The Journal of arthroplasty
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We investigated the frequency of undiagnosed sleep apnea in patients scheduled for elective total joint arthroplasty. Two hundred fifty-four patients were assessed between September 1999 and May 2001. ⋯ The identification of undiagnosed OSA is an issue for orthopedic practice because many patients referred to an arthroplasty service for hip and/or knee surgeries are obese. A few screening questions, readily incorporated into the preoperative assessment, may prevent perioperative complications such as postextubation airway obstruction, negative pressure pulmonary edema, or opioid-induced airway obstruction.