Safety and Cost Effectiveness of Outpatient Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

Planned Glenoid Implant Utilization: A Comparison of Preoperative Planning with and Without Computer-Assisted Navigation

BACKGROUND

Preoperative planning for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is becoming increasingly common. While preoperative planning allows surgeons to determine individualized implant types, utilization of intraoperative navigation improves the accuracy of implant placement and may increase confidence in the preoperative plan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the rate at which surgeons use a glenoid implant different than their preoperative plan with and without the use of computer navigation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a multicenter prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty database was conducted between 2016 and 2022. Inclusion criteria were primary aTSA or rTSA with an available preoperative plan and record of the actual implant used. Change in glenoid implant was defined as a deviation in the final implant from the preoperative plan in regard to backside shape (nonaugmented vs augment or differing augment shape).

RESULTS

We included 1,915 shoulder arthroplasties (525 aTSA, 1,390 rTSA) performed with preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation and 110 shoulder athroplasties (37 aTSA, 73 rTSA) performed with preoperative planning alone. Overall, the final glenoid implant deviated from the preoperative plan less frequently when intraoperative navigation was used compared with preoperative planning alone (1.9% [n = 36] versus 7.3% [n = 8], P = 0.002). When stratified by procedure, deviation from the preoperative plan occurred significantly less for rTSA when preoperative planning was used with intraoperative navigation versus planning alone (2% [n = 29] versus 11% [n = 8], P < 0.001; OR = 0.17 [95% CI = 0.07 to 0.46]), but not aTSA (1% [n = 7] versus 0% [n = 0], P = 1). Use of intraoperative navigation was independently associated with lower odds of deviation from the preoperative plan on multivariable logistic regression (OR = 0.25 [95% CI = 0.11 to 0.56], P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Use of intraoperative navigation is associated with increased adherence to the preoperative plan for primary rTSA. Use of navigation may increase surgeon confidence despite known limitations of glenoid visualization during this procedure. This may offer advantages in outpatient surgery centers and smaller hospitals where inventory space may be limited.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Ⅲ, retrospective cohort study.

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.

Delayed elective total shoulder arthroplasty: causes and eventual outcomes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for delays in planned total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and determine the perioperative outcomes of TSAs that experienced a delay.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2006 to 2019 for primary TSA. Delayed TSA was defined as surgery that occurred greater than one day after hospital admission. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and post-operative complications were collected and compared; the incidence of delayed TSA was analyzed.

RESULTS

The delayed patients were older, had a higher BMI, a higher rate of recent prior major surgery, and more comorbidities. Delayed patients had higher rates of postoperative complications, return to the OR, and 30-day readmission. Between 2006 and 2019, the rate of delayed TSA decreased.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons should take care to ensure that patients with comorbidities undergo thorough preoperative clearance to prevent same-day cancellations and postoperative complications.

Accuracy of machine learning to predict the outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) uses computer systems to simulate cognitive capacities to accomplish goals like problem-solving and decision-making. Machine learning (ML), a branch of AI, makes algorithms find connections between preset variables, thereby producing prediction models. ML can aid shoulder surgeons in determining which patients may be susceptible to worse outcomes and complications following shoulder arthroplasty (SA) and align patient expectations following SA. However, limited literature is available on ML utilization in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse TSA.

METHODS

A systematic literature review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was performed to identify primary research articles evaluating ML's ability to predict SA outcomes. With duplicates removed, the initial query yielded 327 articles, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 articles that had at least 1 month follow-up time were included.

RESULTS

ML can predict 30-day postoperative complications with a 90% accuracy, postoperative range of motion with a higher-than-85% accuracy, and clinical improvement in patient-reported outcome measures above minimal clinically important differences with a 93%-99% accuracy. ML can predict length of stay, operative time, discharge disposition, and hospitalization costs.

