Researchers from the Rothman Institute of Orthopedics in Philadelphia recently published a study in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery examining the risks, rates and reasons for unplanned readmissions after total joint arthroplasty.
The study included 10,633 admissions for total knee or hip arthroplasty. Of those admissions, 591 unplanned readmissions occurred within 90 days after discharge. Joint-related infection was the most common reason for readmission
Independent predictors of readmission within 90 days include:
• Male sex
• Black race
• Increased duration of initial hospital stay
• Release to inpatient rehabilitation
• Unilateral replacement
• Decreased age
• Decreased distance between patient's home and hospital
• Total knee replacement
The researchers concluded that several of the factors leading to unplanned readmissions are not easily prevented complications.
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