Postoperative Complications Following Ankle Arthrodesis in Patients With Hepatitis C: Matched Propensity Score Analysis.

BACKGROUND Hepatitis C is associated with increased adverse events following surgery. The goals of this study were therefore to evaluate postoperative outcomes in patients with hepatitis C following ankle arthrodesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A review of Medicare patients was performed to identify patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis. Patients were then divided into those with a preoperative history of hepatitis C and those who did not and were matched using propensity scores. Outcomes of interest were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS A diagnosis of hepatitis C was associated with a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction, emergency department visits, and readmission within 90 days following surgery. In addition, hepatitis C is associated with an increased length of stay, cost of hospitalization, and total hospital charge. CONCLUSIONS A diagnosis of hepatitis C was associated with a significant increase in hospital resource utilization during the initial inpatient stay and the immediate post-discharge period.Level of Evidence: III.