CONCLUSION

ML can accurately predict outcomes and complications following SA and healthcare utilization. Outcomes are highly dependent on the type of algorithms used, data input, and features selected for the model.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Same-day discharge vs. inpatient total shoulder arthroplasty: an age stratified comparison of postoperative outcomes and hospital charges

BACKGROUND

As the number of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) procedures increases, there is a growing interest in improving patient outcomes, limiting costs, and optimizing efficiency. One approach has been to transition these surgeries to an outpatient setting. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct an age-stratified analysis comparing the 90-day postoperative outcomes of primary TSA in the same-day discharge (SDD) and inpatient (IP) settings with a specific focus on the super-elderly.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all patients who underwent primary anatomic or reverse TSA between January 2018 and December 2021 in ambulatory and IP settings. The outcome measures included length of stay (LOS), complications, hospital charges, emergency department (ED utilization), readmissions, and reoperations within 90 days following TSA. Patients with LOS ≤8 hours were considered as SDD, and those with LOS >8 hours were considered as IP. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

There were 121 and 174 procedures performed in SDD and IP settings, respectively. There were no differences in comorbidity indices between the SDD and IP groups (American Society of Anesthesiologists score P = .12, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index P = .067). The SDD cohort was younger than the IP group (SDD 67.0 years vs. 73.0 IP years, P < .001), and the SDD group higher rate of intraoperative tranexamic acid use (P = .015) and lower estimated blood loss (P = .009). There were no differences in 90-day overall minor (P = .20) and major complications (P = 1.00), ED utilization (P = .63), readmission (P = .25), or reoperation (P = .51) between the SDD and IP groups. When stratified by age, there were no differences in overall major (P = .80) and minor (P = .36) complications among the groups. However, the LOS was directly correlated with increasing age (LOS = 8.4 hours in ≥65 to <75-year cohort vs. LOS = 25.9 hours in ≥80-year cohort; P < .001). There were no differences in hospital charges between SDD and IP primary TSA in all 3 age groups (P = .82).

CONCLUSION

SDD TSA has a shorter LOS without increasing postoperative major and minor complications, ED encounters, readmissions, or reoperations. Older age was not associated with an increase in the complication profile or hospital charges even in the SDD setting, although it was associated with increased LOS in the IP group. These results suggest that TSA can be safely performed expeditiously in an outpatient setting.

Patient-selection algorithm for outpatient shoulder arthroplasty in ambulatory surgery center: a retrospective update

BACKGROUND

Outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) presents a safe alternative to inpatient arthroplasty, while helping meet the rapidly rising volume of shoulder arthroplasty needs and minimizing health care costs. Identifying the correct patient for outpatient surgery is critical to maintaining the safety standards with TSA. This study sought to update an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) TSA patient-selection algorithm previously published by our institution.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of TSAs was performed in an ASC at a single institution to collect patient demographics, perioperative risk factors, and postoperative outcomes with regard to reoperations, hospital admissions, and complications. The existing ASC algorithm for outpatient TSA was altered based on collected perioperative information, review of pertinent literature, and anesthesiology recommendations.

RESULTS

A total of 319 TSAs were performed in an ASC in 298 patients over 7 years. Medically related complications occurred in 3 patients (0.9%) within 90 days of surgery, 2 of whom required hospital admission (0.6%) for acute kidney injury and pulmonary embolus. There were no instances of major cardiac events. Orthopedic-related complications occurred in 11 patients (3.4%), with hematoma development requiring evacuation and instability requiring revision being the most common causes.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a low rate of perioperative complications and hospital admissions, confirming the safety of TSAs in an ASC setting. Based on prior literature and the population included, a pre-existing patient-selection algorithm was updated to better reflect increased comfort, knowledge, and data regarding safe patient selection for TSA in an ASC.

Trends and outcomes of outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty after its removal from CMS's inpatient-only list

BACKGROUND

In January 2021, the US Medicare program approved reimbursement of outpatient total shoulder arthroplasties (TSA), including anatomic and reverse TSAs. It remains unclear whether shifting TSAs from the inpatient to outpatient setting has affected clinical outcomes. Herein, we describe the rate of outpatient TSA growth and compare inpatient and outpatient TSA complications, readmissions, and mortality.

METHODS

Medicare fee-for-service claims for 2019-2022Q1 were analyzed to identify the trends in outpatient TSAs and to compare 90-day postoperative complications, all-cause hospital readmissions, and mortality between outpatients and inpatients. Outpatient cases were defined as those discharged on the same day of the surgery. To reduce the COVID-19 pandemic's impact and selection bias, we excluded 2020Q2-Q4 data and used propensity scores to match 2021-2022Q1 outpatients with inpatients from the same period (the primary analysis) and from 2019-2020Q1 (the secondary analysis), respectively. We performed both propensity score-matched and -weighted multivariate analyses to compare outcomes between the two groups. Covariates included sociodemographics, preoperative diagnosis, comorbid conditions, the Hierarchical Condition Category risk score, prior year hospital/skilled nursing home admissions, annual surgeon volume, and hospital characteristics.

