Abstract
Introduction We reviewed transfusion practice following primary hip and knee arthroplasty with emphasis on the relationship between surgeon volume and the need for transfusion. Materials/methods Review of a consecutive series of 508 primary, elective, unilateral arthroplasties (248 THR/260 TKR) performed over a 12-month period. Data were analysed to determine the overall rate of transfusion and the details of any such transfusion. Secondarily, multivariate regression was performed to determine the effects of surgeon volume and other recorded variables upon the need for transfusion. For the purpose of analysis we classified surgeons doing more than 52 arthroplasties a year as “high volume” and surgeons performing less than this number as “low volume”. Results Transfusion rates were 10% and 7% following THR and TKR. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that surgeon volume (<52 operations/yr vs. >52 operations/yr) and preoperative Hb<12 g/dl were the only significant determinants of a need for postoperative transfusion ( p < 0.01). High volume and low volume surgeons transfused 5% vs. 17%, respectively (RR = 3.3 (95%CI 1.5–9.1) p = 0.003) following THR and 4% vs. 13% (RR = 3.6 (95%CI 1.4–9.3) p = 0.006) following TKR. Discussion and conclusion High volume surgeons have significantly lower transfusion rates when compared to nationally accepted figures.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
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.