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Biomedical subjects

W L Healy

Publications and source records attributed to W L Healy.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Implant standardization for total hip arthroplasty. An implant selection and a cost reduction program.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been targeted by the United States federal government for cost control because of its high cost and rising incidence in the aging population. The hospital cost for THA during the 1980s was controlled by utilization review and a reduction in the volume of services delivered for each THA. The single largest increase in the cost of THA during the 1980s was the cost of hip implants. The Lahey Clinic Hip Implant Standardization Program was developed to provide objective guidelines for hip implant selection. These guidelines are based on the demands a patients is expected to place on his or her hip prosthesis. Because not every patient requires an expensive high-demand hip prosthesis, the standardization program also has the potential to reduce the hospital cost for hip implants without compromising patient care. Patients are assigned to four demand categories based on five objective criteria: age, weight, expected activity, general health, and bone stock. Selection of the prosthesis in each of the four demand categories is intended to match the implant's capacity with expected patient demand. The standardization program was retrospectively applied to 103 THAs performed during 1991. Analysis of variance demonstrated that patient variables and demand categories were statistically significant groupings. The cost of hip implants would have been reduced by 25.7% with the Lahey Clinic Hip Implant Standardization Program. A prospective outcome study is required to determine the long-term validity of this standardization program.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1995

Patellofemoral complications following total knee arthroplasty. Correlation with implant design and patient risk factors.

Results of 211 total knee arthroplasty operations were retrospectively evaluated to identify patients with knees at greatest risk for the development of patellofemoral complications and to determine the incidence and type of patellofemoral complications associated with different patellar implants. Patellofemoral complications occurred in 27 knees (12.8%). Osteoarthritis and obesity were associated with an increased incidence of patellofemoral problems. Significantly higher rates of patellofemoral complications were noted with metal-backed patellar implants and with patellar components implanted without cement. The loosening rate with cementless fixation was 13.5%. The lowest rate of patellofemoral complications following total knee arthroplasty was obtained with all-polyethylene domed patellar components implanted with cement.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Single-dose irradiation for the prevention of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty. A comparison of doses of five hundred and fifty and seven hundred centigray.

One hundred and seven hips (ninety-four patients) that had risk factors associated with the development of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty were treated with a single dose of radiation after the operation in an attempt to prevent the formation of heterotopic bone. A study was conducted to compare the efficacy of a single dose of 550 centigray (nineteen hips) with that of a single dose of 700 centigray (eighty-eight hips). Heterotopic ossification developed in twelve (63 per cent) of the nineteen hips that were treated with 550 centigray; grades 1, 2, and 3, according to the classification of Brooker et al., developed in four hips each. Two of the patients who received 550 centigray were symptomatic. Heterotopic ossification developed in nine (10 per cent) of the eighty-eight hips that were treated with 700 centigray; the lesion was grade 1 in six, grade 2 in one, and grade 3 in two. None of the patients who received 700 centigray were symptomatic. We concluded that single-dose irradiation consisting of 550 centigray is inadequate for the prevention of heterotopic ossification in high-risk patients after total hip arthroplasty. We recommend a dose of 700 centigray as effective prophylaxis for these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Economic considerations in total hip arthroplasty and implant standardization.

During the 1980s, the hospital cost for total hip arthroplasty was controlled, but the implant cost for total hip arthroplasty was not controlled. With the introduction and acceptance of case price payment systems, hip implant cost consumed a greater portion of the hospital payment each year during the 1980s. Cost control for total hip arthroplasty during the 1990s will require control of implant costs. One objective method for controlling implant costs in total hip arthroplasty is implant standardization.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The hospital cost and the cost of the implant for total knee arthroplasty. A comparison between 1983 and 1991 for one hospital.

The hospital cost of total knee arthroplasty at the Lahey Clinic was evaluated by a comparison of the data for twenty-eight patients who had had the operation in 1983 with the data for forty-two patients who had had the same operation in 1991. The hospital bills were analyzed for each patient. Each hospital charge was converted to cost with the use of government-mandated hospital-specific cost-to-charge ratios. The average actual hospital cost for total knee arthroplasty increased 17 per cent, from $10,122 in 1983 to $11,826 in 1991. However, in inflation-adjusted dollars, the hospital cost for total knee arthroplasty decreased 15 per cent during this period. When the costs for total knee arthroplasty in 1983 and 1991 were allocated to various service centers in the hospital, the cost for a hospital room was found to have decreased from 47 per cent of the hospital cost in 1983 to 31 per cent of that in 1991. The cost of a hospital room decreased 23 per cent in actual dollars and 46 per cent in inflation-adjusted dollars during this period. In sharp contrast, the cost of a knee implant increased from 13 per cent of the hospital cost for total knee arthroplasty in 1983 to 25 per cent of that in 1991. The average cost of the prosthesis increased from $1359 in 1983 to $2960 in 1991. This represents a 118 per cent increase in actual dollars. The inflation-adjusted increase in the cost of the implant was 59 per cent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Cold compressive dressing after total knee arthroplasty.

