Fibrosis in hepatitis C patients predicts complications after elective total joint arthroplasty.

Effects of Hepatitis C on total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes are poorly understood. Seventy-two hepatitis C patients underwent 77 primary THA or TKA and were retrospectively identified, stratified by fibrosis and thrombocytopenia and compared to matched controls. Overall, Hepatitis C and control patients had similar outcomes. After TKA, fibrotic hepatitis C patients demonstrated a greater average hemoglobin drop than non-fibrotic hepatitis C patients (4.9 versus 3.8, P=0.023), greater deep infection rate (21% versus 0%, P=0.047), and rate of cellulitis (21% versus 0%, P=0.047). Thrombocytopenia showed a trend toward greater infections. Prior to fibrosis, Hepatitis C patients appear to be at no increased risk of complication after joint arthroplasty. Evaluation of fibrosis may predict poor outcome in Hepatitis C patients.