Analysis of perioperative morbidity and mortality in shoulder arthroplasty patients with preexisting alcohol use disorders

The association of alcohol use disorder with revision rates and post-operative complications in total shoulder arthroplasty

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance use disorder in the United States. However, the current literature on AUD as a preoperative risk factor for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) outcomes is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify the association of AUD with revision rates and 90-day postoperative complications in TSA.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted using the PearlDiver database. Patients diagnosed with AUD were identified. Patients in remission or with underlying cirrhosis were excluded. Outcomes included 2-year revision, 90-day readmission, 90-day emergency, and 90-day post-operative medical complications. Analysis was performed with univariate chi-squared tests followed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 59,261 patients who underwent TSA for osteoarthritis were identified, with 1522 patients having a diagnosis of AUD. Multivariable logistic regression showed that patients with AUD were more likely to undergo 2-year all-cause revision (OR = 1.49, p  =  0.007), 2-year aseptic revision (OR = 1.47, p  =  0.014), 90-day hospital readmission (OR = 1.57, p  =  0.015), and 90-day transient mental disorder (OR = 2.13, p  =  0.026).

Conclusions

AUD is associated with increased rates of 2-year revision surgery, as well as 90-day readmission and 90-day transient mental disorder following primary TSA for osteoarthritis. These findings may assist orthopedic surgeons in counseling patients with AUD during the pre-operative course.

Long-Term Survival Analysis of 5619 Total Ankle Arthroplasty and Patient Risk Factors for Failure

BACKGROUND

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has higher complication and failure rates compared to other surgical joint replacement procedures despite technological advances. This study aimed to find the long-term survivability of the TAA procedure and identify the patient risk factors for failure with one of the largest cohorts of patients in the literature.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study involving cases between 2007 and 2018 analyzed patients who received an index primary TAA procedure in Korea. A total of 5619 cases were included in the final analysis. The TAA failure was defined as either a case with revision arthroplasty or a case with TAA implant removal and arthrodesis performed after primary TAA.

RESULTS

During the study period, the 5-year survival rate was 95.4% (95% CI, 94.7-96.1%), and the 10-year survival rate was 91.1% (95% CI, 89.1-93.1%). A younger age (<55 years, adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.725; 55-64 years, AHR, 1.812; p < 0.001 for both), chronic pulmonary disease (AHR, 1.476; p = 0.013), diabetes (AHR, 1.443; p = 0.014), and alcohol abuse (AHR, 1.524; p = 0.032) showed a significantly high odds ratio for primary TAA failure in Cox regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

The 10-year TAA survivorship rate was 91.1%. A younger age, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, and heavy alcohol consumption are risk factors for TAA.

Patients with poor early clinical outcomes after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty have sustained poor performance at 2 years from surgery

PURPOSE

We sought to define the risk of persistent shoulder dysfunction after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) beyond the early postoperative period and identify risk factors for persistent poor performance.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 144 primary aTSAs performed for primary osteoarthritis with early poor performance and 2-year minimum follow-up. Early poor performance was defined as a postoperative ASES score below the 20th percentile at 3- or 6-months (62 and 72 points, respectively). Persistent poor performance at 2 years was defined as failing to achieve the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) [ASES = 81.7 points].

RESULTS

At 2-year follow-up, 51% (n = 74) of patients with early poor performance at either 3- or 6-month follow-up had persistent poor performance. There was no difference in the rate of persistent poor performance if patients were poor performers at the 3-, 6-month follow-up, or both (50% vs. 49% vs. 56%, P = .795). Of aTSAs achieving the PASS at 2-year follow-up, a greater proportion exceeded the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) [Forward elevation, external rotation, and all outcome scores] and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) [external rotation and all outcome scores] compared to persistent poor performers. However, over half of persistent poor performers still exceeded the MCID for all outcome measures (56-85%). Independent predictors of persistent poor performance were hypertension (2.61 [1.01-6.72], P = .044) and diabetes (5.14 [1.00-26.4], P = .039).

