Risk Factors for Postoperative Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty and Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are common postoperative complications. This study retrospectively analyzes preoperative attributes as risk factors for DVT or PE following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Preoperative transfusion, age 65+, dyspnea with moderate exertion, body mass index (BMI) 24.9+ were independent risk factors for PE following THA. Cardiac comorbidities were related with reduced risk. Bleeding disorder, operative time > 110 minutes, perioperative transfusion, age 65+, dyspnea at rest, and BMI < 18.5 were independent risk factors for DVT following THA. Perioperative transfusion, age 57+, dyspnea at rest and with moderate exertion, and BMI 24.9+ were independent risk factors for PE following TKA. Smoking status was related to reduced risk. Perioperative transfusion, age 65+, dyspnea with moderate exertion, and male sex were independent risk factors for DVT following TKA. Cardiac comorbidities were related with reduced risk. Identifying risk factors helps prevent DVT and PE after THA or TKA. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 33(3):138-142, 2024).