Smoking increases reoperation for infection after total joints

Editor's Note

In this study of patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement, smoking was associated with an increased risk of infectious complications that required further surgery.

In addition, the amount that a patient had smoked, regardless of current smoking status, significantly contributed to increased risk of readmission.

A total of 15,264 patients were included in the study. Of those 9% were current smokers, 34% were former smokers, and 57% were nonsmokers.

If smoking is associated with an increased risk of readmission and reoperation, it may be reasonable to engage the patient in a smoking cessation program before total joint replacement, the researchers note.

Background: The relationship between smoking and complications after total joint arthroplasty is unclear. Prior studies have been limited by relatively small sample sizes or investigation of select cohorts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between smoking and readmission and/or reoperation within 90 days of total joint arthroplasty in a large, non-select cohort of patients.