Preoperative GLP-1 receptor agonist exposure in orthopaedic surgery is not associated with increased postoperative risk and often correlates with lower infection, readmission, and mortality rates.
Does preoperative GLP-1 receptor agonist use affect postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery?
Preoperative GLP-1 RA use in orthopaedic surgery appears generally safe and may be associated with lower rates of infection, readmission, and mortality, though caution is warranted in spine surgery.
Preoperative GLP-1 RA exposure is not broadly associated with increased postoperative risk and often correlates with lower infection, readmission, and mortality rates-particularly in arthroplasty, spine, and ankle fracture fixation cohorts. Findings in spine surgery are more mixed and warrant cautious interpretation, especially with prolonged semaglutide exposure. Outcomes in sports-medicine procedures seem reassuring, although prospective multicenter studies with standardized perioperative protocols and PROMIS-based outcomes are needed.
Strickler et al. (Fri,) conducted a review in Orthopaedic Surgery. Preoperative GLP-1 Receptor Agonist was evaluated on Postoperative risk, infection, readmission, and mortality rates. Preoperative GLP-1 receptor agonist exposure in orthopaedic surgery is not associated with increased postoperative risk and often correlates with lower infection, readmission, and mortality rates.