Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Nonunion Rates in Hind- and Midfoot Arthrodesis in Current, Ex-, and Nonsmokers

Lookup NU author(s): Jayasree Ramaskandhan, Malik Siddique

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

© The Author(s) 2020. Background: Nonunion rates in hind or midfoot arthrodesis have been reported as high as 41%. The most notable and readily modifiable risk factor that has been identified is smoking. In 2018, 14.4% of the UK population were active smokers. We examined the effect of smoking status on union rates for a large cohort of patients undergoing hind- or midfoot arthrodesis. Methods: In total, 381 consecutive primary joint arthrodeses were identified from a single surgeon’s logbook (analysis performed on a per joint basis, with a triple fusion reported as 3 separate joints). Patients were divided based on self-reported smoking status. Primary outcome was clinical union. Delayed union, infection, and the need for ultrasound bone stimulation were secondary outcomes. Results: Smoking prevalence was 14.0%, and 32.2% were ex-smokers. Groups were comparable for sex, diabetes, and body mass index. Smokers were younger and had fewer comorbidities. Nonunion rates were higher in smokers (relative risk, 5.81; 95% CI, 2.54-13.29; P <.001) with no statistically significant difference between ex-smokers and nonsmokers. Smokers had higher rates of infection (P =.05) and bone stimulator use (P <.001). Among smokers, there was a trend toward slower union with heavier smoking (P =.004). Conclusion: This large retrospective cohort study confirmed previous evidence that smoking has a considerable negative effect on union in arthrodesis. The 5.81 relative risk in a modifiable risk factor is extremely high. Arthrodesis surgery should be undertaken with extreme caution in smokers. Our study shows that after cessation of smoking, the risk returns to normal, but we were unable to quantify the time frame. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Allport J, Ramaskandhan J, Siddique MS

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Foot and Ankle International

Year: 2021

Volume: 42

Issue: 5

Pages: 582-588

Print publication date: 01/05/2021

Online publication date: 17/12/2020

Acceptance date: 02/04/2018

ISSN (print): 1071-1007

ISSN (electronic): 1944-7876

Publisher: Sage Publications Inc.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100720971269

DOI: 10.1177/1071100720971269


Altmetrics

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric


Share