Perioperative comorbidities and complications among patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective analysis and prospective survey

Abstract Study objective To determine the demographic characteristics of patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty during the years 1989, 1999, and 2009 at our institution and determine whether their characteristics mirror the changing US demographic characteristics. Design Retrospective chart review of patients and prospective survey of experienced anesthesia providers in total knee arthroplasty. Setting Tertiary care academic medical center. Patients All patients 18 years and older who underwent unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty in 1989, 1999, and 2009 were identified through the Mayo Clinic Total Joint Registry. For each year, 200 patients were randomly selected. Measurements The demographic characteristics, comorbidities, perioperative care, and postoperative outcomes of patients, as well as survey responses from experienced anesthesia providers. Main results During the 3 study years, a total of 591 patients were included for analysis. A statistically significant increase in body mass index (BMI) was observed over time in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (average BMI, 29.01 in 1989, 31.32 in 1999, and 32.32 in 2009 [ P < .001]). Despite the increase in patient comorbidities, the percentage of patients who had postoperative complications decreased over time ( P = .003), and postoperative disposition (general medicine ward vs intensive care unit) did not change. Our provider survey received a 76% response rate. In total, 82% of anesthesia providers who responded to the survey perceived that both BMI and the number of comorbidities had increased. Of survey respondents, 67% state that they have modified their perioperative anesthesia care because of changes in body habitus and patient comorbidities. Conclusions The number of obese patients with comorbidities who present for total knee arthroplasty at our institution has increased over the past 20 years. Despite this fact, a reduction was detected in postoperative complications.