Clinical outcomes following re-admission for non-infectious wound complications after primary total knee replacement.
Haematomas, drainage, and other non-infectious wound complications following total knee replacement (TKR) have been associated with long-term sequelae, in particular, deep infection. However, the impact of these wound complications on clinical outcome is unknown. This study compares results in 15 patients re-admitted for wound complications within 90 days of TKR to 30 matched patients who underwent uncomplicated total knee replacements. Patients with wound complications had a mean age of 66 years (49 to 83) and mean body mass index (BMI) of 37 (21 to 54), both similar to that of patients without complications (mean age 65 years and mean BMI 35). Those with complications had lower mean Knee Society function scores (46 (0 to 100 vs. 66 (20 to 100), p = 0.047) and a higher incidence of mild or greater pain (73% vs. 33%, p = 0.01) after two years compared with the non re-admitted group. Expectations in patients with wound complications following TKR should be tempered, even in those who do not develop an infection.
Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 660 South Euclid, Campus Box 8233, Saint Louis, 63110, USA.
M A
MA
Adelani
S R
SR
Johnson
J A
JA
Keeney
R M
RM
Nunley
R L
RL
Barrack
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D010359:Patient Readmission; D011379:Prognosis; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Hematoma; Readmission; Total knee arthroplasty; Wound complications; Wound drainage