Life Expectancy of Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: Comparison With General Population

Background: This study aimed to analyze the life expectancy and cause of death in osteoarthritis (OA) patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to identify risk factors that affect long-term mortality rate after TKA. Methods: Among 601 patients, who underwent primary TKA due to OA by a single surgeon from July 2005 to December 2011, we identified patients who died after the operation using data obtained from the National Statistical Office of Korea. We calculated 5-, 10-, and 15 -year survival rates of the patients and age -specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) compared to general population of South Korea according to the causes of death. We also identified risk factors for death. Results: The 5 -year, 10 -year, and 15 -year survival rates were 94%, 84%, and 75%, respectively. The overall age -specific SMR of the TKA cohort was lower than that of the general population (0.69; P < 0.001). Cause -specific SMRs for circulatory diseases, neoplasms, and digestive diseases after TKA were significantly lower than those of the general population (0.65, 0.58, and 0.16, respectively; all P < 0.05). Male gender, older age, lower body mass index (BMI), anemia, and higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were significant factors associated with higher mortality after TKA. Conclusion: TKA is a worthwhile surgery that can improve life expectancy, especially from diseases of the circulatory system, neoplasms, and digestive system, in patients with OA compared to the general population. However, careful follow-up is needed for patients with male gender, older age, lower BMI, anemia, and higher CCI, as these factors may increase long-term mortality risk after TKA.