Staged bilateral hip or knee arthroplasties.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the operating time, amount of blood transfused, length of hospital stay, and early complications (within 6 months) between 2-week staged bilateral arthroplasties and matched randomised controls undergoing unilateral arthroplasties.


METHODS
From October 1992 to October 2000, 90 patients who underwent bilateral hip or knee arthroplasties with a 2-week interval were compared with matched randomised controls undergoing unilateral arthroplasties. A single surgeon performed all procedures.


RESULTS
After the match-up process, 30 pairs of patients were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in the operating times, amount of blood transfused, and early complication rates. The mean difference in length of hospital stay was significant (t=-3.552, df=29, p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Compared to staged procedures with an interval months apart, staged sequential arthroplasty with a 7- to 10-day interval during one hospital admission is more efficient, as it facilitates earlier rehabilitation without higher complication rates, and entails shorter hospital stays.
Hashmi
F R
FR
Department of Orthopaedics, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Scartho Road, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. faizhashmi@hotmail.com
Barlas
K
K
Mann
C F
CF
Howell
F R
FR
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000379:methods*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000601:surgery*; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome