Primary versus revision total shoulder arthroplasty: comparing relative value and reimbursement trends

Background: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for multiple shoulder pathologies. The purpose of our study was to compare the relative value units (RVUs) per minute of surgical time for primary and revision TSA.Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients that underwent primary TSA, one-component revision TSA, and two-component revision TSA between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 using current procedure terminology codes. RVUs were divided by mean operative time for each procedure to determine the amount of revenue generated per minute. Rates were compared between the groups using a one-way analysis of variance with post-hoc Tukey test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results: When dividing compensation by surgical time, we found that two-component revision generated more compensation per minute compared to primary TSA (0.284±0.114 vs. 0.239±0.278 RVU per minute or $10.25±$4.11 vs. $8.64±$10.05 per minute, respectively; p=0.001). Conclusions: The relative value of revision TSA procedures is weighted to account for the increased technical challenges and time associated with these procedures. This study confirms that reimbursement is higher for revision TSA compared to primary TSA.

Cross Talk Between Zinc-Solubilizing Bacteria and Plants: A Short Tale of Bacterial-Assisted Zinc Biofortification

A contemporary approach to bacterially mediated zinc (Zn) biofortification offers a new dimension in the crop improvement program with better Zn uptake in plants to curb Zn malnutrition. The implication of Zn solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) represents an inexpensive and optional strategy for Zn biofortification, with an ultimate green solution to enlivening sustainable agriculture. ZSB dwelling in the rhizospheric hub or internal plant tissues shows their competence to solubilize Zn via a variety of strategies. The admirable method is the deposition of organic acids (OAs), which acidify the surrounding soil environment. The secretion of siderophores as a metal chelating molecule, chelating ligands, and the manifestation of an oxidative–reductive system on the bacterial cell membrane are further tactics of bacterially mediated Zn solubilization. The inoculation of plants with ZSB is probably a more effective tactic for enhanced Zn translocation in various comestible plant parts. ZSB with plant growth-enhancing properties can be used as bioelicitors for sustainable plant growth via the different approaches that are crucial for plant health and its productivity. This article provides an overview of the functional properties of ZSB-mediated Zn localization in the edible portions of food crops and provides an impetus to explore such plant probiotics as natural biofortification agents.

Laparoscopy in the Evaluation of Blunt Abdominal Injury in Level-I and II Pediatric Trauma Centers

Introduction An American College of Surgeons (ACS) Level-I (L-I) pediatric trauma center demonstrated successful laparoscopy without conversion to laparotomy in ∼65% of trauma cases. Prior reports have demonstrated differences in outcomes based on ACS level of trauma center. We sought to compare laparoscopy use for blunt abdominal trauma at L-I compared to Level-II (L-II) centers. Methods The Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program was queried (2014-2016) for patients ≤16 years old who underwent any abdominal surgery. Bivariate analyses comparing patients undergoing abdominal surgery at ACS L-I and L-II centers were performed. Results 970 patients underwent abdominal surgery with 14% using laparoscopy. Level-I centers had an increased rate of laparoscopy (15.6% vs 9.7%, P = .019 ); however they had a lower mean Injury Severity Score (16.2 vs 18.5, P = .002) compared to L-II centers. Level-I and L-II centers had similar length of stay ventilator days, and SSIs (all P > .05). Conclusion While use of laparoscopy for pediatric trauma remains low, there was increased use at L-I compared to L-II centers with no difference in LOS or SSIs. Future studies are needed to elucidate which pediatric trauma patients benefit from laparoscopic surgery.

Are Orthopedic Hand Surgeons Undercompensated for Time Spent in the Operating Room? A Study of Relative Value Units

Background: This study aims to investigate whether compensation is equitable among the most commonly performed orthopedic hand surgeries and when compared with general orthopedic procedures. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all orthopedic procedures, from 2016 to 2018, performed more than 150 times using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Physician work relative value unit (wRVU) data were obtained from the 2020 US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services fee schedule. Linear regressions were used to determine whether there was an association among wRVU, operative time, and wRVU per hour (wRVU/h). Reimbursement for hand surgery CPT codes was compared with that of nonhand orthopedic CPT codes. The CPT codes were stratified into quartile cohorts based on mean operative time, major complication rate, mortality rate, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, reoperation rate, and readmission rate. Student t tests were used to compare wRVU/h between cohorts. Results: Forty-two hand CPT codes were identified from 214 orthopedic CPT codes, accounting for 32 333 hand procedures. The median wRVU/h was significantly lower for procedures in the longest operative time quartile compared with the shortest operative time quartile ( P < .001). Compared with hand procedures, nonhand procedures were found to have significantly higher mean operative time ( P < .001), mean complication rate ( P < .001), mean wRVU ( P = .001), and mean wRVU/h ( P = .007). Conclusions: The 2020 Physician wRVU scale does not allocate proportional wRVUs to orthopedic hand procedures with longer mean operative times. There is a decrease in mean reimbursement rate for hand procedures with longer mean operative time. When compared with general orthopedic procedures, hand procedures have a lower mean wRVU/h and complication rate.

