Total joint arthroplasty in transplant recipients: in-hospital adverse outcomes

This study aims to determine in-hospital complications and mortality in transplant recipients following total joint arthroplasty. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried for patients with history of transplant and joint arthroplasty (primary or revision) from 1993 to 2011. Kidney transplant increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI) and wound infections (OR=2.03), systemic infection (OR=2.85), deep venous thrombosis (OR=2.07), acute renal failure (ARF) (OR=3.48), respiratory (OR=1.34), and cardiac (OR=1.21) complications. Liver transplant was associated with SSI/wound infections (OR=2.32), respiratory complications (OR=1.68), cardiac complications (OR=1.34), and ARF (OR=4.48). Other transplants grouped together were associated with wound complications (OR=2.13), respiratory complications (OR=2.06), and ARF (OR=4.42). Our study suggests these patients may be at increased risk of in-hospital complications, particularly ARF in renal and liver transplant patients.