Analyzing Trends in Geriatric Orthopedic Patients

Background: Age is a major risk factor for surgical complications such as deep vein thrombosis and myocardial infarctions. As the population has gotten older, the demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has increased. How has this changed the approach and outcomes of THAs and TKAs? Objective: To understand how the anesthetics and outcomes have changed in the aforementioned patient population during the last 2 decades. Design: Retrospective cohort study spanning from 2006 to 2022. Methods: Geriatric patients undergoing THA and TKA were included. There were 2 groups of patients, one aged 80 to 88 years and the other aged ≥89 years and compared them with patients aged 65 to 70 years. Results: For both TKA and THA, the percentage of geriatric patients in the older age groups undergoing these procedures increased. An increasing trend to use neuraxial anesthesia for total joint replacements was observed. The length of stay decreased in all age groups, d more...