title: Risk classification for primary knee arthroplasty.
abstract: We devised a 4-group classification for primary TKA patients: C0, fit patient, simple arthritis; CI, fit patient, complex arthritis; CII, medically unfit patient with simple pattern; and CIII, unfit patient with complex arthritis. Patient fitness and arthritis complexity were based on the literature. One hundred twenty-two patients, operated on by the senior author, were retrospectively placed into one of these 4 groups. We found the following: significantly increased cumulative complication risk in CII and CIII incomparison with C0 (P < .001), increased length of stay in CII and CIII (P < .001), and similar trends between C0 and CI and between CI and CII. This system is useful in preoperative planning, risk counseling, and surgeon selection. It identifies patients with a higher risk of complications and inpatient stay.
authors.affiliation: Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, The Great Western Hospital, Swindon, UK.
authors.forename: Yassir Babiker
authors.initials: YB
authors.lastname: Al-Arabi
mesh_terms: D001168:Arthritis / Q000601:surgery*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000145:classification*; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors