Preoperative Risk Factor Screening Protocols in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Preoperative optimization protocols targeting potentially modifiable risk factors could prove beneficial in reducing the rate of complications in lower extremity total joint arthroplasty (LE-TJA). We aimed to summarize the evidence on preoperative screening protocols targeting modifiable risk factors to assess their effect on postoperative outcomes following primary LE-TJA.

Methods: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases was performed in August 2019. The bibliographies of relevant publications were searched for further applicable studies. Included studies were required to report at least one outcome including prosthetic joint infection/surgical site infection (PJI/SSI), hospital length of stay (LOS), disposition, 90-day emergency department visits, or hospital readmissions after implementation of an evidence-based preoperative optimization protocol targeting modifiable risk factors. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria.

Results: A total of 8 retrospective cohort studies including 9915 patients were reviewed. Implementation of preoperative optimization protocols were associated with reductions in SSI (0.56% vs. 2.60%; RR 0.21 [95% CI 0.12 to 0.37]; P < .00001), hospital LOS, mean cost of care, and hospital readmission rates. The mean MINORS score for comparative studies was 16.285.

Conclusions: Implementation and compliance with evidence-based preoperative protocols for optimization of modifiable risk factors is associated with overall improved outcomes following LE-TJA. SSI, hospital LOS, average total cost of care, and hospital readmission rates were favorable in those cohorts subjected to a preoperative intervention protocol. Future prospective studies are necessary for further refinement of preoperative optimization protocols and referral algorithms, without compromising patients' access to surgery.

Level of evidence: III, Systematic Review.

Keywords: optimization; prosthetic joint infection; protocols; risk factor; total hip arthroplasty; total knee arthroplasty.