The effect of spinal anesthesia (SA) versus general anesthesia (GA) on perioperative outcomes in large outpatient arthroplasty populations remains underexplored. Same-day discharge total joint arthroplasty, including total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), requires anesthetic techniques that promote rapid recovery while minimizing complications.

In this retrospective cohort study, 1,002 patients undergoing ambulatory THA and TKA at Mayo Clinic Florida were evaluated to assess associations between anesthesia type and perioperative outcomes.

Primary outcomes included postoperative urinary retention and postoperative nausea. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, functional recovery metrics, and 90-day readmission rates.

SA was associated with significantly lower postoperative pain scores, reduced opioid consumption, and lower 90-day readmission rates without increased rates of urinary retention or postoperative nausea, suggesting SA may support improved recovery in ambulatory total joint arthroplasty.