AN AUDIT OF EARLY HOSPITAL READMISSION AFTER PRIMARY KNEE-JOINT REPLACEMENT

Background: Hospital readmissions following arthroplasty represent a c onsiderable burden to the community. The present study investigates th e magnitude of this problem and the reasons for early readmission. Met hods: The medical records of patients who underwent primary knee joint replacements between July 1989 and December 1994 were reviewed retros pectively. Readmission within 12 months of surgery was noted and the p rognosis 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 include d pain, stiffness, and the investigation/management of an inflamed joi nt. Notably, patellofemoral disease was common, particularly in the gr oup without resurfaced patellae, manipulation of a stiff joint was rar ely effective unless instituted early and aetiologies aside from sepsi s often resulted in the patient returning with an inflamed joint. Conc lusions: Readmission is a significant problem which heralds a poor 12- month prognosis.