Hypoxemia following hospital discharge after fast‐track hip and knee arthroplasty – A prospective observational study subanalysis

Background Post‐operative hypoxemia is prevalent in hospitalized patients and may adversely affect recovery. However, little data exist on the post‐discharge phase or details on duration, severity and potential risk factors. Thus, we investigated the incidence and risk factors for severe desaturation during the first post‐operative week after THA/TKA by continuous nocturnal oxygen saturation monitoring. Methods The study was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of 112 patients undergoing fast‐track THA/TKA. Patients with known sleep apnoea were excluded. Oxygen saturation and heart rate were recorded by a wireless wrist‐worn pulse oximeter 2 nights before and 7 nights after surgery. Data on demographics, opioid consumption and cognitive function were collected from medical charts, patient diaries and clinical testing respectively. The primary outcome was occurrence of severe desaturation defined as periods with saturation