Abstract
BACKGROUND: THA is a widely performed surgical procedure that improves mobility and quality of life in patients with hip joint diseases. The increasing prevalence of obesity has led to a rise in the number of patients undergoing THA following bariatric surgery. This study investigates trends in THA among patients with a history of bariatric surgery, comparing demographics, hospitalization metrics, post-operative complications, and overall surgical outcomes to those without such history. METHODS: Using the NIS database (2016-2019), we analyzed a cohort of 1,496,809 THA patients, including 20,429 with a history of bariatric surgery. Propensity score matching was employed to control for confounding factors, resulting in a matched cohort of 20,429 patients in each group. Statistical analyses compared demographic characteristics, comorbidities, hospitalization outcomes, and post-operative complications, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The proportion of THA patients with prior bariatric surgery increased significantly between 2016 and 2019 (p < 0.01). Compared to those without a history of bariatric surgery, these patients were younger (60.3 vs. 66.0 years, p < 0.01) and predominantly female (75.0% vs. 55.5%, p < 0.01). After PSM, patients with a history of bariatric surgery had a shorter hospital stay (2.17 vs. 2.37 days, p = 0.027) but incurred higher hospital charges ($63,631 vs. $62,883, p < 0.01). Post-operative complications were significantly higher in this group, with increased risks of hip dislocation (RR = 4.0, 95% CI: 3.4-4.8, p < 0.01), surgical site infection (RR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.8-2.4, p < 0.01), pneumonia (RR = 2.5, 95% CI: 2.1-2.8, p < 0.01), and intraoperative fracture (RR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3-2.0, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The rising prevalence of THA in post-bariatric surgery patients highlights the need for optimized perioperative care. Despite shorter hospital stays, these patients face higher complication risks, requiring tailored management. Further research should explore alternative weight management strategies to improve outcomes.