Impact of COVID-19 on Pulmonary Embolism Rates in Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasties after the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent a total hip arthroplasty or a total knee arthroplasty between 2017 and 2022 and had a PE within 90 days postoperatively were included. Demographics, medical history, procedural information, and PE outcomes were collected and evaluated. Results: There were 5933 procedures and 17 PE events (0.27%) before COVID-19 compared with 3273 procedures and 16 PE events (0.49%) after COVID-19 ( P =.12). There was an increase in intensive care unit admission after COVID-19 (44% vs 0%, P <.05). Conclusion: This study showed a trend toward an increased incidence of PE events in the post–COVID-19 cohort and a statistically significant increase in the severity. [ Orthopedics . 2024;47(4):233–237.]