INTRODUCTION: This study examined whether recent nationwide declines in the incidence of transfusion following total joint arthroplasty were equal across inpatient facilities. METHODS: This analysis used the Premier database (2010 to 2015). Cohorts of primary total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA) and revision THA or TKA were defined. RESULTS: Among 1,013,024 patients who met selection criteria, the overall incidence of transfusion declined from 2010 through 2015 (primary THA: 22.1% to 7.1%; primary TKA: 18.1% to 3.2%; revision THA: 30.6% to 18.5%; and revision TKA: 19.8% to 9.8%; all P < 0.001). However, patients older than 65 years were associated with lower odds of transfusion relative to those younger than 65 years (P < 0.05 for three of four cohorts); smaller hospitals were associated with higher odds versus large hospitals (P < 0.05 all cohorts), and academic hospitals were associated with higher odds of transfusion versus community facilities (P < 0.05 for three of four cohorts). DISCUSSION: During this study period, a meaningful proportion of total joint arthroplasty procedures were performed at facilities with the most room to improve. Decreases in transfusion rates were dependent on specific hospital characteristics; these results may help direct targeted improvement initiatives. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.
INTRODUCTION: This study examined whether recent nationwide declines in the incidence of transfusion following total joint arthroplasty were equal across inpatient facilities. METHODS: This analysis used the Premier database (2010 to 2015). Cohorts of primary total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA) and revision THA or TKA were defined. RESULTS: Among 1,013,024 patients who met selection criteria, the overall incidence of transfusion declined from 2010 through 2015 (primary THA: 22.1% to 7.1%; primary TKA: 18.1% to 3.2%; revision THA: 30.6% to 18.5%; and revision TKA: 19.8% to 9.8%; all P < 0.001). However, patients older than 65 years were associated with lower odds of transfusion relative to those younger than 65 years (P < 0.05 for three of four cohorts); smaller hospitals were associated with higher odds versus large hospitals (P < 0.05 all cohorts), and academic hospitals were associated with higher odds of transfusion versus community facilities (P < 0.05 for three of four cohorts). DISCUSSION: During this study period, a meaningful proportion of total joint arthroplasty procedures were performed at facilities with the most room to improve. Decreases in transfusion rates were dependent on specific hospital characteristics; these results may help direct targeted improvement initiatives. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.
Authors: Zachary K Christopher; Marcus R Bruce; Emily G Reynolds; Mark J Spangehl; Joshua S Bingham; Molly B Kraus Journal: Arthroplast Today Date: 2020-11-26