Clinical Implication of Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of diabetes mellitus on primary total hip arthroplasty by comparing the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed to have diabetes mellitus before the operation with those without diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 413 patients who underwent unilateral cementless total hip arthroplasty from June 2006 to May 2009 were recruited and divided into diabetic and non-diabetic groups. The comparative analysis between the two groups was made. We evaluated Harris hip score, postoperative complications such as wound problem, surgical site infection, other medical complication and length of stay in hospital as clinical parameters. Radiographic evaluations were also included to determine loosening, dislocation and osteolysis. RESULTS: Patients with diabetes had an increased incidence of orthopaedic complications including surgical site infection and mortality, but other medical complications were not increased in diabetic patients. All complications after primary total hip arthroplasty were associated with diabetes mellitus, but the degree of diabetes was not associated with complications. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus increases incidence of orthopaedic complications, particularly deep infection, after cementless primary total hip arthroplasty.