A study published in The Journal of Arthroplasty analyzed the hospital, clinical and patient factors associated with inpatient readmission after total knee arthroplasty.
Researchers identified 52,593 older patients with a primary TKA from the Medicare national hospital claims database, which includes 100 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who use hospital services.
Here are five insights:
1. At 30 days, the readmission rate after TKA ranged from 0 percent to 22 percent, whereas at 90 days, the readmission rate ranged from 0 percent to 32 percent.
2. Geographic census region, hospital procedure volume, rural hospital location and nonprofit ownership emerged as significant hospital factors that correlated with readmission.
3. Additionally, perioperative transfusion usage was associated with 13 percent greater readmission risk following TKA.
4. On the other hand, patients discharged to their homes had a 25 percent lower risk of readmission.
5. The top five most frequently reported primary reasons for 30-or 90-day readmission in TKA were:
• Wound infection
• Deep infection
• Atrial fibrillation
• Cellulitis and abscess of leg
• Pulmonary embolism
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