Comparison of results of primary total hip replacement in diabetic and nondiabetic patients

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the results of total hip arthroplasty in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Background Total hip arthroplasty is considered one of the most successful and effective surgical procedures performed in the world. The increase in the numbers of patients undergoing hip arthroplasty coincides with the incidence of increased prevalence of diabetes over the last two decades. The diabetic population undergoing arthroplasty is very poorly reported in comparison with the nondiabetic population due to the adverse outcomes of diabetes. Materials and methods All 40 patients received cemented primary total hip replacement for the treatment of osteoarthritis and were divided into two groups: a diabetic group, which included 20 patients, and the nondiabetic group, which included 20 patients. The functional outcome was evaluated according to the modified Harris Hip Score in all patients, and complications (e.g., superficial wound problems, deep infection, periprosthetic fracture, loosening, and osteolysis) were recorded in both groups. Results Patients with diabetes mellitus required longer hospital stay and increased overall cost. Moreover, the need for postoperative blood transfusion was higher in the diabetic group. The diabetic group showed a higher number of complications in comparison with the nondiabetic group, although it was statistically nonsignificant. The study showed the negative impact of body weight on the functional outcome in both groups. Conclusion Diabetic patients undergoing arthroplasty are the high-risk group and they required close monitoring of blood glucose level during the perioperative period, as diabetic patients had a higher rate of postoperative complications and required longer hospital stay and had increased total cost in comparison with the nondiabetic group.