Lower readmission rates after TKA associated with IV acetaminophen
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Patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty experienced lower readmission rates when they received IV acetaminophen compared with oral acetaminophen, according to results.
Among 190,691 patients who underwent TKA and received either oral or IV acetaminophen, researchers recorded all-cause readmissions that occurred between patient discharge and 30 days postdischarge. Researchers correlated their findings with a literature review on 30-day readmission rates and risk prediction tools for TKA, and extrapolated potential cost savings on the national level.
Results showed readmission rates of 0.04% and 0.14% in the IV and oral acetaminophen groups, respectively. When compared with previous reports, researchers noted the readmission rates appear to be markedly lower in this patient population, which may potentially result in $160 million in savings per year.
“Future studies should assess costs, [length of stay] LOS and discharge status in patients who use IV [acetaminophen] APAP,” the authors wrote. “In the present study, we estimated a lower risk of being readmitted with the use of IV APAP. These findings suggest that IV APAP may be used by orthopedic surgeons aiming to control costs while managing postoperative pain.” – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Mont reports he is a board or committee member for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; is a paid consultant for Cymedica, DJ Orthopaedics, Johnson & Johnson, Ongoing Care Solutions, Orthosensor, Pacira, Peerwell, Performance Dynamics, Stryker and TissueGene; receives research support from DJ Orthopaedics, Johnson & Johnson, the NIH, Ongoing Care Solutions, Orthosensor, Stryker and TissueGene; is on the editorial or governing board for the Journal of Arthroplasty, Journal of Knee Surgery, Orthopedics and Surgical Techniques International; receives IP royalties from Microport and Stryker; has stock or stock options with Peerwell; and receives other support from Abbott, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and Sage. Please see the study for all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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