Frequency of Readmission Among American Society of Anesthesia Classification after Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: With the aging population and the increasing prevalence of degenerative joint diseases, the need for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has surged. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification System plays a pivotal role in preoperative evaluation, predicting the risk of postoperative complications and mortality. Understanding the impact of ASA classification on surgical outcomes can guide improvements in patient care and surgical planning. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ASA classification and the risk of postoperative readmission in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. Methods: Conducted at a single urban medical center, this descriptive, non-randomized study involved 352 patients who underwent primary TJA due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or avascular necrosis. Participants were assigned an ASA classification preoperatively. The primary outcome measured was readmission within three months post-surgery, with secondary outcomes including the incidence of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and surgical site infections. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Of the 352 participants, 165 (46.9%) were from rural areas, and 187 (53.1%) were from urban locations. The readmission rate was 6.8%, with ASA III and IV classifications showing significantly higher readmission rates (9.7% and 28.6%, respectively) compared to ASA I and II (1.8% and 4.4%). The most common reasons for readmission were chest infections (37.5%), followed by cardiac complications, pulmonary embolism, and neurological complications (20.8% each). The study found a significant correlation between higher ASA classification and increased readmission risk (p=0.021). Conclusion: Higher ASA classifications are associated with a greater risk of postoperative readmission in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive preoperative assessments and tailored postoperative care strategies to mitigate the risk of readmission, particularly in patients with higher ASA scores.