Predicting the need for high-dependency care in patients undergoing hip and knee revision surgery

Introduction Revision hip and knee arthroplasty surgery may cause great physiological stress to what is commonly an aged, infirm patient population. In some orthopaedic units, it is routine practice to book high-dependency unit (HDU) beds for postoperative revision arthroplasty surgery patients. If this facility is not available on the day of surgery, the operation may be postponed, leading to increased patient anxiety, wasted theatre time and loss of potential income for the hospital. If the likelihood of a patient needing HDU care could be accurately predicted from their comorbid conditions and type of surgery, it may be possible to safely proceed with surgery, avoiding the above scenario.