A Descriptive Analysis of the Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Procedures of the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) from 2012 to 2018

Abstract

Objective. Hip and knee joint replacement procedures are an effective therapeutic intervention in treating severe joint disorders. Its use has been increasingly performed worldwide, including the Philippines, with its techniques constantly evolving and the science behind it improving. This study aims to describe the demographics, clinical profiles, and outcomes of arthroplasty patients by the Arthroplasty Service, Department of Orthopedics, University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH).

Methods. The study is a descriptive and retrospective review of patients who underwent joint replacement procedures, both primary and revision arthroplasty, from January 2012 to December 2018. Patient demographics and clinical data of patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty at the UP-PGH were collected and evaluated.

Result. Data from 279 patients with 306 primary joint replacement procedures were analyzed. There were 195 total hip arthroplasty procedures (THAs) and 111 total knee arthroplasty procedures (TKAs) done. The mean age for THA patients was 55.6 years old, with more females (68.2%) with the left hip being more commonly affected (54.9%). The most common indication for THA was an untreated femoral neck fracture (23.1%) followed by avascular necrosis (20.5%). Cementless fixation was the most commonly used technique (61.5%). Meanwhile, the mean age for TKA was 64.5 years old, with the majority having degenerative osteoarthritis, and using cemented TKA fixation for all knees. A total of 37 revision arthroplasty cases were performed, with 34 in the hip and three in the knee, with infection being the most common overall indication (53%).

Conclusion. The demographics, clinical profiles, and outcomes of the UP-PGH Arthroplasty Service are comparable to other centers internationally, and further emphasizes the satisfactory outcomes of these procedures. Meanwhile, suggested explanations for the subtle differences are discussed in this study.