Urinary Self-Catheterization is Not Associated with Increased Risk of Major Complications Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background The objective of this study is to evaluate urinary self-catheterization as a potential risk factor for postoperative complications following total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty procedures. Methods Self-catheterization patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty (TJA) from 2005-2014 were identified in a national insurance database. Rates of death, hospital readmission, ER visit, infection, revision, and dislocation for THA or arthrofibrosis for TKA were calculated, as well as cost and length of stay (LOS). Self-catheterizing patients were then compared to a 4:1 matched control cohort using a logistic regression analysis to control for confounding factors. Results 69 patients underwent THA and 128 patients who underwent TKA and who actively self-catheterized at the time of surgery were identified. Self-catheterization was not associated with infection, emergency room visits, readmissions, revision surgery, arthrofibrosis, or cost compared to the 4:1 matched control cohort. However, self-catheterization was associated with significantly longer LOS (difference for THA = 1.91 days, CI =0.97-2.86, p Conclusion Self-catheterization does not appear to be associated with increased risk of major complications following TJA with the numbers available in this study. Reassurance can be given regarding concerns for infection and other complications following surgery in this patient population.