Total hip replacement (THR) has been shown to be a cost-effective procedure. However, it is not risk-free. Certain conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, are thought to increase the risk of complications. In this study we have evaluated the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients undergoing THR and the associated risk of adverse operative outcomes. A meta-analysis and systematic review were conducted according to the guidelines of the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology. Inclusion criteria were observational studies reporting the prevalence of diabetes in the study population, accompanied by reports of at least one of the following outcomes: venous thromboembolic events; acute coronary events; infections of the urinary tract, lower respiratory tract or surgical site; or requirement for revision arthroplasty. Altman and Bland’s methods were used to calculate differences in relative risks. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was found to be 5.0% among patients undergoing THR, and was associated with an increased risk of established surgical site infection (odds ratio (OR) 2.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52 to 2.76)), urinary infection (OR 1.43 (95% CI 1.33 to 1.55)) and lower respiratory tract infections (OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.26)). Diabetes mellitus is a relatively common comorbidity encountered in THR. Diabetic patients have a higher rate of developing both surgical site and non-surgical site infections following THR.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1474–9.

Introduction. Survival after contemporary solid organ transplant (SOT) is increasing, and demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) among SOT recipients is rising accordingly. The purpose of this study is to compare the perioperative outcomes and short-term implant- and patient-survivorship of contemporary THA following the most common types of SOT. Methods. Among SOT recipients, 119 primary THAs (92 patients, 39% female) were performed at a single institution from 2000–2020 and were retrospectively reviewed at a mean follow-up of 3.6yrs. Revisions, conversion to THA and multiple organs transplanted were excluded. The most common SOT was renal (39%), followed by lung (34%), liver (18%) and heart (8%). Demographics, peri-operative outcomes, 90-day re-admissions, re-operations and mortality were compared between SOT groups using chi-squared, Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon tests and Cox proportional hazard ratios. Results. Renal (median: 52yrs, 25–75%ile: 45.1–58.1) and heart transplant patients (55.4, 53.8–68.8) presented for THA at younger ages than liver (62.8, 50.0–67.6) and lung patients (63.1, 55.4–69.0; p<0.001). However, renal patients had the longest duration between SOT and THA (8.2yrs, 2.8–13.7; p=0.002), followed by liver (5.0, 1.2–11.4), heart (4.2, 2.4–9.6) and lung (2.6, 1.3–5.5). LOS was 3.0 days (p=0.31), 16% were discharged to a facility (p=0.87), and 9.4% required transfusion (p=0.43). Eighteen patients required re-admission within 90days (15%; p=0.44), and four underwent revision at 1-yr (3.4%; p=0.42). Mortality was 4.3% at 1yr (95% CI: 1.6–10.9) and 23.1% at 3yrs (95% CI: 15.0–32.9). When adjusted for age, ASA class, and duration from SOT to THA, lung transplant had higher mortality relative to kidney (RR 4.28, 95% CI: 1.79–11.26; p<0.001) and liver (RR 5.84, 95% CI: 1.95–25.29; p<0.001). Conclusion. SOT patients are a medically complex group with substantial requirements for facility placement, transfusions and re-admissions after THA. Short-term implant survivorship is acceptable, but THA in SOT patients is not without mortality risk, especially among lung transplant recipients