Abstract
Introduction
Expanded indications and patient demand have significantly increased the number of TKA performed in young and active patients under age 55. While improved materials have decreased the likelihood of early catastrophic wear, concerns remain with the performance and survivorship of TKA implants in this patient population. Therefore, the purpose this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes, complications, and implant survivorship of TKAs performed in patients under age 55.
Materials and Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 1194 primary TKA performed for the diagnosis of primary knee osteoarthritis performed at our institution between 2013–2016. There were 291 TKA performed in patients under age 55. Patients were excluded if they had 1) prior history of fracture, 2) renal disease, 3) inflammatory joint disease, and 4) required therapeutic anticoagulation. The primary outcome of interest was rate of revision at 30 days, 1, 2, and 5-year time points. Secondary outcomes included postoperative transfusion rate, calculated blood loss, length of stay(LOS), rate of DVT/PE, readmission and reoperation.
Results
Patients under 55 were more likely to be obese and have a lower comorbidity burden. Overall, 31 patients required revision (2.6%; 97.4% survivorship at 5 years). Patients under 55 had significantly higher revision rate at 1(2.4%vs.0.9%; p=0.024), 2(3.8%vs.1.55%; p=0.02) and 5 years (5.5%vs.2.2%; p=0.004). The principal diagnosis for early revision in young patients were 1) instability, 2) infection, and 3) aseptic loosening. There was no difference in rate of transfusion, DVT/PE, LOS and readmissions between the 2 groups. Patients under 55 had a higher rate of all-cause reoperation at all time points. Multivariate regression showed patients under 55 were at significantly higher risk for revision at the latest time point (OR 2.51; p=0.012).
Discussion
Despite improvements in the wear characteristics of TKA implants, young and active patients remained at higher risk of early revision compared to older patients even at 1, 2, and 5 years. The data should be used to counsel young prospective TKA patients about the early risk of reoperation and non-wear related complications.
