Incidence and risk factors for blood transfusion in total elbow arthroplasty

Our purpose was to determine the incidence of transfusion in consecutive patients undergoing total elbow arthroplasty and examine the risk factors for transfusion. Between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2002, 378 primary total elbow arthroplasties were performed. Risk factors analyzed included the preoperative level of hemoglobin, age, gender, and diagnosis. Indications for transfusion and associated complications were reviewed. The overall transfusion rate was 2.9%. Men and women had a similar incidence of transfusion. The risk of transfusion was not different between patients who underwent elbow arthroplasty for sequelae of trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis. Low preoperative hemoglobin level (P = .0002) and older age (P = .015) were risk factors for transfusion. There was no statistical difference in risk of transfusion by operative time. These data demonstrate that the rate of transfusion for total elbow arthroplasty varies by patient age and preoperative level of hemoglobin.