10-Year Cumulative Incidence and Indications for Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty for Patients Who Have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Abstract

Background: Long-term complications following total joint arthroplasty are not well established for patients who have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a group of connective tissue disorders. This study compared 10-year incidence of revision surgery after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients who have and do not have EDS.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using a national all-payer claims database from 2010 to 2021 to identify patients who underwent primary TKA or THA. Patients who had and did not have EDS were propensity score-matched by age, sex, and a comorbidity index. Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the cumulative incidence and risks of revision experienced by patients who have and do not have EDS.

Results: The EDS patients who underwent TKA had a higher risk of all-cause revision (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.50, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.09 to 2.07, P < .014) and risk of revision due to instability (HR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.37 to 4.52, P < .003). The EDS patients who underwent THA had a higher risk of all-cause revision (HR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.47 to 3.65, P < .001), revision due to instability (HR = 4.26, 95% CI: 2.17 to 8.36, P < .001), and mechanical loosening (HR = 3.63, 95% CI: 2.05 to 6.44, P < .001).

Conclusions: Patients who had EDS were found to have a higher incidence of revision within 10 years of undergoing TKA and THA compared to matched controls, especially for instability. Patients who have EDS should be counseled accordingly. Surgical technique and implant selection should include consideration for increased constraint in TKA and larger femoral heads or dual mobility articulations for THA.