary catheters in this patient population. Level of Evidence: Retrospective Analysis, Level IV.

Background: The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) physical function rapidly assesses self-reported function capability. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is often used in clinical practice, but administration may be impeded by space and patient limitations. PROMIS CAT can potentially address these limitations, but we lack evidence if TUG and health indicators are predictors of PROMIS CAT. This study assessed whether TUG, body mass index (BMI), numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and smoking status were predictors of PROMIS CAT in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) candidates. Methods: Sixty-five TKA candidates completed the PROMIS CAT physical function test using an iPad application. TUG, NPRS, BMI, and smoking status were obtained at the clinic visit or from medical records. Univariate and multiple regression analyses identified the strongest predictors of PROMIS CAT. Results: TUG was the best predictor of PROMIS CAT physical function based on simple regression (r = −0.43, 95% CI = −0.62 to −0.20) or multiple regression (βˆ = −0.45, 95% CI = −0.73 to −0.17) analyses. BMI and NPRS did not incrementally help predict the PROMIS score beyond TUG. Smoking status did not contribute to the prediction of the PROMIS CAT score. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the PROMIS CAT physical function is not a surrogate for the TUG performance-based measure in candidates for TKA. However, TUG was the best predictor of PROMIS physical function compared with BMI, NPRS, and smoking status. Clinicians should consider both patient-reported and performance-based measures when evaluating function for TKA outcomes. Keywords: Prediction, Osteoarthritis, Outcomes, Self-report, Performance-based