Crohn's disease in total knee arthroplasty patients correlates with increased rates of 90-day and overall postoperative complications and readmissions.

BACKGROUND: Joint involvement is a common extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's Disease (CD) that may require total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There is a paucity of evidence regarding the relationship between CD and postoperative outcomes after TKA surgery. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of CD on 90-day and ≥2-year follow-up postoperative outcomes of TKA patients.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database (2009-2013) and isolated ICD-9 codes for TKA patients (8154), while excluding those with any revision of knee replacements (0080-0084) and split into 2 groups with or without CD (5550-5559). Patient demographics and postoperative outcomes were compared. Logistic regression analyses with covariates (sex, race, Deyo score, age, and insurance) were utilized to evaluate the association of CD with 90-day and overall postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS: A total of 89,134 TKA patients were identified, 244 of whom had CD. Significant differences in age, race distribution, insurance, and Deyo score (all, p < 0.05) were found. Multivariable analysis demonstrated CD was an independent risk factor for 90-day and overall medical complications, surgical complications, and readmission. Univariate and multivariable analyses report CD had significant increased rates and was a predictor, respectively, of overall blood transfusions (OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.1-2.0] p < 0.01), acute renal failure (OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.1-2.6] p = 0.03), and pulmonary embolism (OR 2.5 [95% CI 1.3-4.6] p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Patients with CD undergoing TKA have increased risk both 90-day and overall surgical and medication complications, as well as readmissions compared to patients without CD.