Factors influencing length of stay following primary total knee replacement in a UK specialist orthopaedic centre

Abstract Aim To identify factors significant in influencing LOS following primary TKA in a UK specialist arthroplasty centre. Method We retrospectively reviewed factors affecting LOS of 514 patients who underwent primary TKA in a single specialist arthroplasty centre in the UK over a one-year period. Surgical and patient factors that may influence LOS were recorded. Results The median LOS was 5 days. 85% were discharged within 10 days. Those staying longer were classified as long stay (up to 3 months). The only surgical factor that influenced length of stay was postoperative blood transfusion (p   35 (p = 0.009) and age > 80 (p = 0.01). Conclusion Length of stay is largely due to case mix and this should be considered when planning a local arthroplasty service. Level of evidence 2-II.