Incidence and risk factors for perioperative death after revision total hip arthroplasty: a 20-year analysis

Introduction: The number of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures is increasing in the US. Revision THA is associated with higher complication rates compared with primary THA. We describe patterns in incidence and risk factors for perioperative death after revision THA. Methods: Using the National Hospital Discharge Survey, we identified nearly 700,000 cases of revision THA from 1990 through 2010. Procedure incidence, perioperative mortality rates, comorbidities, discharge disposition, and duration of hospital stay were analysed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for perioperative death. Alpha = 0.01. Results: Population-adjusted incidence of revision THA per 100,000 people increased from 9.2 cases in 1990 to 15 cases in 2010 ( p < 0.001). The rate of perioperative death was 0.9% during the study period and decreased from 1.5% during the “first” period (1990–1999) to 0.5% during the “second” period (2000–2010) ( p < 0.001), despite an increase in comorbidity burden over time. Factors associated with the greatest odds of perioperative death were acute myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR], 37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 33–40; p < 0.001), pneumonia (OR, 16; 95% CI, 15–18; p < 0.001), and pulmonary embolism (OR, 13; 95% CI, 11–15; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The rate of perioperative death in patients undergoing revision THA in the US decreased from 1990 to 2010 despite an increase in comorbidities. Acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism were associated with the highest odds of perioperative death after revision THA.