The Utility of Claims Data for Infection Surveillance following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 652-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael V. Murphy ◽  
Dongyi (Tony) Du ◽  
Wei Hua ◽  
Karoll J. Cortez ◽  
Melissa G. Butler ◽  
...  

Objective.To explore the feasibility of identifying anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) allograft implantations and infections using claims.Design.Retrospective cohort study.Methods.We identified ACL reconstructions using procedure codes at 6 health plans from 2000 to 2008. We then identified potential infections using claims-based indicators of infection, including diagnoses, procedures, antibiotic dispensings, specialty consultations, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. Patients’ medical records were reviewed to determine graft type, validate infection status, and calculate sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) for indicators of ACL allografts and infections.Results.A total of 11,778 patients with codes for ACL reconstruction were identified. After chart review, PPV for ACL reconstruction was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94%–97%). Of the confirmed ACL reconstructions, 39% (95% CI, 35%–42%) used allograft tissues. The deep infection rate after ACL reconstruction was 1.0% (95% CI, 0.7%–1.4%). The odds ratio of infection for allografts versus autografts was 0.41 (95% CI, 0.19–0.78). Sensitivity of individual claims-based indicators for deep infection after ACL reconstruction ranged from 0% to 75% and PPV from 0% to 100%. Claims-based infection indicators could be combined to enhance sensitivity or PPV but not both.Conclusions.While claims data accurately identify ACL reconstructions, they poorly distinguish between allografts and autografts and identify infections with variable accuracy. Claims data could be useful to monitor infection trends after ACL reconstruction, with different algorithms optimized for different surveillance goals.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;35(6):652–659

Author(s):  
Willem M.P. Heijboer ◽  
Mathijs A.M. Suijkerbuijk ◽  
Belle L. van Meer ◽  
Eric W.P. Bakker ◽  
Duncan E. Meuffels

AbstractMultiple studies found hamstring tendon (HT) autograft diameter to be a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction failure. This study aimed to determine which preoperative measurements are associated with HT autograft diameter in ACL reconstruction by directly comparing patient characteristics and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurement of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendon on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fifty-three patients with a primary ACL reconstruction with a four-stranded HT autograft were included in this study. Preoperatively we recorded length, weight, thigh circumference, gender, age, preinjury Tegner activity score, and CSA of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendon on MRI. Total CSA on MRI, weight, height, gender, and thigh circumference were all significantly correlated with HT autograft diameter (p < 0.05). A multiple linear regression model with CSA measurement of the HTs on MRI, weight, and height showed the most explained variance of HT autograft diameter (adjusted R 2 = 44%). A regression equation was derived for an estimation of the expected intraoperative HT autograft diameter: 1.2508 + 0.0400 × total CSA (mm2) + 0.0100 × weight (kg) + 0.0296 × length (cm). The Bland and Altman analysis indicated a 95% limit of agreement of ± 1.14 mm and an error correlation of r = 0.47. Smaller CSA of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendon on MRI, shorter stature, lower weight, smaller thigh circumference, and female gender are associated with a smaller four-stranded HT autograft diameter in ACL reconstruction. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the combination of MRI CSA measurement, weight, and height is the strongest predictor.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596712098164
Author(s):  
Steven F. DeFroda ◽  
Devan D. Patel ◽  
John Milner ◽  
Daniel S. Yang ◽  
Brett D. Owens