RESULTS

Nationally, the proportion of outpatient TSAs increased from 3% (619) in 2019Q1 to 22% (3456) in 2021Q1 and 38% (6778) in 2022Q1. A total of 55,166 cases were identified for the primary analysis (14,540 outpatients and 40,576 inpatients). Overall, glenohumeral osteoarthritis was the most common indication for surgery (70.8%), followed by rotator cuff pathology (14.6%). The unadjusted rates of complications (1.3 vs 2.4%, P < .001), readmissions (3.7 vs 6.1%, P < .001), and mortality (0.2 vs 0.4%, P = .024) were significantly lower among outpatient TSAs than inpatient TSAs. Using 1:1 nearest matching, 12,703 patient pairs were identified. Propensity score-matched multivariate analyses showed similar rates of postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, and mortality between outpatients and inpatients. Propensity score-weighted multivariate analyses resulted in similar conclusions. The secondary analysis showed a lower hospital readmission rate in outpatients (odds ratio: 0.8, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

There has been accelerated growth in outpatient TSAs since 2019. Outpatient and inpatient TSAs have similar rates of postoperative complication, hospital readmission, and mortality.

Citizens' perspectives on relocating care: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Healthcare systems around the world are facing large challenges. There are increasing demands and costs while at the same time a diminishing health workforce. Without reform, healthcare systems are unsustainable. Relocating care, for example, from hospitals to sites closer to patients' homes, is expected to make a key contribution to keeping healthcare sustainable. Given the significant impact of this initiative on citizens, we conducted a scoping review to provide insight into the factors that influence citizens' attitudes towards relocating care.

METHOD

A scoping review was conducted. The search was performed in the following databases: Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl, and Scopus. Articles had to include relocating healthcare and citizens' perspectives on this topic and the articles had to be about a European country with a strong primary care system. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 70 articles remained.

RESULTS

Factors positively influencing citizens' attitudes towards relocating care included: convenience, familiarity, accessibility, patients having more control over their disease, and privacy. Factors influencing negative attitudes included: concerns about the quality of care, familiarity, the lack of physical examination, contact with others, convenience, and privacy. Furthermore, in general, most citizens preferred to relocate care in the studies we found, especially from the hospital to care provided at home.

CONCLUSION

Several factors influencing the attitude of citizens towards relocating care were found. These factors are very important when determining citizens' preferences for the location of their healthcare. The majority of studies in this review reported that citizens are in favour of relocating care. In general citizens' perspectives on relocating care are very often missing in articles. It was significant that very few studies on relocation from the hospital to the general practitioner were identified.

Early morbidity and mortality after one-stage bilateral shoulder arthroplasty

PURPOSE

One-stage bilateral shoulder arthroplasty has the advantage of requiring a single hospital stay and a single anaesthesia. The topic has been little reported, unlike one stage bilateral hip and knee arthroplasty, which have demonstrated their interest. The aim of the present study was to determine peri- and early post-operative morbidity and mortality after this procedure. The study hypothesis was that peri- and early post-operative morbidity and mortality in one stage bilateral shoulder arthroplasty is low in selected patients and that satisfaction is high.

METHODS

A single-centre retrospective study assessed peri- and early post-operative morbidity and mortality in one stage bilateral shoulder arthroplasty. Twenty-one patients, aged < 80 years, with ASA score ≤ 3, were consecutively operated on between 1999 and 2020. Indications comprised primary osteoarthritis, aseptic osteonecrosis, inflammatory arthritis, massive rotator cuff tear, and dislocation fracture, involving both shoulders.

RESULTS

There were no early deaths. The complication rate was 10% (4/21 cases). No prosthesis dislocation or sepsis was reported. Mean blood loss was 145 ± 40 cc, mean surgery time 164 ± 63 min, and mean hospital stay five ± four days. Only one patient required postoperative transfusion. Functional results at six months showed significantly improved range of motion and good patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

One-stage bilateral shoulder arthroplasty was feasible in selected patients. Mortality was zero, and morbidity was low. Surgery time was reasonable and required no repositioning. Postoperative home help is indispensable for patient satisfaction during rehabilitation.