An ACS-NSQIP Analysis of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Trends from 2013 to 2018

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) volume has increased with advances in implant design, perioperative protocols, and patient selection. This study analyzed national trends of UKA from 2013 to 2018 and the relationship between patient demographics and postoperative outcomes. Data on UKA (CPT 27446) from 2013 to 2018 was collected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Variables collected included patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiology classification, functional status, NSQIP morbidity probability, operative time, length of stay, 30-day reoperation, and readmission rates. There was an increase in outpatient UKAs performed (920 in 2013; 11,080 in 2018) (p < 0.0001). Analysis of variance from 2013 to 2018 revealed significant decrease in patient body mass index (BMI) (32.5 in 2013; 31.5 in 2018) (p < 0.01) and NSQIP morbidity probability (0.014 in 2013; 0.011 in 2018) (p < 0.0001). Operative time increased (79.1 minutes in 2013; 84.4 minutes in 2018) (p < 0.01), but length of stay decreased (0.9 days in 2013; 0.5 days in 2018) (p < 0.0001). The number of all-cause and related readmissions decreased significantly (p < 0.045; p < 0.01). Age, male gender, BMI >40 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were significant predictors for 30-day readmission. BMI >40 was a significant predictor for discharge destination. UKA has seen a rise in incidence from 2013 to 2018 with an increasing number of outpatient UKAs. Operative times and 30-day readmissions have both decreased in this time. BMI > 40 is predictive for discharge destination after UKA, while age, male gender, BMI >40, and COPD are independent risk factors for 30-day readmission.

Enhanced recovery after minimally invasive gynecologic oncology surgery to improve same day discharge: a quality improvement project

ObjectivesSame day discharge after minimally invasive hysterectomy has been shown to be safe and feasible. We designed and implemented a quality improvement perioperative program based on early recovery after surgery principles to improve the rate of same day discharge from 30% to 75% after minimally invasive gynecologic oncology surgery over a 12 month period.MethodsWe enrolled 102 consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy at a single cancer center during a 12 month period. A pre-intervention cohort of 100 consecutive patients was identified for comparison of clinicodemographic variables and perioperative outcomes. A multidisciplinary team developed a comprehensive perioperative care program and followed quality improvement methodology. Patients were followed up for 30 days after discharge. A statistical process chart was used to monitor the effects of our interventions, and a multivariate analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with same day discharge.ResultsSame day discharge rate increased from 29% to 75% after implementation (p<0.001). The post-intervention cohort was significantly younger (59 vs 62 years; p=0.038) and had shorter operative times (180 vs 211 min; p<0.001) but the two groups were similar in body mass index, comorbidity, stage, and intraoperative complications. There was no difference in 30 day perioperative complications, readmissions, reoperations, emergency department visits, or mortality. Overnight admissions were secondary to nausea and vomiting (16%), complications of pre-existing comorbidities (12%), and urinary retention (8%). On multivariate analysis, longer surgery, timing of surgery, and narcotic use on the ward were significantly associated with overnight admission. Overall, 89% of patients rated their experience as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’, and 87% felt that their length of stay was adequate.ConclusionsFollowing implementation of a perioperative quality improvement program targeted towards minimally invasive gynecologic oncology surgery, our intervention significantly improved same day discharge rates while maintaining a low 30 day perioperative complication rate and excellent patient experience.

Infectious Complications Following Radical Cystectomy: A Structural Equation Model

Objective: To use factor analysis to structure items from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) into latent variables associated with infectious complications, and then to use structural equation modeling (SEM) to organize those latent variables into a predictive model of POIC. Predictive models of post-operative infectious complications (POIC) have traditionally relied upon logistic regression and inconsistent variable groupings. A more standardized approach to a valid construct would allow for more unitary research and improved clinical decision making. Materials and Methods: The study evaluated data from 1580 recipients of radical cystectomies in the ACS NSQIP PUF 2013 database. Pre-operative, operative, and post-operative data were analyzed. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and theory-based selection were used to create latent variables for a predictive model of POIC which was analyzed with structural equation modeling.Results: After reducing unrelated variables using EFA, two latent variables successfully predicted POIC, a Global Health Variable (Dyspnea, COPD, Diabetes, and Hypertension) and a Proximal Pre-operative Infectious Comorbidity Variable (pre-operative transfusion, pre-operative wound infection, and pre-operative sepsis). The final model produced was well-fit and suggest two unique pathway indicators for understanding which patients are at higher risk for POIC.Conclusion: Discerning the most significant items and their role in the POIC model offer clinical insight into adverse events and new considerations into the prevention of such events. Patients endorsing multiple items in the model may benefit from pre-operative optimization of modifiable conditions and closer post-operative surveillance.

The BTK Safety Score: A Novel Scoring System for Risk Stratifying Patients Undergoing Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Selection of appropriate candidates for simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (si-BTKA) is crucial for minimizing postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to develop a scoring system for identifying patients who may be appropriate for si-BTKA. Patients who underwent si-BTKA were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients who experienced a major 30-day complication were identified as high-risk patients for si-BTKA who potentially would have benefitted from staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty. Major complications included deep wound infection, pneumonia, renal insufficiency or failure, cerebrovascular accident, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, or death. The predictive model was trained using randomly split 70% of the dataset and validated on the remaining 30%. The scoring system was compared against the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and legacy risk-stratification measures, using area under the curve (AUC) statistic. Total 4,630 patients undergoing si-BTKA were included in our cohort. In our model, patients are assigned points based on the following risk factors: +1 for age ≥ 75, +2 for age ≥ 82, +1 for body mass index (BMI) ≥ 34, +2 for BMI ≥ 42, +1 for hypertension requiring medication, +1 for pulmonary disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or dyspnea), and +3 for end-stage renal disease. The scoring system exhibited an AUC of 0.816, which was significantly higher than the AUC of ASA (0.545; p < 0.001) and CCI (0.599; p < 0.001). The BTK Safety Score developed and validated in our study can be used by surgeons and perioperative teams to risk stratify patients undergoing si-BTKA. Future work is needed to assess this scoring system's ability to predict long-term functional outcomes.