An audit of early hospital readmission after primary knee joint replacement

Background: Hospital readmissions following arthroplasty represent a considerable burden to the community. The present study investigates the magnitude of this problem and the reasons for early readmission. Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent primary knee joint replacements between July 1989 and December 1994 were reviewed retrospectively. Readmission within 12 months of surgery was noted and the prognosis of these patients assessed. Results: A total of 160 patients (180 arthroplasties) were appropriate for review. The readmission rate for knee-related morbidity was 18%. The main reasons for this included pain, stiffness, and the investigation/management of an inflamed joint. Notably, patellofemoral disease was common, particularly in the group without resurfaced patellae, manipulation of a stiff joint was rarely effective unless instituted early and aetiologies aside from sepsis often resulted in the patient returning with an inflamed joint. Conclusions: Readmission is a significant problem which heralds a poor 12-month prognosis.