Research published in The Bone & Joint Journal examined the frequency of complications associated with outpatient total hip arthroplasty.
Researchers examined the records of 1,279 patients who underwent 1,472 outpatient total hip arthroplasties at an ASC from June 2013 to December 2016.
Here are the key research insights to know:
1. Five patients experienced major complications within 48 hours of surgery, including three transferred to an acute facility and one death.
2. The overall complication rate requiring unplanned care was 2.2 percent.
3. One or more major comorbidities were present in 647 patients, including valvular disease, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia and others.
4. "The presence of these comorbidities was not associated with medical or surgical complications. However, presence of one or more major comorbidity was associated with an increased risk of overnight observation. Specific comorbidities associated with increased risk were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and frequent urination. Outpatient THA is safe for a large proportion of patient without the need for a standardized risk assessment score. Risk of complications is not associated with presence of medical comorbidities," the researchers concluded.
Click here to read the full study.