CONCLUSION

Over half of aTSAs with an ASES score < 20th percentile at early follow-up had continued poor shoulder function at 2-years postoperatively. Persistent poor performance was best projected by preoperative hypertension and diabetes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison using Large Database; Treatment Study.

Incidence and risk factors of in-hospital prosthesis-related complications following total shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of prosthesis-related complications after total shoulder arthroplasty is devastating and costly. The purpose was to determine the incidence and risk of in-hospital prosthesis-related complications after total shoulder arthroplasty utilizing a large-scale sample database.

METHODS

A retrospective database analysis was performed based on Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2010 to 2014. Patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty were included. Patient demographics, hospital characteristics, length of stay, economic indicators, in-hospital mortality, comorbidities, and peri-operative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 34,198 cases were capture from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. There were 343 cases of in-hospital prosthesis-related complications after total shoulder arthroplasty and the overall incidence was 1%, with a more than 2.5-fold decrease from 2010 to 2014. Dislocation was the most common category among prosthesis-related complications (0.1%). The occurrence of in-hospital prosthesis-related complications was associated with significantly more total charges and slightly longer length of stay while less usage of Medicare. Risk factors of prosthesis-related complications were identified including younger age (<64 years), female, the native American, hospital in the South, alcohol abuse, depression, uncomplicated diabetes, diabetes with chronic complications, fluid and electrolyte disorders, metastatic cancer, neurological disorders, and renal failure. Interestingly, advanced age (≥65 years) and proprietary hospital were found as protective factors. Furthermore, prosthesis-related complications were associated with aseptic necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, Parkinson's disease, prior shoulder arthroscopy, and blood transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

It is of benefit to study risk factors of prosthesis-related complications following total shoulder arthroplasty to ensure the appropriate management and optimize consequences although a relatively low incidence was identified.

Influence of Race on Utilization and Outcomes in Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that utilization and outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty vary by sociodemographic factors, highlighting disparities in care. This systematic review synthesized all available literature regarding the relationship between utilization and outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty and race/ethnicity.

METHODS

Studies were identified using PubMed, MEDLINE (through Ovid), and CINAHL databases. All English language studies of Level I through IV evidence that specifically evaluated utilization and/or outcomes of hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty, or reverse shoulder arthroplasty by race and/or ethnicity were included. Outcomes of interest included rates of utilization, readmission, reoperation, revision, and complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Since the 1990s, Black and Hispanic patients have demonstrated a lower utilization rate of shoulder arthroplasty compared with White patients. Although utilization has increased among all racial groups throughout the present decade, the rate of increase is greater for White patients. These differences persist in both low-volume and high-volume centers and are independent of insurance status. Compared with White patients, Black patients have a longer postoperative length of stay after shoulder arthroplasty, worse preoperative and postoperative range of motion, a higher likelihood of 90-day emergency department visits, and a higher rate of postoperative complications including venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, and sepsis. Patient-reported outcomes, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's score, did not differ between Black and White patients. Hispanics had a significantly lower revision risk compared with White patients. One-year mortality did not differ significantly between Asians, Black patients, White patients, and Hispanics.

CONCLUSION

Shoulder arthroplasty utilization and outcomes vary by race and ethnicity. These differences may be partly due to patient factors such as cultural beliefs, preoperative pathology, and access to care, as well as provider factors such as cultural competence and knowledge of health care disparities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A national analysis of the effect alcohol use disorder has on short-term complications and readmissions following total shoulder arthroplasty

Background

Alcohol use disorder has been associated with broad health consequences that may interfere with healing after total shoulder arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of alcohol use disorder on readmissions and complications following total shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

We used data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2016 to 2018. Patients were included based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) procedure codes for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Patients with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) were identified using the ICD-10 diagnosis code F10.20. Demographics, complications, and 30-day and 90-day readmission were collected for all patients. A univariate logistic regression was performed to investigate AUD as a factor affecting readmission and complication rates. A multivariate logistic regression model was created to assess the impact of alcohol use disorder on complications and readmission while controlling for demographic factors.

