Postoperative Complications Associated with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Combinations Used Status-Post Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in multimodal pain control following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, few studies have assessed the complications associated with the combinations of NSAIDs in this population despite the known risks associated with this class of medications. The Premier Healthcare Database was queried to identify adults who underwent primary total hip or knee arthroplasty from 2005–2014. The following most common inpatient combinations of NSAIDs were chosen for analysis: aspirin + celecoxib (A + C), toradol + aspirin (T + A), toradol + ibuprofen (T + I), celecoxib + ibuprofen (C + I), ibuprofen + aspirin (I + A), and toradol + celecoxib (T + C). Primary outcomes included acute kidney injury (AKI), gastrointestinal bleed, and stroke. Secondary outcomes included periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to compare differences and address confounds. Overall, 195,833 patients were identified. After controlling for confounds, increased odds of AKI was associated with A + C (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–1.34, p < 0.001) and decreased odds was associated with T + A (aOR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.69–0.83, p < 0.001). Increased odds of stroke was associated with A + C (aOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.15–2.84, p = 0.011); T + I (aOR 3.48, 95% CI: 1.25–9.73, p = 0.017); and I + A (aOR 4.29, 95% CI: 1.06–17.9, p = 0.046). Increased odds of PJI was associated with C + I (aOR: 10.3, 95% CI: 1.35–78.3, p = 0.024). In the TJA patient population, NSAID pairings should be regarded as distinct entities. Our results suggest that combinations including A + C, T + I, I + A, and C + I should be used cautiously. With this knowledge, providers should consider tailoring NSAID prescriptions appropriately.