Predictive value of the hospital frailty risk score in perioperative complications of artificial hip and knee arthroplasty in elderly patients

Background Although artificial hip and knee arthroplasty has been widely used, the incidence of perioperative complications remains relatively high due to factors such as long operation time and large surgical incisions. However, the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) clinical value for patients undergoing artificial hip and knee arthroplasty in China is not yet clear. This study aims to explore its clinical value in this population. Objective To explore predictive value of the HFRS in perioperative complications of artificial hip and knee arthroplasty in elderly patients. Methods Elderly patients who underwent artificial hip and knee arthroplasty in our hospital from March 2020 to March 2022 were selected as the study subjects. The patients were divided into the non-frail risk group (HFRS <5 points) and the frail risk group (HFRS ≥5 points) on the basis of the literature grading method. 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores were assessed. General data including age, sex, ASA classification, preoperative course, and surgical time were collected through the electronic medical record system. The occurrence of postoperative deep venous thrombosis, periprosthetic infection, hematoma, anemia, and overall complications was recorded. Hospitalization days, surgical costs, and total treatment costs were also calculated for all patients. Results There were no significant differences in age, sex, ASA classification, preoperative course, or surgical time between the two groups ( p  > 0.05). The frail risk group had significantly higher mFI-5 and CCI scores ( p  < 0.05). This group also had a higher incidence of deep venous thrombosis and overall complications ( p  < 0.05), but similar rates of periprosthetic infection, hematoma, and anemia ( p  > 0.05). ROC analysis showed HFRS had the highest predictive value for postoperative complications (AUC = 0.851) compared to mFI-5 (0.786) and CCI (0.739). Surgical costs were similar ( p  > 0.05), but the frail group had longer hospital stays and higher total treatment costs ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion HFRS has better predictive value for perioperative complications in elderly patients undergoing artificial hip and knee arthroplasty compared to mFI-5 and CCI scores, and it can be used for predicting perioperative complications in elderly patients with this surgery.