Incidence of and Preoperative Risk Factors for Surgical Delay in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Analysis From the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Surgical delay in patients undergoing THA may cause undue disruption in surgeon and hospital resource utilization. In an era of quality assessment and cost consciousness, it is important to understand that the short-term outcomes of elective, same day THA differ dramatically from those hospitalized for medical necessity before surgery. Surgeons should consider thorough medical evaluation in those with CHF, bleeding disorders, sepsis, significant weight loss, and hematocrit <38% before hospital admission.