Pre-operative optimisation for hip and knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Background Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee is a common cause of pain and reduced mobility. Arthroplasty reliably improves quality of life for most patients when non-operative measures have failed. However, hip and knee arthroplasties are major operations that carry significant risks, including the need for revision surgery. Objective The purpose of this article is to discuss pre-operative patient optimisation prior to arthroplasty to minimise risks and maximise recovery. Discussion Recent literature has identified a number of modifiable factors that increase the risk of post-operative complications following arthroplasty. These include obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, opioid use, anaemia, ..