Semaglutide use before Total Hip Arthroplasty may reduce postoperative infection and readmission: Study

In the ever-evolving landscape of diabetes management, semaglutide has emerged as a formidable player, celebrated not just for its prowess in glycemic control but also for its unique ability to induce weight loss. The latest research endeavor has turned its attention to the role of semaglutide in the aftermath of total hip arthroplasty (THA), aiming to decipher whether patients on this medication experience fewer complications, decreased readmissions, and reduced costs post-surgery. This study sheds light on the positive outcomes associated with semaglutide users undergoing THA, specifically revealing fewer 90-day readmissions and a decrease in 2-year prosthetic joint infections.

The study results were published in The Journal of Arthroplasty. 
Also Read: Larger femoral heads in Hip Implants Lower Revision Risk in hip Arthroplasty
Semaglutide, an innovative medication for diabetes management recognized for its ability to promote weight loss, has raised questions about its influence on outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Hence researchers conducted a study to assess whether patients undergoing THA while on semaglutide exhibit: (1) reduced medical complications; (2) fewer complications related to implants; (3) decreased rates of readmission; and (4) lower overall costs.
Conducted through a retrospective analysis of a national claims database spanning over a decade, the study honed in on diabetic patients prescribed semaglutide who underwent primary THA. The cohort, comprising 9,465 patients, provided a rich pool of data, with 1,653 on semaglutide and 7,812 in the control group. The study employed rigorous multivariable logistic regression analyses to scrutinize various outcomes, including medical complications, implant-related issues, readmission rates, lengths of stay, and associated costs.
Promising Results:
  • Semaglutide users stood out with lower 90-day readmission rates (6.2% versus 8.8%; odds ratio 0.68; P < .01) and a notable reduction in prosthetic joint infections over a 2-year period (1.6% versus 2.9%; odds ratio 0.56; P < .01).
  • These positive outcomes underscore the potential benefits of semaglutide in improving post-THA recovery.
  • While these findings point to encouraging trends in readmissions and joint infections, the study did not identify significant differences in medical complications, hospital stays, or costs associated with same-day surgery and the 90-day episode.
Also Read: Automated impaction in primary THA safe technique for femoral preparation resulting in consistent stem coronal alignment
The study’s outcomes hint at the possibility of incorporating semaglutide’s distinct advantages in glycemic control and weight loss into pre-surgical considerations. However, the nuanced nature of these findings necessitates a call for further research. A more comprehensive understanding of semaglutide’s impact on post-THA outcomes could potentially revolutionize decision-making in the management of diabetic patients undergoing hip surgery. As the news of semaglutide’s positive influence on select outcomes after THA reverberates, it sets the stage for a paradigm shift in how healthcare professionals approach diabetes management in the context of joint surgeries. With the potential to enhance recovery and reduce complications, semaglutide’s role in the orthopedic landscape warrants continued exploration, promising brighter prospects for individuals navigating the intersection of diabetes and hip surgery.

Further reading: Magruder ML, Miskiewicz MJ, Rodriguez AN, Mont MA. Semaglutide Use Prior to Total Hip Arthroplasty Results in Fewer Postoperative Prosthetic Joint Infections and Readmissions. J Arthroplasty. 2024;39(3):716-720. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.12.023

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