GLP-1 RA use was associated with reduced 90-day readmissions following TKA: study

Dr Supreeth  D R

GLP-1 RA use was associated with reduced 90-day readmissions following TKA: study

Written By : Dr Supreeth D R Published On 2026-08-27T20:30:52+05:30 | Updated On 27 Aug 2026 8:31 PM IST

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are increasingly used for managing both obesity and diabetes mellitus, two major risk factors for adverse outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite this, their potential role in pre-operative optimisation remains uncertain. Haroon Zaffar et al conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether the use of GLP-1 RAs is associated with improved post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing primary TKA. The article has been published in ‘Indian Journal of Orthopaedics.’

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL from inception to 1st June 2025. Eligible studies included adults (aged ≥ 18 years) undergoing primary TKA, comparing outcomes between GLP-1 RA users and non-users. Risk-of-bias assessment was conducted by two independent reviewers using Cochrane Risk-of-bias 2 (RoB-2) tool for randomised trials and the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies.

Primary outcomes included surgical and medical complications. Secondary outcomes were hospital-related outcomes, including hospital readmissions and length of stay. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using ROBINS-I and GRADE, respectively.

The key findings of the study:

• Six retrospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria which consisted of 20,074 GLP-1 RA users and 55,332 controls.

• Meta-analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in the odds of 90-day readmissions in comparison with control groups (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61–0.94; p = 0.01).

• No statistically significant associations were found for the remaining outcomes.

The authors commented – “This review was limited by the available evidence. Only retrospective studies were included, restricting the ability to infer causality and introducing potential confounding, information and selection bias.”

“GLP-1 RA use was associated with reduced 90-day readmissions following TKA. However, significant heterogeneity limits the clinical applicability of these findings. Further prospective studies are warranted.”

For further details on the article refer to:

Impact of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Knee

Arthroplasty Outcomes

Haroon Zaffar et al

Indian Journal of Orthopaedics (2026) 60:612–622

https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-025-01646-5

Total knee arthroplastyGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonistsPost-operative complicationsRevision90-Day readmission

Source : Indian Journal of Orthopaedics

Dr Supreeth D R

MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS

Dr Supreeth D R (MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS) is a practicing orthopedician with interest in medical research and publishing articles. He completed MBBS from mysore medical college, dip ortho from Trivandrum medical college and sec. DNB from Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. He has expirence of 7years in the field of orthopedics. He has presented scientific papers & posters in various state, national and international conferences. His interest in writing articles lead the way to join medical dialogues. He can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

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