What are the Outcomes After Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Prior Cerebrovascular Accidents?

Background: For patients who have a history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) with neurological sequelae undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), we sought to determine mortality rate, implant survivorship, complications, and clinical outcomes. Methods: Our total joint registry identified CVA sequelae patients undergoing primary THA (n = 42 with 25 on affected hip) and TKA (n = 56 with 34 on affected knee). Patients were 1:2 matched based upon age, sex, body mass index, and surgical year to a non-CVA cohort. Mortality and implant survivorship were evaluated via Kaplan-Meier methods. Clinical outcomes were assessed via Harris Hip scores or Knee Society scores. Mean follow-up was 5 years (range, 2-12). Results: For CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients, respectively, the 5-year patient survivorship was 69 versus 89% after THA (HR = 2.5; P = .006) and 56 versus 90% after TKA (HR = 2.4, P = .003). No significant difference was noted between groups in implant survivorship free from any reoperation after THA (P >. 2) and TKA (P >. 6). Postoperative CVA occurred at an equal rate in CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients after TKA (1.8%); none after THA in either group. The magnitude of change in Harris Hip scores (P = .7) and Knee Society scores (P = .7) were similar for CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients. Conclusion: Complications, including the risk of postoperative CVA, implant survivorship, and outcome score improvement are similar for CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients. A 2.5-fold increased risk of death at a mean of 5 years after primary THA or TKA exist for CVA sequelae patients.