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Orthopedic Surgery <50 Days Following Covid-19 Infection Is Not Associated With Increased Postoperative Complications
Katelyn T Koschmeder1, J Adam Driscoll2, Taylor Den Hartog2
1Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
The Iowa Orthopaedic Journal
|January 15, 2025
Summary
Elective orthopedic surgery after COVID-19 infection, even within 50 days, did not significantly increase postoperative complication risks. This pilot study suggests timing may not be critical for patient safety in orthopedic procedures post-COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Patient Outcomes Research
Background:
- Recent literature suggests COVID-19 infection negatively impacts outcomes of elective orthopedic surgery.
- The optimal timing for orthopedic surgery after COVID-19 infection remains unclear.
- This study investigates postoperative complication rates based on surgery timing post-COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postoperative complication rates in patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery less than 50 days versus more than 50 days after COVID-19 infection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective pilot study of 28 adult patients with canceled orthopedic surgeries due to pre-operative COVID-19.
- Two cohorts: surgery <50 days post-infection (n=14) and surgery >50 days post-infection (n=14).
- Comparison of demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications (e.g., DVT, PE, sepsis, renal failure, ICU admission, reoperation).
Main Results:
- No significant demographic or comorbidity differences between the <50 days and >50 days cohorts.
- Six postoperative complications occurred in four subjects within 90 days; two severe cases (PE, surgical-site infection, sepsis, renal failure) were in the >50 days cohort.
- No statistically significant difference in overall postoperative complications, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), sepsis, renal failure, or intensive care unit (ICU) admission, between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 infection within 50 days of elective orthopedic surgery did not significantly elevate the risk of major postoperative complications.
- This pilot study suggests that the timing of orthopedic surgery after COVID-19 infection (within or beyond 50 days) may not critically influence short-term postoperative outcomes.
- Further investigation with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these findings and fully elucidate the impact of COVID-19 on surgical outcomes.
