Abstract

PurposeInfections and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are challenging problems for both the patient and surgeon. Previous studies have identified numerous risk factors for infections and DVT after THA but have often been limited by sample size. We aimed to evaluate the effect of operative time on early postoperative infection as well as DVT rates following THA. We hypothesized that an increase in operative time would result in increased odds of acquiring an infection as well as a DVT. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2006 to 2015 for all patients undergoing primary THA. Associations between operative time and infection or DVT were evaluated with multivariable logistic regressions controlling for demographics and several known risks factors for infection. Three different types of infections were evaluated: 1) superficial surgical site infection (SSI), an infection involving the skin or subcutaneous tissue, 2) deep SSI, an infection involving the muscle or fascial layers beneath the subcutaneous tissue, and 3) organ/space infection, an infection involving any part of the anatomy manipulated during surgery other than the incisional components. ResultsIn total, 103,044 patients who underwent THA were included in our study. Our results suggested a significant association between superficial SSIs and operative time. Specifically, the adjusted odds of suffering a superficial SSI increased by 6% (CI=1.04–1.08, P <0.0001) for every 10-minute increase of operative time. When using dichotomized operative time (<90minutes or >90minutes), the adjusted odds of suffering a superficial SSI was 56% higher for patients with prolonged operative time (CI=1.05–2.32, P=0.0277). The adjusted odds of suffering a deep SSI increased by 7% for every 10-minute increase in operative time (CI=1.01–1.14, P=0.0335). No significant associations were detected between organ/space infection, wound dehiscence, or DVT and operative time either as continuous or as dichotomized. ConclusionProlonged operative times (>90min) are associated with increased rates of superficial SSIs, but not deep SSIs, organ/space infections, wound dehiscence, or DVT. Level of evidenceIII.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.