Results

In total, 164,527 patients were included, and 503 (0.3%) patients had a prior diagnosis of AUD. Revision surgery was more common in patients with an alcohol use disorder (8.8% vs. 6.2%; p = 0.022). Postoperative infection (p = 0.026), dislocation (p = 0.025), liver complications (p < 0.01), and 90-day readmission (p < 0.01) were more common in patients with a diagnosed AUD. On multivariate analysis, patients with an AUD were found to be at increased odds for liver complications (OR: 46.8; 95% CI: [32.8, 66.8]; p < 0.01). Comparatively, mean age, length of stay, and over healthcare costs were also higher for patients with an AUD.

Conclusion

Patients with a diagnosis of AUD were more likely to suffer from shoulder dislocation, liver complications, and 90-day readmission, while also being younger and having longer hospital stays. Therefore, surgeons should take caution to anticipate and prevent complications and readmissions following total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with an AUD.

Alcohol Screening During US Primary Care Visits, 2014-2016

BACKGROUND

Unhealthy alcohol use is a significant health issue for the US population. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening adults 18 years or older for unhealthy alcohol use during primary care visits.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate alcohol screening among ambulatory visits made by US adult primary care patients and identify characteristics predictive of alcohol screening.

DESIGN

A series of cross-sectional analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) data collected from 2014 to 2016 was used to examine US primary care providers' use of alcohol screening questionnaires and delivery of counseling on alcohol use.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 19,213 visits made by patients aged 18 years or older to a US primary care physician trained in family medicine or internal medicine.

MAIN MEASURES

Administration of a validated alcohol screening questionnaire and counseling/education on alcohol use. Variation in alcohol screening by patient demographic characteristics, reason for office visit, length of office visit, chronic medical conditions, evaluation by assigned primary care physician, new patient to practice, and region.

KEY RESULTS

Alcohol screening with a validated questionnaire occurred during 2.6% (95% Cl: 0.9%, 4.3%) of visits. Alcohol counseling, provided either by the physician or by referral, was documented in 0.8% (95% Cl: 0.3%, 1.3%) of visits. Screening was significantly more likely if patients were seen by their assigned primary care physician (adjOR 4.38 (95% Cl: 1.41, 13.61)), a new patient to the practice (adjOR 4.18 (95% Cl: 2.30, 7.79)), or had several chronic medical conditions (adjOR 3.40 (95% Cl: 1.48, 7.78)). Patients' sex, race/ethnicity, age group, or length of appointment time was not associated with screening for unhealthy alcohol use.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening for unhealthy alcohol use using a validated questionnaire is uncommonly performed during US primary care visits. Interventions or incentives may be needed to increase uptake of USPSTF alcohol screening recommendations.

Survivorship of Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty provides pain relief and improved quality of life for patients suffering from glenohumeral arthritis. The 10-year survival rate for these implants has been most recently reported at 96%. As the number of shoulder arthroplasties per year increases, it is important to evaluate factors associated with failure. Patient-specific variables such as age, sex, medical comorbidities, a history of previous shoulder surgery, and rotator cuff integrity can influence implant survival. Both surgeon and hospital volume have been shown to affect perioperative outcomes. Implant design and glenoid pathoanatomy are important structural considerations because both have a causal relationship with survivorship. Modifiable factors, such as smoking, body mass index, and alcohol or opioid consumption, should be addressed preoperatively when possible. Modifiable factors that pertain to surgery are equally as important; it is the responsibility of the surgeon to be aware of the reported outcomes for varying implants and technique-related pearls and pitfalls. For those perioperative factors that are nonmodifiable, it is prudent to counsel patients accordingly because these individuals may be more likely to require an eventual revision procedure.