The efficacy of a cold compressive dressing after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was prospectively studied in 105 knees in 76 patients. All components were cemented. All patients were placed in continuous passive motion machines after operation. A cold compressive Cryocuff dressing was applied to 50 knees after operation. An ACE wrap and ice pack were applied to the knees of 55 control patients after operation. Postoperative range of motion was recorded as maximum active flexion at two to four days (interval one), at seven to 14 days (interval two), and four to six weeks (interval three). Swelling was measured at the same time intervals by circumference at the midpatella and circumference at the distal thigh one inch proximal to the superior pole of the patella. Use of postoperative narcotics was calculated for postoperative days zero to three and for postoperative days four to seven. Wound drainage was recorded for all knees. The use of a cold compressive dressing after TKA was not associated with an increase in range of motion at any point after the operation. The Cryocuff dressing did not appreciably reduce swelling around the knee after TKA. No significant difference was found in the amount of postoperative wound drainage between the two groups of patients. In patients undergoing unilateral TKA, no significant difference existed between the narcotic requirements of control patients and patients wearing the cold compressive dressing.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed1994

Evaluation of autologous shed blood for autotransfusion after orthopaedic surgery.

Autologous shed blood for autotransfusion was evaluated at four medical centers in a prospective randomized study. One hundred twenty-eight patients were studied after hip replacement, knee replacement, or spine fusion. The efficacy of autologous shed blood in reducing homologous transfusion was evaluated. The relative risk of transfusion with homologous blood was 0.4 in patients who received shed blood compared with patients who did not receive shed blood. The reinfusion of shed blood reduced the requirement for homologous blood by 60%. Two filter systems were evaluated in reinfusing autologous shed blood. The Pall RC100 filter appeared to be more effective than the Pall 40-mu screen filter in removing fat particles and white blood cells. No significant clinical abnormalities were discovered after autotransfusion with autologous shed blood. Evaluation of clotting studies showed no significant differences between patients who received shed blood and patients who received liquid-preserved red blood cells. These data indicate that unwashed autologous shed blood from orthopaedic wound drainage is a safe and effective substitute for transfusion of autologous predonated blood or homologous liquid-preserved red blood cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Ipsilateral tibia and ankle fractures.

This study reports on 18 cases of diaphyseal fractures of the tibia associated with ipsilateral but not contiguous ankle fractures. Thirteen of these complex fractures resulted from low-energy torsional forces, while five were caused by high-energy impact. Definitive treatment consisted solely of cast immobilization in four; 14 had operative stabilization of each fracture component. Of these 14, four patients were treated initially in long leg casts and one in a plaster splint, but each required surgical intervention to control fracture alignment. The average follow-up time was 21.2 months. In the nonoperative group of four patients, clinically significant shortening and/or rotational deformity were noted in three limbs, with ankle mobility decreased by > 50% and advanced posttraumatic arthritis evident in two ankles. Of the cases managed operatively, 10 (71%) had full structural and functional recovery, three patients regained only 75% of ankle mobility, and two patients developed slight valgus deformities, one with a concomitant rotational deformity of less than 10 degrees. These findings demonstrate the unstable nature of this complex fracture pattern and the advantages of operative management.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Operative treatment of distal femoral fractures proximal to total knee replacements.

Twenty fractures of the distal part of the femur proximal to a total knee replacement were treated operatively by members of the New England Trauma Study Group. Notching of the anterior aspect of the femoral cortex was associated with only two of these fractures, and none of the knee prostheses was loose at the time of the fracture. All twenty fractures were treated with open reduction and stable internal fixation, and the operation on fifteen fractures was supplemented with bone grafts. Every fracture healed, and eighteen healed after a mean of sixteen weeks (range, six to forty weeks). Union of the other two fractures was delayed, but repeat open reduction and internal fixation combined with autogenous bone-grafting resulted in union. After operative treatment, the patients returned to the level of activity that they had had before the fracture. The pre-existing tibiofemoral alignment and range of motion of the knee were also restored. At the time of follow-up, the average clinical rating of the Knee Society for all twenty knees had not decreased compared with the score before the fracture.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

The hospital cost of total hip arthroplasty. A comparison between 1981 and 1990.

The change in the hospital cost of total hip arthroplasty over a ten-year period at the Lahey Clinic was evaluated by comparison of the hospital bills for forty-four hip replacements that had been performed in 1981 with the bills for 104 such operations that had been done in 1990. Each hospital charge was converted to cost with use of government-mandated hospital-specific cost-to-charge ratios. The average actual hospital cost for total hip arthroplasty increased 46.5 per cent, from $8428 in 1981 to $12,348 in 1990. However, in inflation-adjusted dollars, the cost increased only 1.9 per cent. During this period, the cost for a patient room decreased from 50 per cent of the hospital cost in 1981 to 37 per cent of the hospital cost in 1990. In sharp contrast, the cost of hip prostheses increased from 11 per cent of the hospital cost in 1981 to 24 per cent of the hospital cost in 1990. The actual dollar cost of the hip prostheses increased 212 per cent, and the inflation-adjusted dollar cost increased 117 per cent. The hospital cost of total hip arthroplasty during the 1980's was controlled by decreases in the length of stay in the hospital and in the volume of services delivered. The unit costs of supplies and, specifically, the cost of hip prostheses were not controlled. In the 1990's, efforts to control the hospital cost of total hip arthroplasty must concentrate on decreasing the cost of the prostheses and on controlling the unit costs of personnel and of hospital supplies.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Methylmethacrylate monomer and fat content in shed blood after total joint arthroplasty.

