Bridging therapy for oral anticoagulation increases the risk for bleeding-related complications in total joint arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Patients scheduled for elective surgery with a high risk of thromboembolism require anticoagulation bridging therapy perioperatively. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of thromboembolic events and bleeding-related complications after total hip and knee arthroplasty in patients requiring bridging therapy for anticoagulants. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all patients with primary total hip or total knee replacement in a 4-year period was performed. Outcome measures were blood loss, thromboembolic and bleeding-related complications and hospital stay. RESULTS: Bridged patients had more blood loss and higher complication rates than the control group. Most complications were bleeding-related, and there were no thromboembolic events. Seven of the 14 (50 %) total hip patients bridged with unfractioned heparin required reoperation (three patients with ischial neuropraxia due to hematoma). There were two bleeding-related deaths in total hip patients bridged with low-molecular-weight heparin. Mean hospital stay was significantly longer in unfractioned heparin bridging. CONCLUSION: In this study, there was a significant increase in bleeding-related complications in total joint replacement with bridging therapy compared to prophylaxis. This risk was highest in patients with total hip arthroplasty. There were no thromboembolic events in bridged patients.