Electrolyte Disturbances and Repletion in Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery Patients

Abstract

Electrolyte derangement, defined as disorders of clinically impactful physiologic ions such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, has a variety of clinical manifestations. These electrolytes have narrow windows of normal in vivo concentration before neurologic, cardiac, renal, or gastrointestinal consequences occur. Perioperative disturbances in electrolyte concentration can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, longer length of stay, and higher rates of short and medium-term readmission in orthopaedic and spine surgery postoperatively. To prevent electrolyte related complications, careful monitoring and repletion of at-risk patients must be undertaken. A systematic approach to repletion allows for a safe and efficacious treatment of these disorders.