Previous History of Breast Cancer Increases Rates of Pulmonary Embolism and Costs after Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Evaluation of 185,114 Matched Patients.

Risk factors for adverse events after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) relating to malignancy have not been well studied. Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct a retrospective case-control outcome and cost analysis after TKA in this population. Patients with a history of breast cancer (BrCa) were identified based on the International Classification of Disease 9th revision codes. An age- and sex-matched cohort was also identified of patients without a history of BrCa. Complications, length of stay, comorbidity burden, and reimbursements were tracked at 90 days. Each cohort comprised 92,557 patients. Length of stay was similar between cohorts (p = 0.627). Comorbidity status and incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE), lower extremity ultrasound, and chest computed tomography (CT) use were higher in patients with a history of BrCa (p < 0.05 for all). Control patients had a lower incidence of acute myocardial infarction (0.14 vs. 0.21%; p < 0.001). Surgical complications were similar. The 90-day reimbursements were greater in patients with a history of BrCa (US$13,990 vs. US$13,033 for controls; p = 0.021). Surgeons should be aware of the increased risk of PE after TKA in patients with a history of BrCa as well as increased 90-day costs, which warrant great attention.