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Death by Orthopedic Surgery: Are You at Risk?
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Posted on: 05/20/2002
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What are your chances of dying in the hospital after orthopedic surgery? This is a grim question. But anyone having major surgery of any kind faces some risk of death. Fortunately, death is rare after surgery on bones, muscles, ligaments, or other soft tissues.
The biggest risk factors for death after orthopedic surgery are age (over 70 years) and hip fracture. Risk also goes up in the presence of kidney or lung disease. Cancer and other diseases put patients at greater risk. For example, research shows that pneumonia is the number one cause of death after orthopedic surgery.
Special care can be given when any risk factors are present. For example, doctors may order closer follow-up after surgery. Antibiotics may be given before surgery to help prevent infection. Less than one percent of patients die after orthopedic surgery. Even so, doctors evaluate each patient to know whether special measures will be needed before or after surgery.
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References:
Timothy Bhattacharyya, MD, et al. Rate of and Risk Factors For Acute Inpatient Mortality After Orthopaedic Surgery. In The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. April 2002. Vol. 84-A. No. 4. Pp. 562-572.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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