Revision arthroplasty: the effect on renal function

Abstract

Revision arthroplasty surgery is complex with increased risk of complications for patients following such procedures. This study aims to review if complex revision surgery places these patients at risk of significant renal impairment which can be a significant cause of morbidity and in some cases mortality in surgical patients.

A retrospective review of 50 patients and 68 total procedures was performed. Patient demographics, indications for revision, post-operative course and complications were recorded. Their pre-operative and post-operative renal function was reviewed.

Revision for infection was most common with 20 cases (30%), followed by aseptic loosening in 14 cases (20%). Sixteen cases developed renal dysfunction in the post- operative period with five of these cases requiring specialist renal consultation, however the majority resolved under the care of the surgical team without significant sequelae for the patient in question.

This study demonstrates that while complex revision arthroplasty may cause mild renal dysfunction in a small cohort of patients, this tends to be of short duration and can be managed successfully in the majority of instances by the surgical team.