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in National Basketball Association (NBA) players can have a significant impact on player longevity and performance. Current literature reports a high rate of return to play, but there are limited data on performance after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose/Hypothesis: To determine return to play and player performance in the first and second seasons after ACLR in NBA players. We hypothesized that players would return at a high rate. However, we also hypothesized that performance in the first season after ACLR would be worse as compared with the preinjury performance, with a return to baseline by postoperative year 2. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: An online database of NBA athlete injuries between 2010 and 2019 was queried using the term ACL reconstruction. For the included players, the following data were recorded: name; age at injury; position; height, weight, and body mass index; handedness; NBA experience; dates of injury, surgery, and return; knee affected; and postoperative seasons played. Regular season statistics for 1 preinjury season and 2 postoperative seasons were compiled and included games started and played, minutes played, and player efficiency rating. Kaplan-Meier survivorship plots were computed for athlete return-to-play and retirement endpoints. Results: A total of 26 athletes underwent ACLR; of these, 84% (95% CI, 63.9%-95.5%) returned to play at a mean 372.5 days (95% CI, 323.5-421.5 days) after surgery. Career length after injury was a mean of 3.36 seasons (95% CI, 2.27-4.45 seasons). Factors that contributed to an increased probability of return to play included younger age at injury (odds ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.47-0.92]; P = .0337) and fewer years of experience in the NBA before injury (odds ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.45-0.93]; P = .0335). Postoperatively, athletes played a significantly lower percentage of total games in the first season (48.4%; P = .0004) and second season (62.1%; P = .0067) as compared with the preinjury season (78.5%). Player efficiency rating in the first season was 19.3% less than that in the preinjury season ( P = .0056). Performance in the second postoperative season was not significantly different versus preinjury. Conclusion: NBA players have a high rate of RTP after ACLR. However, it may take longer than a single season for elite NBA athletes to return to their full preinjury performance. Younger players and those with less NBA experience returned at higher rates.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0004
Author(s):  
John A. Schlechter ◽  
Tanner Harrah ◽  
Bryn Gornick ◽  
Benjamin Sherman

Introduction: With participation in youth sports anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common occurrence. Nearly 70% of ACL tears in children and adolescents have an associated meniscus tear. Percutaneous medial collateral ligament (MCL) relaxation has been described as utilitarian in accessing the medial meniscus for diagnostic assessment and treatment in the adult population to increase medial compartment working space in arthroscopic surgery. The technique has not been evaluated in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of children and adolescents that underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with and without percutaneous relaxation of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) for meniscal tear management. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients aged 8 to 19 years old that had undergone knee arthroscopy for an (ACLR) with meniscus pathology. Those that underwent MCL relaxation were grouped together and compared to a matched cohort that did not have MCL relaxation performed. Preoperative, operative and postoperative data was analyzed. The primary measurement was obtained using a validated patient reported outcome score (Pedi-IKDC), secondary outcome measures were defined as superficial or deep infection, saphenous nerve dysesthesias, ACL graft failure and return to the operating room. Statistical analysis of the two cohorts was performed. Results: Fifty-four patients were included in the study (27 in each group) with average age 15 years (range 10-19). Average follow-up for the MCL relaxation group was 22.4 months versus 58 months for the non-MCL relaxation group. The average Pedi-IKDC score was 93.3 for the MCL relaxation group and 91.4 for the non-MCL relaxation group (p=0.34). There was no difference in patient demographics, return to the operating room (p=0.49), saphenous nerve dysesthesia (p=0.49), superficial or deep infection (p=0.32). Conclusion: ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents with MCL relaxation for the management of medial meniscal tears appears to be a safe option. Equivocal patient reported outcome scores as compared to the control group were found with no increase in post-operative complications. In children with ACL tears, appropriate diagnosis and management of medial meniscal pathology is important to maintain secondary restraint to anterior tibial translation and prevent premature graft failure. Pediatric knees can have tight medial compartments, making access difficult, potentially leading to poor visualization and iatrogenic chondral damage. Percutaneous medial collateral ligament (MCL) relaxation has been described in the adult population to increase medial compartment working space without long term sequela. We report similar findings in an all pediatric cohort.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0010
Author(s):  
Brett Heldt ◽  
Elsayed Attia ◽  
Raymond Guo ◽  
Indranil Kushare ◽  
Theodore Shybut

