BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are becoming increasingly popular for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Beyond their metabolic effects, they have shown anti-inflammatory properties, which may impact post-surgical recovery. However, their role in orthopedic procedures is not yet well defined. This study investigates whether GLP-1 RA use affects post-operative complications, including wound infection, venous thromboembolism, hospital readmission, and reintervention for Achilles tendon repair patients.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 337 patients who underwent Achilles tendon repair. Among them, 11.6% were GLP-1 RA users. Post-operative complications, including wound infection, Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism (DVT/PE), readmission, and reintervention, were analyzed. Logistic regression models and correlation analysis were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for complications while controlling for potential confounders. Variance inflation factor (VIF) analysis was conducted to evaluate collinearity between independent variables.
RESULTS: GLP-1 RA users had a lower risk of wound infection compared to non-users (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.88, p = 0.03). Additionally, GLP-1 RA users had lower rates of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) (2.6% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.5), readmission (2.6% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.12), and reintervention (0.0% vs. 6.7%, p = 1.00); however, these differences were not statistically significant. Diabetes showed the strongest positive correlation with wound infection (r = 0.29, p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: This study suggests that GLP-1 RA use is associated with a lower risk of wound infection following Achilles tendon repair. These findings suggest a potential protective role of GLP-1 RAs in surgical outcomes.
