Postoperative Complications of Orthopedic Surgery in Patients From High-altitude Regions

Prolonged exposure to hypoxic and low-pressure environments leads to structural remodeling and functional abnormalities in the cardiovascular, respiratory, and hematological systems of high-altitude populations. This elevates the risk of postoperative complications, particularly in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, significantly impacting their recovery and quality of life. This study will focus on orthopedic surgery patients from high-altitude regions. Using smart wearable devices and other monitoring tools, comprehensive perioperative dynamic data of participants, including heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, sleep quality, activity levels, stress index, and other relevant indicators will be collected. Regular follow-ups will be conducted to evaluate postoperative recovery and monitor the incidence of perioperative complications. Additionally, perioperative data such as electronic medical records, laboratory test results, ECG waveforms, echocardiography, chest CT images, and other pertinent records will be also collected. Through that, this study aims to establish a follow-up cohort of orthopedic surgery patients from high-altitude regions.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years;
• ASA classification I-III;
• Patients who have lived at an altitude above 2500 meters for more than 6 months ;
• Patients scheduled for elective orthopedic surgery.

Exclusion criteria

• Urgent or emergent surgery;
• Expected hospital stay < 48 hours;
• Inability to provide informed consent；
• Patients who have been out of high-altitude regions for over three months.