Unplanned readmission after total joint arthroplasty: rates, reasons, and risk factors.

Background: There has been a major and alarming increase in readmission rates following total joint arthroplasty. With proposed changes in reimbursement policy, increased rates of unplanned readmission following arthroplasty will penalize providers. In particular, it has been proposed that specific complications--so-called "zero-tolerance" complications--are unacceptable and that their treatment will not qualify for reimbursement.