The Impact of Month on Joint Arthroplasty In-Hospital Outcomes: The December Effect

The Association of Season of Surgery and Patient Reported Outcomes following Total Hip Arthroplasty

“…However, the finding that patients largely return home (92%–93% on average by season discharged to home/self-care or with home health services) provides evidence for the success of THA, as well as good patient selection of patients who are able to have a successful recovery. Zalikha et al 9 found shorter length of stay and a greater proportion of patients returning home when undergoing arthroplasty in December. They hypothesized that the cultural significance of December holidays may impact discharge disposition planning, and the presence of family support may allow for more rapid return home.…”

“… 6 - 8 In a large database study, total hip arthroplasty (THA) and TKA procedures performed in December were shown to have lower rates of complications with decreased lengths of stay postoperatively. 9 Alternatively, another study noted increased rates of periprosthetic infection following THA occur during the winter, 10 although this was not demonstrated in a population of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty patients. 11 No effect of season has been noted on post-operative wound complications after trauma to the foot, ankle or lower leg.…”

Midterm

“…They suggested that extension of surveillance period is a quality improvement opportunity [7]. Zalikha et al report that the "December effect" exists for arthroplasty, in that outcomes are better in this month than in others [8]. In a report of 2 cases, Diaz Dilernia et al describe the clinical findings of 2 patients with adverse local tissue response to ceramic-on-ceramic bearings, an atypical bearing couple to have this biologic response [9].I am pleased to congratulate several of our Editorial Board members on their accomplishments and accolades.…”