Background: Acute anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) rupture is associated with a significant incidence of concomitant meniscal and chondral injuries. However, to our knowledge, the incidence of these concomitant injuries in skeletally immature(SI) versus skeletally mature(SM) patients has not been directly compared. SI patients are a unique subset of ACL patients because surgical considerations are different, and subsequent re-tear rates are high. However, it is unclear if the rates and types of meniscal and chondral injuries differ. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare associated meniscal and chondral injury patterns between SI and SM patients under age 21, treated with ACL reconstruction for an acute ACL tear. We hypothesized that no significant differences would be seen. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective review of primary ACL reconstructions performed from January 2012 to April 2020. Patients were stratified by skeletal maturity status based on a review of records and imaging. Demographic data was recorded, including age, sex, and BMI. Associated intra-articular meniscal injury, including laterality, location, configuration, and treatment were determined. Articular cartilage injury location, grade, and treatments were determined. Revision rates, non-ACL reoperation rates, and time to surgery were also compared between the two groups. Results: 785 SM and 208 SI patients met inclusion criteria. Mean BMI and mean age were significantly different between groups. Meniscal tear rates were significantly greater in SM versus SI patients in medial meniscus tears(P<.001), medial posterior horn tears(P=.001), medial longitudinal tears configuration(P=.007), lateral Radial configuration(P=.002), and lateral complex tears(P=.011). Medial repairs(P<.001) and lateral partial meniscectomies(P=.004) were more likely in the SM group. There was a significantly greater number of chondral injuries in the SM versus SI groups in the Lateral(p=.007) and medial compartments(P<.001). SM patients had a significantly increased number of outerbridge grade 1 and 2 in the Lateral(P<.001) and Medial Compartments(P=.013). ACL revisions(P=.019) and Non-ACL reoperations(P=.002) were significantly greater in the SI patients compared to SM. No other significant differences were noted. Conclusion: SM ACL injured patients have a significantly higher rate of medial meniscus tears and medial longitudinal configurations treated with repair, and a significantly higher rate of radial and/or complex lateral meniscus tears treated with partial meniscectomy compared to the SI group. We also found a significantly higher rate of both medial and lateral compartment chondral injuries, mainly grades 1 and 2, in SM compared to SI patients. Conversely, SI ACL reconstruction patients had higher revision and subsequent non-ACL surgery rates.


2021 ◽  
pp. 155633162199200
Author(s):  
Ravi Gupta ◽  
Anil Kapoor ◽  
Sourabh Khatri ◽  
Dinesh Sandal ◽  
Gladson David Masih

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knee is seen in approximately 50% of affected patients. Possible causes include biochemical or biomechanical changes. Purpose: We sought to study the correlation between inflammatory cytokines and chondral damage in ACL-deficient knees. Methods: Seventy-six male patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Synovial fluid was aspirated before surgery and analyzed for levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). At the time of ACL reconstruction, the severity of chondral damage was documented as described by the Outerbridge classification. Results: Patients with grade 2 or higher chondral damage were observed to have elevated IL-6 levels when compared to patients who had no chondral damage. Interleukin-6 levels had no correlation with the duration of injury. Conclusion: Elevated levels of IL-6 in synovial fluid were associated with chondral damage in ACL-deficient knees. Further study is warranted to determine whether inflammatory cytokines contribute to the development of OA of the knee after ACL injury.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Cristina Bobes Álvarez ◽  
Paloma Issa-Khozouz Santamaría ◽  
Rubén Fernández-Matías ◽  
Daniel Pecos-Martín ◽  
Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa ◽  
...  

Patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (KOA) have been shown to have quadriceps muscle weakness and/or atrophy in common. The physiological mechanisms of blood flow restriction (BFR) training could facilitate muscle hypertrophy. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the effects of BFR training on quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA), pain perception, function and quality of life on these patients compared to a non-BFR training. A literature research was performed using Web of Science, PEDro, Scopus, MEDLINE, Dialnet, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library databases. The main inclusion criteria were that papers were English or Spanish language reports of randomized controlled trials involving patients with ACL reconstruction or suffering from KOA. The initial research identified 159 publications from all databases; 10 articles were finally included. The search was conducted from April to June 2020. Four of these studies found a significant improvement in strength. A significant increase in CSA was found in two studies. Pain significantly improved in four studies and only one study showed a significant improvement in functionality/quality of life. Low-load training with BFR may be an effective option treatment for increasing quadriceps strength and CSA, but more research is needed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0013
Author(s):  
Neil Kumar ◽  
Tiahna Spencer ◽  
Edward Hochman ◽  
Mark P. Cote ◽  
Robert A. Arciero ◽  
...  

