Orthopedics
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There has been much debate and controversy about the safety and efficacy of the topical use of tranexamic acid in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate whether there is less blood loss and lower rates of transfusion after topical tranexamic acid administration in primary TKA. A systematic review of the electronic databases PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Embase was undertaken. ⋯ The authors found a statistically significant reduction in blood loss and transfusion rates when using topical tranexamic acid in primary TKA. Furthermore, the currently available evidence does not support an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism due to tranexamic acid administration. Topical tranexamic acid was effective for reducing postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements without increasing the prevalence of thromboembolic complications.
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Review Meta Analysis
Unipolar Versus Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures in Elderly Patients.
Hip replacement using hemiarthroplasty (HA) is a common surgical procedure in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures. However, questions remain regarding the choice of unipolar or bipolar HA. A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to determine whether bipolar HA was associated with lower rates of dislocation, reoperation, acetabular erosion, mortality, and general complications, as well as lower Harris Hip Scores, compared with unipolar HA. ⋯ There were no differences in dislocation (RR=1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47 to 3.07), reoperation (RR=0.64; 95% CI, 0.33 to 1.26), acetabular erosion (RR=2.29; 95% CI, 0.85 to 6.12), mortality (RR=0.85; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.13), and general complications (RR=1.05; 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.56). The authors found no difference in postoperative Harris Hip Scores between patients undergoing unipolar vs bipolar HA (WMD=-1.32; 95% CI, -3.29 to 0.65; P=.19). Unipolar and bipolar HA achieved similar clinical outcomes in patients with displaced femoral neck fractures.
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As health care in the United States transitions toward a value-based model, there is increasing interest in applying cost-effectiveness analysis within orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic trauma care has traditionally underemphasized economic analysis. The goals of this review were to identify US-based cost-utility analysis in orthopedic trauma, to assess the quality of the available evidence, and to identify cost-effective strategies within orthopedic trauma. ⋯ Overall, there is a paucity of cost-utility analyses in orthopedic trauma; however, the available evidence suggests that certain operative interventions can be cost-effective. The quality of these studies, however, is fair, based on QHES grading. More attention should be paid to evaluating the cost-effectiveness of operative intervention in orthopedic trauma.
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Review Meta Analysis
Efficacy of Intra-articular Local Anesthetics in Total Knee Arthroplasty.
Pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains among the most important challenges for patients with TKA. Intra-articular local anesthetic has been shown to reduce postoperative pain following TKA. However, studies report conflicting results. ⋯ The results showed that, compared with the placebo group, the single local anesthetic group had a significant lower pain score with rest at 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours; less opioid consumption at 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively; and greater range of motion at 24, 48, and 72 hours. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in length of hospital stay, nausea and vomiting, pruritus, sedation, or deep venous thrombosis. The study findings showed that pain relief after TKA was significantly better with intra-articular local anesthetic than with placebo.
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Optimal perioperative pain control for total joint arthroplasty remains a challenge. Whereas traditional regimens have relied heavily on opioids, newer multimodal pathways are increasingly gaining popularity as safer and more effective alternatives. The main premise of multimodal analgesia is decreased consumption of opioids, and hence lesser opioid-related adverse events. ⋯ A standardized multimodal analgesia protocol is also proposed based on best available evidence. In addition to pharmacologic interventions, patient education and interdisciplinary collaboration among the care teams play an important role in the success of any treatment pathway. With a growing demand for total joint arthroplasty in an era of bundled payments and accountable care, there has never been a greater need for a standardized multimodal analgesia pathway.