Timing and Selection of Lower Extremity Arthroplasty Procedures: Which to Perform First and When to Consider Simultaneous Bilateral Procedures.

Abstract

» For patients with both lumbar spine pathology, hip and knee degenerative joint disease, it is important to consider the implications of surgically addressing each anatomic region first.» Performing total hip arthroplasty before lumbar spine fusion may decrease the risk of dislocation and revision surgery; however, if spinal fusion is performed first, it may be protective to wait 1 to 2 years to lower the risk of complications.» In all patients with concurrent hip and low back symptoms, it is recommended that an evaluation of both areas is performed before proceeding with either surgical intervention.» If arthroplasty procedures are to occur in a staged fashion, adverse events in high-risk patients may be mitigated by waiting for more than 1 year between procedures. Staged procedures performed less than 30 days apart are at increased risk of medical and surgical complications.» Simultaneous bilateral total joint arthroplasty procedures should likely be avoided in more elderly patients, those with higher body mass index and those with a greater burden of medical comorbidities due to the increased risks of postoperative complications.