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Ninety-day mortality after total elbow arthroplasty
Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo1, John W Sperling, Bernard F Morrey
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA. sanchezsotelo.joaquin@mayo.edu
Summary
Perioperative mortality after total elbow arthroplasty is rare, occurring in 0.62% of cases. Elderly patients with comorbidities, especially those with distal humeral fractures, face increased risks.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Arthroplasty
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Perioperative mortality is a rare but potential complication of total elbow arthroplasty.
- Understanding its prevalence and risk factors is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of perioperative mortality after total elbow arthroplasty.
- To identify risk factors associated with death within ninety days of the procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1441 total elbow arthroplasties performed between 1970 and 2002.
- Analysis of medical, surgical, anesthetic, and pathologic records for patients who died within ninety days.
Main Results:
- The ninety-day mortality rate was 0.62% (9/1441 cases).
- Increased risk of death was associated with distal humeral fracture or nonunion (p<0.001).
- Common causes of death included congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and pneumonia, often in patients with comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- The rate of perioperative mortality following total elbow arthroplasty is low.
- Elderly patients with significant comorbidities undergoing arthroplasty for distal humeral fractures or nonunion are at higher risk.
