Outpatient Shoulder Arthroplasty Patient Selection, Patient Experience, and Cost Analyses: A Systematic Review

A Systematic Review of Patient Selection Criteria for Outpatient Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

The utilization of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is increasing, driving associated annual health care costs higher. Opting for outpatient over inpatient TSA may provide a solution by reducing costs. However, there is no single set of accepted patient selection criteria for outpatient TSA. Here, the authors identify and systematically review 14 articles to propose evidence-based criteria that merit postoperative admission. Together, the studies suggest that patients with limited ability to abmluate independently or a history of congestive heart failure may benefit from postoperative at least one night of hospital based monitoring and treatment.

A preoperative risk assessment tool for predicting adverse outcomes among total shoulder arthroplasty patients

BACKGROUND

With the increased utilization of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) in the outpatient setting, understanding the risk factors associated with complications and hospital readmissions becomes a more significant consideration. Prior developed assessment metrics in the literature either consisted of hard-to-implement tools or relied on postoperative data to guide decision-making. This study aimed to develop a preoperative risk assessment tool to help predict the risk of hospital readmission and other postoperative adverse outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the 2019-2022(Q2) Medicare fee-for-service inpatient and outpatient claims data to identify primary anatomic or reserve TSAs and to predict postoperative adverse outcomes within 90 days postdischarge, including all-cause hospital readmissions, postoperative complications, emergency room visits, and mortality. We screened 108 candidate predictors, including demographics, social determinants of health, TSA indications, prior 12-month hospital, and skilled nursing home admissions, comorbidities measured by hierarchical conditional categories, and prior orthopedic device-related complications. We used two approaches to reduce the number of predictors based on 80% of the data: 1) the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator logistic regression and 2) the machine-learning-based cross-validation approach, with the resulting predictor sets being assessed in the remaining 20% of the data. A scoring system was created based on the final regression models' coefficients, and score cutoff points were determined for low, medium, and high-risk patients.

RESULTS

A total of 208,634 TSA cases were included. There was a 6.8% hospital readmission rate with 11.2% of cases having at least one postoperative adverse outcome. Fifteen covariates were identified for predicting hospital readmission with the area under the curve of 0.70, and 16 were selected to predict any adverse postoperative outcome (area under the curve = 0.75). The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator and machine learning approaches had similar performance. Advanced age and a history of fracture due to orthopedic devices are among the top predictors of hospital readmissions and other adverse outcomes. The score range for hospital readmission and an adverse postoperative outcome was 0 to 48 and 0 to 79, respectively. The cutoff points for the low, medium, and high-risk categories are 0-9, 10-14, ≥15 for hospital readmissions, and 0-11, 12-16, ≥17 for the composite outcome.

CONCLUSION

Based on Medicare fee-for-service claims data, this study presents a preoperative risk stratification tool to assess hospital readmission or adverse surgical outcomes following TSA. Further investigation is warranted to validate these tools in a variety of diverse demographic settings and improve their predictive performance.

Identifying risk factors for 30-day readmission after outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty to aid in patient selection

Background

A recent meta-analysis comparing inpatient and outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) showed no statistically significant differences in complications, readmissions, revisions, and infections. However, there remains no research on the appropriate patient selection for outpatient TSA surgeries. This retrospective review seeks to aid surgeons in refining a safe patient selection algorithm by evaluating risk factors through a large database analysis of TSA surgeries.

Methods

Patients who underwent TSA between 2015 and 2020 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients with a hospital stay of 0 days were designated as outpatient procedures. Multivariate analyses were used to determine risk factors for 30-day readmission following outpatient TSA and whether risk factors remained significant following overnight hospital stay.

Results

A total of 2431 outpatient TSA patients were identified. The incidence of 30-day readmission was 1.8%. The majority of readmissions were due to pulmonary complications. The clinically significant risk factors for 30-day readmission were chronic steroid use (odds ratio [OR] 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-9.43; P = .011), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.16-8.34; P = .024), and current smoking status (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.02-5.03; P = .045). After overnight hospital stay, chronic steroid use and current smoking status were not significant, but COPD remained significant.

Conclusion

Patients with chronic steroid use, COPD, or current smoking status are at increased risk for 30-day readmission. Inpatient hospital stay appears to benefit patients with chronic steroid use and current smoking status. Patients with COPD should be admitted for inpatient stay postoperatively but may still have high 30-day readmission rates following discharge.

Safety considerations with the current ambulatory trends: more complicated procedures and more complicated patients

In the last quarter of a century, the backdrop of appropriate ambulatory and office-based surgeries has changed dramatically. Procedures that were traditionally done in hospitals or patients being admitted after surgery are migrating to the outpatient setting and being discharged on the same day, respectively, at a remarkable rate. In the face of this exponential growth, anesthesiologists are constantly being challenged to maintain patient safety by understanding the appropriate patient selection, procedure, and surgical location. Recently published literature supports the trend of higher, more medically complex patients, and more complicated procedures shifting towards the outpatient arena. Several reasons that may account for this include cost incentives, advancement in anesthesia techniques, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, and increased patient satisfaction. Anesthesiologists must understand that there is a lack of standardized state regulations regarding ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and office-based surgery (OBS) centers. Current and recently graduated anesthesiologists should be aware of the safety concerns related to the various non-hospital-based locations, the sustained growth and demand for anesthesia in the office, and the expansion of mobile anesthesia practices in the US in order to keep up and practice safely with the professional trends. Continuing procedural ambulatory shifts will require ongoing outcomes research, likely prospective in nature, on these novel outpatient procedures, in order to develop risk stratification and prediction models for the selection of the proper patient, procedure, and surgery location.

