Peri-operative Morbidity Associated with Bilateral Hip Arthroplasty for Inflammatory Arthritis: Results from a Consecutive Series of 168 Hips

Aim This study aims to assess the risks and peri-operative morbidity associated with a single-stage sequential bilateral hip arthroplasty (SBHA) when performed in patients with arthritis secondary to inflammatory arthropathy. Methods Data of patients who underwent SBHA between 2012 and 2018 for inflammatory arthritis were extracted from a database, for peri-operative complications and functional improvement. SBHA for other causes was excluded. Results Data of 84 consecutive patients with a mean age of 34.5 years were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 2.4 years. 66% had ankylosing spondylitis, while 14% had rheumatoid arthritis. 50% of the patients had bilateral fusion of the hips, and 34% had flexion deformity > 30°. None of the patients had peri-operative cardiac or pulmonary complications. 2.4% had per-operative hypotension (MAP < 50 mmHg) and 1.2% had desaturation (SpO 2 < 90%). The mean drop in hematocrit was 9.3%. While 31% did not require blood transfusion, 35% required more than 1 unit of blood. Patients with pre-operative PCV of > 36% had a significantly lower risk of being transfused > 1 unit of blood ( p = 0.02). ICU admission was 6%—mostly for post-operative monitoring. While one patient had a local hematoma that needed a wash-out, there were no infections, dislocations, or mortality in these patients. The modified Harris hip score improved from a mean of 26.5–85. The mean hip flexion improved post-operatively from 32° to 92°. Conclusions SBHA for inflammatory arthritis can be performed with minimum complications in a multidisciplinary setting. Pre-operatively, PCV of > 36 is advised to reduce transfusion rates.