Low early complication, mortality rates seen after total ankle arthroplasty

Recently published data indicated that in the United States, total ankle arthroplasty is a relatively safe surgery with an overall 30-day complication rate of 1.4%.

Using the University HealthSystems Consortium administrative database, researchers identified 2,340 adult patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty between 2007 and 2011. Investigators analyzed patients’ demographics, hospital length of stay, hospital direct cost, and in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates. Predictive preoperative factors for increased risk of 30-day complications were determined by univariate regression analysis.

Results showed the average hospital length of stay was 2.2 days. Investigators noted after the hospital stay, 88.5% of patients were discharged to home. Overall, 2.7% of patients were readmitted. Investigators found the average total direct cost per case was $16,212.

The overall complication rate was 1.4%. In addition, researchers discovered an in-hospital mortality rate of less than 1%.

According to univariate regression analysis results, male patients, patients with a history of community-acquired pneumonia and patients with more preoperative comorbidities had significantly higher chances of developing one comorbidity within 30 days of arthroplasty.‒ by Monica Jaramillo

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Zhou H, et al. Orthopedics. 2016; doi: 10.3928/01477447-20151228-05.