Surgical site soft tissue thickness as a predictor of complications following arthroplasty

Abstract

Appreciation of soft-tissue thickness (STT) at surgical sites is an increasingly recognized aspect of arthroplasty procedures as it may potentially impacting postoperative outcomes. Recent research has focused on the predictive value of preoperative STT measurements for complications following various forms of arthroplasty, particularly infections, across procedures such as total knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle replacements. Several studies have indicated that increased STT is associated with a higher risk of complications, including infection and wound healing issues. The assessment of STT before surgery could play a crucial role in identifying patients at a higher risk of complications and may be instrumental in guiding preoperative planning to optimize outcomes in arthroplasty procedures. Standardized measurement techniques and further research are essential to enhance the reliability and clinical utility of STT assessment for arthroplasty surgery.

Keywords: Soft-tissue thickness; Arthroplasty; Surgical complications; Total knee arthroplasty; Total hip arthroplasty; Total shoulder arthroplasty; Total ankle arthroplasty; Preoperative assessment; Wound healing; Infection risk

Core Tip: This review examines the relationship between preoperative soft-tissue thickness (STT) and surgical complications in total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and total ankle arthroplasty. By synthesizing findings from multiple studies, we highlight the significant correlation between increased STT and higher complication rates. Our review underscores the importance of thorough preoperative assessment of STT to enhance surgical planning and patient outcomes in various arthroplasty procedures.