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with a nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid: 90-day complication profile in the inpatient versus outpatient setting

BACKGROUND

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a nonspherical humeral head component and inlay glenoid is a successful bone-preserving treatment for glenohumeral arthritis. This study aimed to describe the 90-day complication profile of TSA with this prosthesis and compare major and minor complication and readmission rates between inpatient- and outpatient-procedure patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing TSA with a nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid in the inpatient and outpatient settings by a single surgeon between 2017 and 2022. Age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and 90-day complication and readmission rates were compared between inpatient and outpatient groups.

RESULTS

One hundred eighteen TSAs in 111 patients were identified. Mean age was 64.9 years (range, 39-90) and 65% of patients were male. Ninety-four (80%) and 24 (20%) patients underwent outpatient and inpatient procedures, respectively. Four complications (3.4%) were recorded: axillary nerve stretch injury, isolated ipsilateral arm deep venous thrombosis (DVT), ipsilateral arm DVT with pulmonary embolism requiring readmission, and gastrointestinal bleed requiring readmission. There were no reoperations or other complications. Outpatients were younger with lower ASA and CCI scores than inpatients; however, there was no difference in complications (1/24 vs. 3/94, P=1.00) or readmissions (1/24 vs. 1/94, P=0.37) between these two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

TSA with a nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid can be performed safely in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Rates of early complications and readmissions were low with no difference according to surgical setting. Level of evidence: IV.

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.

Association between same-day discharge shoulder arthroplasty and risk of adverse events in patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists classification ≥3: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Same-day discharge for shoulder arthroplasty (SA) is well-supported in the literature; however, most studies have focused on healthier patients. Indications for same-day discharge SA have expanded to include patients with more comorbidities, but safety of same-day discharge in this population remains unknown. We sought to compare outcomes following same-day discharge vs. inpatient SA in a cohort of patients considered higher risk for adverse events, defined as an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of ≥3.

METHODS

Data from Kaiser Permanente's SA registry were utilized to conduct a retrospective cohort study. All patients with an ASA classification of ≥3 who underwent primary elective anatomic or reverse SA in a hospital from 2018 to 2020 were included. The exposure of interest was in-hospital length of stay: same-day discharge vs. ≥1-night hospital inpatient stay. The likelihood of 90-day post-discharge events, including emergency department (ED) visit, readmission, cardiac complication, venous thromboembolism, and mortality, was evaluated using propensity score-weighted logistic regression with noninferiority testing using a margin of 1.10.

RESULTS

The cohort included a total of 1814 SA patients, of whom 1005 (55.4%) had same-day discharge. In propensity score-weighted models, same-day discharge was not inferior to an inpatient stay SA regarding 90-day readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64, one-sided 95% upper bound [UB] = 0.89) and overall complications (OR = 0.67, 95% UB = 1.00). We lacked evidence in support of noninferiority for 90-day ED visit (OR = 0.96, 95% UB = 1.18), cardiac event (OR = 0.68, 95% UB = 1.11), or venous thromboembolism (OR = 0.91, 95% UB = 2.15). Infections, revisions for instability, and mortality were too rare to evaluate using regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of over 1800 patients with an ASA of ≥3, we found same-day discharge SA did not increase the likelihood of ED visits, readmissions, or complications compared with an inpatient stay, and same-day discharge was not inferior to an inpatient stay with regard to readmissions and overall complications. These findings suggest that it is possible to expand indications for same-day discharge SA in the hospital setting.

Costs of shoulder and elbow procedures are significantly reduced in ambulatory surgery centers compared to hospital outpatient departments

BACKGROUND

Recent literature has shown the advantages of outpatient surgery for many shoulder and elbow procedures, including cost savings with equivalent safety in appropriately selected patients. Two common settings for outpatient surgeries are ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), which function as independent financial and administrative entities, or hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs), which are owned and operated by hospital systems. The purpose of this study was to compare shoulder and elbow surgery costs between ASCs and HOPDs.

