Readmission Rates in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Granular Analysis?

Abstract

A deeper understanding of readmissions in arthroplasty is warranted. We wanted to determine in primary THA patients: readmission rates; baseline characteristics of patients with/without readmissions; and readmission reasons. 201 consecutive patients were studied. Preoperative characteristics, patient-perceived-outcomes, and hip-scores were compared between patients with and without readmissions. Rates were 1% (readmitted n=2; 15-days), 3.5% (7; 30-days), 6.5% (13; 90-days), and 16.9% (34; 1-year). Readmitted patients had significantly worse preoperative comorbidities/outcome-scores when compared to non-readmitted patients. "Surgical-site infection" was the most frequent readmission reason within 30/90days. Within 1year, it was another elective joint. Fifty percent of readmissions were not related to the index-surgery (15-days). Preoperative health status affects rates. Many rehospitalizations are not related to the index-surgery and probably unpreventable.