Greater Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions in Septic Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Call to Action

The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of mental health conditions among patients undergoing (1) primary total knee arthroplasty (pTKA), (2) septic revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA), and (3) aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The State Inpatient Databases were queried for all TKAs from 2005 to 2014 yielding 563,144 patients. Patients were separated into the following cohorts: primary, septic revision, and aseptic revision. Diagnoses of any mental health condition and the following specific conditions were compared between the three cohorts: schizophrenia/delusion, bipolar disorder, depression/mood disorder, personality disorder, anxiety/somatic/dissociative disorder, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder/conduct/impulse control, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse. Throughout the study period, an increase in the prevalence of mental health conditions was observed in septic and aseptic revision patients. Overall, there was a significantly higher prevalence of mental health conditions in the septic revision cohort (22.7%) compared with the primary (17.8%, p < 0.001) and aseptic revision (20.0%, p < 0.001) cohorts. Specifically, septic revision TKA patients had a higher prevalence of depression (p < 0.001), alcohol abuse (p < 0.001), drug abuse (p < 0.001), schizophrenia (p = 0.0007), and bipolar disorder (p < 0.001), compared with primary TKA patients. Additionally, there was a significantly higher prevalence of depression (p < 0.001), alcohol abuse (p < 0.001), and drug abuse (p < 0.001) among septic revision patients compared with aseptic revision patients. Mental health conditions were significantly higher among septic revision patients. Alcohol and drug abuse were approximately twice as prevalent in septic revision patients compared with primary and aseptic revision patients. These findings should serve as a call to action for mental health support for patients suffering from PJI.

Correlation between Alcohol Use Disorders, Blood Alcohol Content, and Length of Stay in Trauma Patients

Background:

Patients with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) have an increased risk of developing complications during their hospital stays; however, how AUD impacts the length of stay (LOS) and the utilization of hospital resources remains inconclusive.

Aim:

This study aimed to identify the associations between AUD, defined by self-reported alcohol consumption, blood alcohol content (BAC), and hospital LOS (HLOS) including intensive care unit (ICU) LOS in the trauma patient population.

Study Design:

We conducted a retrospective study analyzing data obtained from 2010 to 2018 at a university-based, level-one trauma emergency department. We identified 1689 adult trauma patients who completed the AUDs identification test (AUDIT) and were admitted to the hospital. We retrieved BAC, age, gender, LOS, and injury severity score (ISS) from the patient charts. The independent samples' median test was used to assess the association of HLOS and ICULOS with ISS, BAC levels, or AUDIT scores.

Results:

ISS was directly associated with higher HLOS (P < 0.001) and ICULOS (P < 0.001); however there was no statistically significant association between AUDIT scores and ICULOS (P = 0.21) or HLOS (P = 0.86). There was also no statistically significant association between BAC and HLOS (P = 0.09) or ICULOS (P = 0.07).

Conclusions:

Our study found no associations between AUDIT, BAC, and both hospital and ICU LOS in trauma patients even though the literature supported an increased risk of medical complications in the AUD patients.

A matched-control analysis on the effects of alcohol use disorder following primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine whether alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have increased: 1) lengths of stay (LOS); 2) complications; and 3) costs.

Methods

The study identified 19,168 patients in the study (n = 3198) and control (n = 15,970) cohort. In-hospital LOS, 90-day complications, and costs were assessed.

Results

AUD patients had significantly longer LOS (3- vs. 2-days, p < 0.0001), higher9 0-day medical complications (49.59 vs. 14.81%; p < 0.0001), and 90-day costs of care ($18,763.25 vs. $16,035.49, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The study is useful as it can allow healthcare professionals to adequately counsel these patients.

Effect of alcohol consumption on patient-reported outcomes in hip arthroscopy: a matched controlled study with minimum 2-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

There is a paucity of literature examining the effects of alcohol consumption on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after hip arthroscopy. The purpose of this study was to report 2-year outcomes of hip arthroscopy in patients who consume alcohol compared to patients who abstain.

