Complications of Austin Moore arthroplasty. Their incidence and relationship to potential predisposing factors.

In a retrospective computerized study of 451 Austin Moore arthroplasties (211 for acute hip fractures and 240 for hip reconstruction), the operative and general complications were correlated with the historical, preoperative, operative, and early and late postoperative factors usually thought to influence the results. Wound complications were significantly associated with diabetes and fracture, obesity and fracture, and procedures lasting two hours or more. General complications showing significant associations were: death or pneumonia with fractures, phlebitis with obesity, and myocardial infarction with fracture. Factors not significantly associated with complications included age, previous hip surgery, time of day of the operation, surgical approach, wound irrigation, use of drains, postoperative anticoagulation, and reaming of the acetabulum.