Postoperative complications and cost implications in sickle cell disease patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty: A national inpatient sample study.

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic condition affecting approximately 5 % of the global population, with significant prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and an estimated 89,079 cases in the United States. Osteonecrosis, particularly of the femoral head (ONFH), is a common orthopaedic complication in SCD, often requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA) when conservative treatments fail. While THA can improve pain and function, it carries significant perioperative risks, with complication rates in patients with SCD as high as 67 %. This study aims to compare postoperative outcomes, medical costs, and the impact of different THA implant designs in patients with SCD versus a matched non-SCD cohort.

METHODS

The study utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Postoperative outcomes in patients with and without SCD undergoing total hip arthroplasty between the fourth quarter of 2015 and 2020 were analyzed using propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression modeling. Additionally, a subgroup analysis examined outcomes based on the use of cemented versus non-cemented implants.

RESULTS

The study analyzed 2,830,040 hip arthroplasty patients, including 2535 with sickle cell disease (SCD), and after propensity score matching, found that patients with SCD had significantly higher rates of postoperative complications such as periprosthetic fractures, dislocations, infections, and acute kidney injury. Multivariate analysis confirmed SCD as an independent risk factor for these complications, along with increased hospital stays and higher charges. Additionally, patients with SCD receiving cemented implants experienced worse outcomes, including higher risks of periprosthetic fractures and infections, compared to those with non-cemented implants.

CONCLUSION

This study found that patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) undergoing total hip arthroplasty had significantly higher complication rates, increased healthcare costs, and longer hospital stays, with cemented implants posing greater risks compared to press-fit implants.