METHODS

Registry data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed to identify heavy drinkers at the time of primary hip arthroscopy. Patients were matched 1:1 (heavy drinkers:non-drinkers) based on age, sex, BMI, acetabular Outerbridge grade, and capsular treatment. All patients were assessed with 4 validated PROs: mHHS, NAHS, HOS-SSS, and iHOT-12. Pain was estimated with VAS.

RESULTS

42 patients were pair matched in each group (heavy drinkers:non-drinkers). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement for all PROs and VAS. Heavy drinkers reported lesser improvement in HOS-SSS (p = 0.0169), smaller decrease in VAS (p = 0.0157), and lower final scores on iHOT-12 (p = 0.0302), SF-12 mental (p = 0.0086), and VR-12 mental (p = 0.0151). Significantly fewer patients in the heavy-drinking group reached PASS for mHHS (p = 0.0464). Odds of achieving PASS for mHHS was 2.5 times higher for patients who abstain from alcohol. The rates of revision hip arthroscopy and conversion to total hip arthroplasty were not statistically different between groups.

CONCLUSION

While hip arthroscopy may still yield clinical benefit in drinkers, patients who consume heavy amounts of alcohol may ultimately achieve an inferior functional status and should be counselled on drinking cessation to optimise their results.

Predictors of Length of Stay and Discharge Disposition After Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Identifying patient factors that affect length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition after shoulder arthroplasty is key in managing patient expectations. In this systematic review, we identify patient-specific covariates that correlate with increased LOS and need for discharge to a facility.

METHODS

We searched biomedical databases to identify associations between patient-specific factors and LOS and discharge disposition after shoulder arthroplasty. We included all studies involving hemiarthroplasty, anatomic shoulder arthroplasty, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Reported patient and provider factors were evaluated for their association with increased LOS and discharge to a facility.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were identified. Age >65 years, female sex, obesity, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty were associated with extended LOS and correlated with discharge to a facility. Greater hospital and surgeon volume were associated with decreased LOS and decreased risk of discharge to a facility. Local injection of liposomal bupivacaine combined with intravenous dexamethasone was associated with reduced LOS.

DISCUSSION

Patient factors affecting LOS and likelihood of discharge to a facility include age >65 years, female sex, diabetes, obesity, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. These factors can be used to develop studies to preoperatively predict outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty and to help identify patients who may be at risk of prolonged postoperative admission.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic level IV.

Venous Thromboembolism After Shoulder Arthoplasty and Arthroscopy

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the orthopaedic literature largely focuses on lower extremity trauma and arthroplasty, with relatively few investigations of VTE after shoulder surgery. Because the rate of shoulder surgery, especially arthroplasty, continues to expand, it is important for practicing surgeons to understand the magnitude of risk, potential consequences, and prevention methods with regard to VTE. VTE after shoulder surgery has been a topic of increasing interest over the past decade, and the purpose of this review is to examine the recent literature on pathophysiology, risk factors, incidence, diagnosis, sequelae, prevention, treatment, and current recommendations regarding VTE after shoulder surgery.

The Effect of Race on Early Perioperative Outcomes After Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