Twenty-five patients were prospectively evaluated to quantify levels of methylmethacrylate monomer and fat in systemic blood and in shed blood after total joint arthroplasty. Levels of methylmethacrylate monomer in systemic blood were measured at intervals after insertion of the prosthesis. Levels of methylmethacrylate monomer in shed blood were measured at intervals after insertion of the drain. Levels of fat in systemic blood were measured preoperatively and 30 minutes after insertion of the prosthesis. Levels of fat in shed blood were measured 60 minutes after insertion of the drain. No significant fat or methylmethacrylate monomer was noted in systemic blood. Levels of methylmethacrylate monomer in shed blood were highest five minutes after insertion of the drain. Levels of methylmethacrylate monomer in shed blood collected from the hip were significantly lower than levels in shed blood from the knee. Levels of shed blood from the hip and knee were undetectable six hours after insertion of the drain. Shed blood from the hips and knees contained fat particles of three diameters: fat particles less than 9 microns, 9-40 microns, and greater than 40 microns. The diameter of most of the fat particles in the shed blood was less than 9 microns. Fat particles less than 40 microns in diameter will not be removed by microaggregate screen filters 40 microns in diameter.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗
PubMed1992

Operative treatment of olecranon nonunion.

Records of five patients treated surgically for nonunion of the olecranon were reviewed. Four of the five fractures leading to nonunion were comminuted or oblique. Three nonunions occurred after tension band wiring, one nonunion occurred after open reduction internal fixation with a semitubular plate, and one nonunion occurred after treatment with a cast. The median interval from fracture to treatment of nonunion was 8 months. All nonunions were treated surgically. Four patients were treated with a tension band plate technique. All nonunions united at a median of 3 months. The median follow-up period was 36 months (range, 12-48 months).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Operative management of distal femoral fractures.

Fractures of the distal femur can be managed successfully with surgery. A good result depends on identification of all fragments, adequate repair of soft tissue, appropriate bone grafting, meticulous intrafragmentary compression, and complete reduction of the joint space. Instrumentation may include condylar blade plates, condylar screws, or locked intramedullary rods. Anatomic reconstruction with stable fixation permits early rehabilitation and recovery of full function after fracture.

Bone Plates↗
PubMed1990

Single-dose radiation therapy for prevention of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty.

Single-dose radiation therapy was prospectively evaluated for its efficacy in prevention of heterotopic ossification in patients at high risk after total hip arthroplasty. Thirty-one patients (34 hips) were treated between 1981 and 1988. Risk factors for inclusion in the protocol included prior evidence of heterotopic ossification, ankylosing spondylitis, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. Patients with hypertrophic osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis with osteophytes were not included. Operations on 34 hips included 19 primary total and 11 revision total hip arthroplasties and 4 excisions of heterotopic ossification. All patients received radiotherapy to the hip after operation with a single dose of 700 centigray. Radiotherapy is recommended on the first postoperative day. After this single-dose radiation treatment, no patient had clinically significant heterotopic ossification. Recurrent disease developed in two hips (6%), as seen on radiography (grades 2 and 3). This series documents a 100% clinical success rate and a 94% radiographic success rate in preventing heterotopic ossification in patients at high risk after total hip arthroplasty. Single-dose radiotherapy is as effective as other radiation protocols in preventing heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty. It is less expensive and easier to administer than multidose radiotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Value of continuous passive motion in total knee arthroplasty.

Two methods of rehabilitation after 91 total knee arthroplasties in 74 patients were reviewed. Patients in each group were well matched for age, sex, and diagnosis. Forty-four knees in 39 patients were treated with conventional physiotherapy, consisting of 3 days of immobilization followed by a program of active assisted range-of-motion exercises. Forty-seven knees in 41 patients were placed in a continuous passive motion machine immediately after operation. Other aspects of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care were identical in both groups. Patients in the continuous passive motion group were found to have a lower incidence of complications, especially of wound healing problems and thromboembolic disease. Analgesic use in patients in the continuous passive motion group was reduced. Straight leg raising was achieved slightly earlier in patients in the continuous passive motion group (4.9 days) compared with patients not treated with continuous passive motion (5.2 days). Although the range of motion of the knee at discharge from the hospital in patients in the continuous passive motion group was greater (91 degrees) compared with patients not treated with continuous passive motion (81 degrees), the range of motion in both groups at ultimate follow up was equivalent. However, when knee-rating scores were considered, patients treated with continuous passive motion averaged 9 points higher on a 100-point scale than patients not treated with continuous passive motion. In addition, the length of hospital stay for patients in the continuous passive motion group was 2.1 days shorter. We concluded that continuous passive motion was an effective adjunct to physiotherapy in the postoperative care of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