PURPOSE: The outcome of elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is controversial due to the concomitant risk profile. This study investigated postoperative complications and revision rates following total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with PD. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with PD undergoing THA or TKA were matched 1:1 with non-PD patients using propensity score matching for age, sex and comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity index, CCI). Rates of revisions, medical and surgical complications were compared. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were calculated. RESULTS: PD patients exhibited higher rates of revision-surgeries within 90 days (13.5% vs. 5.2%
p = 0.048), medical complications (68.8% vs. 43.8%
p <
0.001) and surgical complications (40.6% vs. 21.9%
p = 0.005). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed PD as a significant risk factor for complications and long-term revision-surgeries. CONCLUSION: PD increases the risk of adverse outcomes following THA and TKA. Improvements in pre-operative planning and post-operative care are critical to the improvement of outcomes in this vulnerable population.