Thirty-day mortality after elective hip and knee arthroplasty
E J Smith1, M Maru1, A Siegmeth1
1Department of Orthopaedics, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Agamemnon Street, Clydebank G81 4DY, UK.
Summary
Hip and knee arthroplasty surgery has a low 30-day mortality rate of 0.08%. Myocardial infarction was the most common cause of death in this UK study of over 12,000 patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Public Health
- Cardiology
Background:
- Hip and knee arthroplasties are common procedures in the UK, with over 150,000 performed annually.
- While mortality is rare, understanding its incidence and causes is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and causes of 30-day mortality after hip or knee arthroplasty.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with post-operative death.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 12,243 hip and knee arthroplasties performed between 2005 and 2011.
- Data correlation from hospital Patient Administration System and Information Services Division.
- Detailed review of patient records for co-morbidities, investigations, thromboprophylaxis, and cause of death.
Main Results:
- A total of 12,243 patients underwent arthroplasty; 10 patients died within 30 days.
- The 30-day mortality rate was 0.08%.
- Myocardial infarction was the leading cause of death, accounting for 70% of fatalities.
Conclusions:
- The observed 30-day mortality rate of 0.08% is comparable to or lower than previous studies.
- This study represents a significant single-center analysis of mortality following hip and knee arthroplasty in the UK.