There is a paucity of data on how racial disparities may affect early outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in 30-day complications and readmission rates after shoulder arthroplasty based on race. White and black patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty, anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (Current Procedural Terminology codes 23470 and 23472) between 2006 and 2015 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Black patients were propensity score matched 1:4 based on preoperative demographics and comorbidities to white patients. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess postoperative complications based on race. Of the 12,663 patients with shoulder arthroplasty identified, 10,717 (84.6%) were white and 559 (4.4%) were black. Overall, 557 black patients were matched to 2228 white patients, for a total cohort of 2785 patients (mean age, 63.9±11.7 years; female, 61.0%). Surgical indications were similar between black and white patients. The 2 races had similar rates of overall complications, major complications, minor complications, readmissions, and discharge to facility. Mortality was significantly higher among black patients compared with white patients (0.6% vs 0.05%; P=.033). Black patients also experienced longer operative time (mean, 126.4 vs 112.5 minutes; P<.001) and length of stay (mean, 2.4 vs 2.1 days; P<.001). There was a significant disparity with underutilization of shoulder arthroplasty for black patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Black and white patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty experienced similar rates of 30-day complications, readmissions, and discharge to facility. However, black patients experienced greater operative time, total length of stay, and mortality compared with white patients. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(2):95-102.].

Alcohol consumption and the risk of postoperative mortality and morbidity after primary hip or knee arthroplasty - A register-based cohort study

Objective

To investigate the implications of low and moderate preoperative alcohol consumption on postoperative mortality and morbidity after primary hip and knee arthroplasty.

Methods

A total of 30,799 patients who underwent primary hip or knee arthroplasty between January 1^st, 2005 and October 8^th, 2011 with information on preoperative alcohol consumption (0 grams of pure alcohol/week, >0–168 g/week, >168–252 g/week, and >252 g/week) were identified through the Danish Anesthesia Database. The 90-day and 1-year risks of mortality (primary outcomes), 1-year risk of prosthetic infection, and 30-day risks of cardiovascular disease and deep venous thrombosis (secondary outcomes) were estimated by Cox regression analysis.

Results

We identified 285 (0.9%) deaths within the first 90 days and 694 (2.3%) within the first year. Within the first 30 days, 209 (0.7%) and 270 (0.9%) patients had acquired cardiovascular disease and deep venous thrombosis, respectively, and 514 (1.7%) patients developed prosthetic infection within the first year. The adjusted mortality models yielded hazard ratios of 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41 to 0.74) at 90 days and 0.61 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.73) at 1 year for the group consuming >0–168 g/week when compared to abstainers. Adjusted hazard ratios showed that the group consuming >0–168 g/week had a 0.91 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.11) risk of prosthetic infection, 0.68 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.92) risk of cardiovascular disease and 0.88 (95% CI 0.67 to 1.15) risk of deep venous thrombosis when compared to abstainers.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that low-to-moderate alcohol consumption prior to primary hip or knee arthroplasty is associated with lower risks of mortality at both 90 days and 1 year after surgery and of cardiovascular disease after 30 days. More research from longitudinal studies is needed to identify specific causal relations and explanations.

Early Postoperative Complications After Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients With Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological disorder in the United States, but little is known about its effect in the perioperative shoulder surgery setting. The authors sought to determine whether patients with epilepsy undergoing shoulder arthroplasty would be at increased risk for in-hospital adverse events, prolonged length of stay, and nonroutine disposition. Using the National Inpatient Sample (2002-2011), 422,371 adults undergoing shoulder arthroplasty were identified, 3714 (0.9%) of whom had epilepsy. Comparisons of perioperative outcomes were performed by multivariable logistic regression modeling. The authors found that patients with epilepsy were more likely to experience postoperative adverse events (odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54-1.84), including mechanical ventilation (OR, 3.91; 95% CI, 2.81-5.44), gastrointestinal complication (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 2.78-5.37), deep venous thrombosis (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 2.22-4.69), pneumonia (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.35-2.04), posthemorrhagic anemia (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.42-1.73), transfusion (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.41-1.72), and acute renal failure (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04-1.74). An epilepsy diagnosis was also associated with increased odds for prolonged hospital stay (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.28-1.52) and nonroutine discharge (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.67-1.94). This study concludes that patients with epilepsy are at higher risk for early postoperative complications and resource use following shoulder arthroplasty surgery. Awareness of these risks may allow more targeted perioperative management of these patients to optimize postoperative outcomes and limit complications. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(6):e1075-e1079.].