Objectives: Meniscal injuries are commonly observed with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. A subset of these injuries includes tears of the medial meniscus at the posterior meniscocapsular junction, or ramp lesions. Biomechanical studies have indicated that ramp injuries may compromise anterior stability of the knee, even after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). These lesions are not consistently diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One criterion that shows promise is the presence of posterior medial tibial plateau (PMTP) edema. A correlation of PMTP edema and peripheral posterior horn medial meniscal injuries has been observed in the literature. We evaluated a consecutive series of patients who underwent ACLR for incidence of ramp tears. These patients were then compared to patients with non-ramp (meniscal body) medial meniscal tears. The utility of PMTP edema on preoperative MRI for ramp tear diagnosis was then determined. Methods: A retrospective chart review via an institutional database search identified 892 patients who underwent ACLR by one of two senior authors (R.A.A., C.E.) between January 2006 and June 2016. Operative notes identified patients diagnosed arthroscopically with medial meniscal lesions, including ramp lesions. Arthroscopic identification was the gold standard for diagnosis of both ramp and non-ramp (meniscal body) tears. Demographic information such as age, sex, laterality, mechanism of injury (contact/noncontact), sport, revision procedure, multi-ligament procedure, time to MRI, and time to surgery were recorded. Patients without available operative records were excluded. Preoperative MRIs were obtained for all patients and reviewed by an orthopaedic sports medicine fellow for PMTP edema. Axial, coronal, and sagittal T2 and proton-density sequences were utilized. A MRI was considered positive if edema was detected in 2 different planes of sequences. Differences between groups were analyzed with two-sample t test or Chi square test Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models analyzed the relationships among patient factors, MRI findings, and ramp lesions. Results: 852 patients met the inclusion criteria for analysis. 307 patients were diagnosed with medial meniscal tear at the time of ACLR, 127 of which were ramp lesions. The overall incidence of ramp tear was 14.9% and consisted of 41.4% of all medial meniscal tears. Patients with ramp tears were mean 7.5 years younger than patients with meniscal body tears ( p<0.01). There was no difference between the groups in regard to mechanism of injury, revision surgery, or multi-ligamentous injury. Patients with delayed ACLR were at 3.3x greater odds ( p<0.01) of having meniscal body tear compared to ramp lesion. MRI was available for review in 178 patients, 97 of whom had positive MRI for PMTP edema. Sensitivity and specificity of PMTP edema for ramp tear was 66.3% and 55.1%, respectively. Of patients with PMTP edema, 54.6% had ramp lesions and 45.4% had non-ramp tears ( p<0.01). Patients with preoperative MRI positive for PMTP edema were at 2.1 times greater odds ( p<0.01) of having sustained a ramp tear compared to a meniscal body tear. Conclusion: The incidence of ramp tear was 14.9% and was more prevalent in younger patients. Delayed ACLR resulted in 3.3x greater odds of meniscal body tears compared to ramp tears. Patients with PMTP edema on preoperative MRI were at 2.1x greater odds to have ramp lesions compared to a meniscal body tears at the time of ACL reconstruction.


2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 2072-2080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Hofbauer ◽  
Bart Muller ◽  
Christopher D. Murawski ◽  
Michael Baraga ◽  
Carola Franziska van Eck ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 286-288
Author(s):  
Ravi Gupta ◽  
Anubhav Malhotra ◽  
Pawan Kumar ◽  
Gladson David Masih

Purpose To measure the femoral tunnel length created through a far medial portal and determine its correlation with body height, limb length, and thigh length in 404 Indian patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods 364 male and 40 female Indian patients aged 18 to 51 (mean, 26.8) years underwent ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon using the hamstrings tendon autograft. Their body height, limb length, and thigh length were measured by a single assessor, as was the femoral tunnel length. Results The mean femoral tunnel length was 34.5 mm. It was <30 mm in 28 patients and <25 mm in 2 patients. The correlation coefficients of the femoral tunnel length with body height, limb length, and thigh length were 0.485 (p<0.0001), 0.426 (p<0.0001), and 0.304 (p<0.0001). No patient had posterior wall blowout fracture. Conclusion The femoral tunnel length positively correlated with body height, limb length, and thigh length in 404 Indian patients.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document