Prospective cohort study of same-day discharge shoulder arthroplasty in patients of 85 years and younger

Introduction

Shoulder arthroplasty is mostly performed as an inpatient procedure. Same-day discharge arthroplasty has shown positive results in hip and knee surgery. Primary objective of this study was to investigate whether a safe and satisfactory same-day discharge (SDD) can be predicted with a set of easy to use predefined criteria, without increasing complications and re-admissions.

Methods

This study was a prospective cohort study. Patient selection criteria were: <85 years old, ASA 1, 2, and mild ASA 3. Primary outcome variables were successful SDD, complications, re-admissions and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome scores. The results are compared with the inpatient cohort.

Results

In total, 163 patients were treated for elective shoulder arthroplasty. Of which 51 patients were selected for same-day discharge arthroplasty. 94% of pre-planned same-day discharge arthroplasty patients were discharged on the day of surgery. In the same-day discharge group, there were no complications related to the early discharge and a 2% readmission rate as opposed to a 3% readmission rate in the inpatient group. Surgery related as well as medical complications did not differ between the same-day discharge and inpatient cohort.

Discussion

Same-day discharge shoulder arthroplasty is a safe and satisfying treatment option in selected patient groups.

Abnormal preoperative leukocyte counts and postoperative complications following total shoulder arthroplasty

Background

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has become the mainstay of treatment for degenerative glenohumeral arthritis, proximal humerus fracture, and rotator cuff arthropathy. The expanding indications for reverse TSA have increased the overall demand for TSA. This necessitates higher quality preoperative testing and risk stratification. White blood cell counts can be obtained from routine preoperative complete blood count testing. The association between abnormal preoperative white blood cell counts and postoperative complications has not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between abnormal preoperative leukocyte counts and 30-day postoperative complications following TSA.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent TSA between 2015-2020. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical characteristics, and 30-day postoperative complication data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify postoperative complications associated with preoperative leukopenia and leukocytosis.

Results

In this study, 23,341 patients were included: 20,791 (89.1%) were in the normal cohort, 1307 (5.6%) were in the leukopenia cohort, and 1243 (5.3%) were in the leukocytosis cohort. Preoperative leukopenia was significantly associated with higher rates of bleeding transfusions (P = .011), deep vein thrombosis (P = .037), and non-home discharge (P = .041). After controlling for significant patient variables, preoperative leukopenia was independently associated with higher rates of bleeding transfusions (odds ratios [OR] 1.55, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.08-2.23; P = .017) and deep vein thrombosis (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.07-4.78; P = .033). Preoperative leukocytosis was significantly associated with higher rates of pneumonia (P < .001), pulmonary embolism (P = .004), bleeding transfusions (P < .001), sepsis (P = .007), septic shock (P < .001), readmission (P < .001), and non-home discharge (P < .001). After controlling for significant patient variables, preoperative leukocytosis was independently associated with higher rates of pneumonia (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.30-3.75; P = .004), pulmonary embolism (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.17-5.04; P = .017), bleeding transfusions (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.46-2.72; P < .001), sepsis (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.20-7.25; P = .018), septic shock (OR 4.91, 95% CI 1.38-17.53; P = .014), readmission (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.03-1.79; P = .030), and non-home discharge (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.35-1.92; P < .001).

Conclusion

Preoperative leukopenia is independently associated with higher rates of deep vein thrombosis within 30 days following TSA. Preoperative leukocytosis is independently associated with higher rates of pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, bleeding transfusion, sepsis, septic shock, readmission, and non-home discharge within 30 days following TSA. Understanding the predictive value of abnormal preoperative lab values will aid in perioperative risk stratification and minimize postoperative complications.

Outpatient shoulder arthroplasty in the COVID-19 era: 90-day complications and risk factors

BACKGROUND

With the COVID-19 pandemic placing an increased burden on health care systems, shoulder arthroplasties are more commonly being performed as outpatient procedures. The purpose of this study was to characterize the 90-day episode-of-care complications of consecutive shoulder arthroplasties defaulted for outpatient surgery without using a prior algorithm for patient selection and to assess for their risk factors. We hypothesized that outpatient shoulder arthroplasty would be a safe procedure for all patients, regardless of patient demographics and comorbidities.

METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent planned outpatient anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty between March 2020 and January 2022 with 3-month follow-up was performed. All patients were scheduled for outpatient surgery regardless of medical comorbidities. Patient demographics; pre/postoperative patient-reported outcomes including visual analog scale, subjective shoulder value, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; pre/postoperative range of motion; and complications were collected from medical chart review. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of the following outcomes: 1. Unplanned overnight hospital stay, 2. 90-day unplanned emergency department (ED)/clinic visit, 3. 90-day hospital readmission, 4. 90-day complications requiring revision.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-seven patients (47% male, 17% tobacco users, 18% diabetics) with a mean age 69 ± 9 years were identified, of whom 92 underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and 35 underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. All patient-reported outcomes and range of motion were significantly improved at 3 months. There were 15 unplanned overnight hospital stays (11.8%) after the procedure. Within 90 days postoperatively, there were 17 unplanned ED/clinic visits (13.4%), 7 hospital readmissions (5.5%), and 4 complications requiring revision (3.1%). Factors predictive of unplanned overnight stay included age above 70 years (odds ratio [OR], 36.80 [95% confidence interval [CI], 2.20-615.49]; P = .012), tobacco use (OR, 12.90 [95% CI, 1.23-135.31]; P = .033), and American Society of Anesthesiologists status of 3 (OR, 13.84 [95% CI, 1.22-156.57]; P = .034). The only factor predictive of unplanned ED/clinic visit was age over 70 years old (OR, 7.52 [95% CI, 1.26-45.45]; P = .027). No factors were predictive of 90-day hospital readmission or revision.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient shoulder arthroplasty is a safe procedure with excellent outcomes and low rates of readmissions and can be considered as the default plan for all patient undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. Patients who are above 70 years of age, use tobacco, and have ASA score of 3, however, may be less suitable for outpatient arthroplasty and should be counseled regarding the higher risk of unplanned overnight hospitalization.

Clinical care pathways for ambulatory total shoulder arthroplasty

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is growing in popularity and is increasingly done on an ambulatory basis. This review examines recent developments in anesthesia and analgesia for ambulatory shoulder surgery. Pathway components are discussed and a sample pathway is described.

RECENT FINDINGS

Adoption of pathways for shoulder surgery improves patient experience by reducing pain, opioid use, and side effects while improving patient satisfaction. Long-acting nerve blockade using adjuvants like dexamethasone provide long-lasting analgesia without rebound pain. Peripheral nerve blockade provides better analgesia than peri-articular injection of local anesthetic. There are multiple approaches to nerve blockade for shoulder surgery to consider, including interscalene, superior trunk, supraclavicular, and anterior suprascapular nerve blocks. Multimodal analgesia should include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but routine gabapentinoids should not be used.

SUMMARY

Anesthesiologists should lead the way to create and implement pathways for ambulatory total shoulder arthroplasty, incorporating appropriate patient selection, patient education, long-lasting nerve blockade, and multimodal analgesia.

The resiliency of elective total shoulder arthroplasty case volumes in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide temporal trends analysis

BACKGROUND

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is one of the fastest growing procedures in terms of volume performed in hospitals in the United States. In 2020, elective surgery was suspended nationwide as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, and the use trends in the wake of the pandemic have yet to be evaluated substantially. Nationwide case volume reduction for TSA is unknown; therefore, the aim of this study is to compare patient demographics, complications, and temporal trends in case volume of elective TSA in the calendar year 2019 (prepandemic) to 2020 in the United States.

METHODS

Using a multicenter, nationwide representative sample from 2019 to 2020, a retrospective query was conducted for all patients undergoing elective TSA. Patients undergoing surgery pre-COVID (2019 and 2020 Q1) were compared to those during COVID (2020 Q2-Q4). Temporal trends in case volumes were compared between time frames. TSA use, patient demographics, complications, and length of stay were compared between years. Linear regression was used to evaluate for changes in the case volume over the study period. A statistical significance threshold of P <.05 was used.

RESULTS

In total, 9667 patients underwent elective TSA in 2019 (n = 5342) and 2020 (n = 4325). The proportion of patients who underwent outpatient TSA in 2020 was significantly greater than the year prior (20.6% vs. 13.9%; P < .001). Overall, elective TSA case volume declined by 19.0% from 2019 to 2020. There was no significant difference in the volume of cases in 2019 Q1 (n = 1401) through 2020 Q1 (n = 1296) (P = .216). However, elective TSA volumes declined by 54.6% in 2020 Q2. Elective TSA case volumes recovered to prepandemic baseline in 2020 Q3 and 2020 Q4. The average length of stay was comparable in 2020 vs. 2019 (1.29 vs. 1.32 days; P = .371), with the proportion of same-day discharge increasing per quarter from 2019 to 2020 (from 11.8% to 26.8% of annual cases). There was no significant difference in the total complication rates in 2019 (4.6%) vs. 2020 (4.9%) (P = .441).

CONCLUSION

Using a nationwide sample, elective TSA precipitously declined during the second quarter of 2020. Patient demographics of those undergoing elective TSA in 2020 were similar in comorbidity burden. A large proportion of surgeries were transitioned to the outpatient setting, with rates of same-day discharge doubling over the study period despite no change in overall complication rates.