Research published in the Journal of Arthroplasty examined how sleep apnea affects total joint arthroplasty complications.
Researchers conducted a retrospective review of Medicare Standard Analytic Files. Patients with and without sleep apnea on the day of their primary total joint arthroplasty surgery were queried using ICD-9 codes. Patients were followed two years after surgery, with researchers recording and comparing 90-day medical complications and one-year mortality.
Here are the key details to know:
1. Among 529,240 patients studied, the patients with sleep apnea had greater odds of developing complications after total joint replacement surgery.
2. Total knee arthroplasty patients with sleep apnea had an odds-ratio of developing medical complications of 3.71 percent, while total hip arthroplasty patients had odds of 2.48 percent.
3. Researchers concluded, "The study illustrates an increased risk of developing postoperative complications in patients with sleep apnea following primary total joint arthroplasty. Surgeons should educate patients on these adverse effects and encourage the use of continuous positive airway pressure which has been shown to mitigate many postoperative complications."