Smoking and outcomes after knee and hip arthroplasty: a systematic review

Studies have suggested higher rates of perioperative and postoperative complications in smokers compared to nonsmokers. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the association of smoking and postoperative outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

A search of 6 databases (The Cochrane Library, Scopus, Proquest Dissertation abstracts, CINAHL, Ovid Medline, and Embase) was performed by a Cochrane librarian. All titles and abstracts were screened by 2 independent reviewers with expertise in performing systematic reviews. Studies were included if they were fully published reports that included smoking and any perioperative or postoperative clinical outcome in patients with TKA or THA.

A total of 21 studies were included for the review, of which 6 provided multivariable-adjusted analyses, 14 univariate analyses, and one statistical modeling. For most outcomes, results from 1-2 studies could be pooled. Current smokers were significantly more likely to have any postoperative complication (risk ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.54) and death (risk ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.51) compared to nonsmokers. Former smokers were significantly more likely to have any post-operative complication (risk ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.66) and death (risk ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.64) compared to nonsmokers.

This systematic review found that smoking is associated with significantly higher risk of postoperative complication and mortality following TKA or THA. Studies examining longterm consequences of smoking on implant survival and complications are needed. Smoking cessation may improve outcomes after THA or TKA.