Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Is Associated With Increased Risks of Postoperative Complications Following Total Knee and Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has not been studied as a potential risk factor for postoperative complications after primary total knee (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: Nearly 2000 patients with a diagnosis of NPH who underwent TKA or THA from 2005 to 2014 were identified in a national insurance database and compared to 10: 1 matched controls using a logistic regression analysis. Results: NPH was associated with an increased risk of hospital readmission, emergency room visit, and infection following TKA(odds ratio 1.48-2.70, all P <. 01). NPH was associated with an increased risk of hospital readmission, emergency room visit, and dislocation following THA (odds ratio 2.40-2.50, all P < .01). NPH was also associated with significantly higher costs and hospital length of stay following both procedures. Conclusion: The diagnosis of NPH is associated with an elevated risk of postoperative complications and increased resource utilization following TKA and THA. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.