Risk Factors for Wound Complications After Periprosthetic Fractures

The number of hip and knee arthroplasties performed annually continues to rise. Revision rates are projected to increase by 137% to 601%, with periprosthetic fractures to be among the leading cause of revision. Wound complications following surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures are a major source of patient morbidity and health care costs. This study evaluated risk factors for wound healing complications in patients undergoing surgical management of periprosthetic fractures around the hip and knee. This was a retrospective analysis of 67 consecutive lower-extremity periprosthetic hip and knee fracture surgeries. Descriptive data, comorbidities, dressing type, and rates of wound complications treated nonoperatively and operatively were collected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of having a wound complication. There was an overall wound complication rate of 22%; the majority of these complications (16%) were treated operatively. On multivariate analysis, prior bariatric surgery (OR, 12.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-116.71; P=.03), peripheral vascular disease (OR, 6.84; 95% CI, 1.32-35.39; P=.02), and pulmonary disease (OR, 11.23; 95% CI, 1.85-68.31; P=.01) were all associated with an increased risk of developing a wound complication. Closed-incision negative-pressure therapy was associated with a decreased risk of developing a wound complication (OR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.00-0.49, P=.01). Surgery to treat hip and knee periprosthetic fractures is associated with a high rate of wound complications. History of bariatric surgery, peripheral vascular disease, and pulmonary disease are all associated with an increased risk of developing a wound complication. Future payment models should reflect this elevated level of complications and risk. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(4):e258-e262.].