Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in older patients is increasing. Current perceptions regarding risks may result in patients inappropriately being denied surgery. This study aimed to evaluate TKA outcomes in patients aged ≥80 compared to a younger cohort.
Methodology
This study retrospectively analysed prospectively collected data from the Scottish Arthroplasty Project. Data were extracted for all patients undergoing primary TKA between 2000 and 2019 in two age groups: 1) ≥80 and 2) 50–79. Hybrid and partial knee replacements and those with incomplete data were excluded. Data were extracted on post-operative complications, infection within 1 year, mortality and revision at any point.
Results
In patients aged ≥80, rates of post-operative myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism were 0.8%, 2.2%, 0.4% and 0.9% respectively. Rates in the 50–79 group were 0.3%, 0.9%, 0.3% and 0.7%. Infection was comparable in both groups (1.3% in ≥80 vs 1.1% in 50–79). Patients ≥ 80 survived mean 6.4 years following TKA compared to 8.4 years for patients aged 50–79. Revision rates were higher in those aged 50–79 (3.2%) compared to ≥80 (1.1%). Revision surgery did not adversely affect mortality in the ≥80ies. After revision, patients survived a mean 7.4 years compared to 6.3 years for those who did not undergo revision.
Conclusion
Over the past 20 years, 11.4% of TKAs performed in Scotland have been in patients aged ≥80. These data show that complication rates are comparable to younger patients and age alone should not be a barrier to TKA.
