No increased risk of complications after ambulatory total joint procedures

Editor's Note

There were no increased risks of complications or readmissions after total hip replacements (THRs) and total knee replacements (TKRs) performed in a community-based ambulatory surgery center (ASC), finds this study reported in a Poster Session March 14 at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Las Vegas.

A total of 126 patients in the ASC group were matched to 126 patients in the in-patient group, with 77 patients having THRs and 49 having TKRs in each group.

There was no significant difference in complications between groups (3.9% inpatient vs 2.4% ASC). There also was no significant difference between groups for readmission rates.

In-patient costs were $19,361 compared with $11,677 for ASC costs, resulting in a 60% cost reduction for ASCs.

Results show that ASCs provide a viable option for total joint procedures with a considerable cost benefit, the researchers note.