METHODS

Publicly available data from 2022 provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) was accessed via the Medicare Procedure Price Lookup Tool. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify shoulder and elbow procedures approved for the outpatient setting by CMS. Procedures were grouped into arthroscopy, fracture, or miscellaneous. Total costs, facility fees, Medicare payments, patient payment (costs not covered by Medicare), and surgeon's fees were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate means and standard deviations. Cost differences were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven CPT codes were identified. Arthroscopy procedures (n = 16) at ASCs had significantly lower total costs ($2667 ± $989 vs. $4899 ± $1917; P = .009), facility fees ($1974 ± $819 vs. $4206 ± $1753; P = .008), Medicare payments ($2133 ± $791 vs. $3919 ± $1534; P = .009), and patient payments ($533 ± $198 vs. $979 ± $383; P = .009) compared with HOPDs. Fracture procedures (n = 10) at ASCs had lower total costs ($7680 ± $3123 vs. $11,335 ± $3830; P = .049), facility fees ($6851 ± $3033 vs. $10,507 ± $3733; P = .047), and Medicare payments ($6143 ± $2499 vs. $9724 ± $3676; P = .049) compared with HOPDs, although patient payments were not significantly different ($1535 ± $625 vs. $1610 ± $160; P = .449). Miscellaneous procedures (n = 31) at ASCs had lower total costs ($4202 ± $2234 vs. $6985 ± $2917; P < .001), facility fees ($3348 ± $2059 vs. $6132 ± $2736; P < .001), Medicare payments ($3361 ± $1787 vs. $5675 ± $2635; P < .001), and patient payments ($840 ± $447 vs. $1309 ± $350; P < .001) compared with HOPDs. The combined cohort (n = 57) at ASCs had lower total costs ($4381 ± $2703 vs. $7163 ± $3534; P < .001), facility fees ($3577 ± $2570 vs. $6539.1 ± $3391; P < .001), Medicare payments ($3504 ± $2162 vs. $5892 ± $3206; P < .001), and patient payments ($875 ± $540 vs. $1269 ± $393; P < .001) compared with HOPDs.

CONCLUSION

Shoulder and elbow procedures performed at HOPDs for Medicare recipients were found to have average total cost increase of 164% compared with those performed at ASCs (184% savings for arthroscopy, 148% for fracture, and 166% for miscellaneous). ASC use conferred lower facility fees, patient payments, and Medicare payments. Policy efforts to incentivize migration of surgeries to ASCs may translate into substantial health care cost savings.

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.

Perioperative risk stratification tools for shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Risk stratification tools are being increasingly utilized to guide patient selection for outpatient shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to identify the existing calculators used to predict discharge disposition, postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, and patient candidacy for outpatient shoulder arthroplasty and to compare the specific components used to generate their prediction models.

METHODS

This review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis protocol. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and OVID Medline were searched for studies that developed calculators used to determine patient candidacy for outpatient surgery or predict discharge disposition, the risk of postoperative complications, and hospital readmissions after anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Reviews, case reports, letters to the editor, and studies including hemiarthroplasty cases were excluded. Data extracted included authors, year of publication, study design, patient population, sample size, input variables, comorbidities, method of validation, and intended purpose. The pros and cons of each calculator as reported by the respective authors were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eleven publications met inclusion criteria. Three tools assessed patient candidacy for outpatient TSA, 3 tools evaluated the risk of 30- or 90-day hospital readmission and postoperative complications, and 5 tools predicted discharge destination. Four calculators validated previously constructed comorbidity indices used as risk predictors after shoulder arthroplasty, including the Charlson Comorbidity Index, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, modified Frailty Index, and the Outpatient Arthroplasty Risk Assessment, while 7 developed newcalculators. Nine studies utilized multiple logistic regression to develop their calculators, while 1 study developed their algorithm based on previous literature and 1 used univariate analysis. Five tools were built using data from a single institution, 2 using data pooled from 2 institutions, and 4 from large national databases. All studies used preoperative data points in their algorithms with one tool additionally using intraoperative data points. The number of inputs ranged from 5 to 57 items. Four calculators assessed psychological comorbidities, 3 included inputs for substance use, and 1 calculator accounted for race.

CONCLUSION

The variation in perioperative risk calculators after TSA highlights the need for standardization and external validation of the existing tools. As the use of outpatient shoulder arthroplasty increases, these calculators may become outdated or require revision. Incorporation of socioeconomic and psychological measures into these calculators should be investigated.

Patient outcomes after revision total shoulder arthroplasty in an inpatient vs. outpatient setting

BACKGROUND

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is becoming an increasingly common surgical procedure for numerous shoulder conditions. The incidence of revision TSA is increasing because of the increase in primary TSA and the increased utilization of TSA in younger patients. Conducting revision TSA as an outpatient procedure would be beneficial in limiting expenditure and resource allocation but must show a similar complication profile compared to inpatient revision TSA in order to justify its clinical value. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of outpatient revision TSA to inpatient revision TSA and outpatient primary TSA.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2010-2019 to identify all patients who underwent revision TSA (n = 1456) in either an inpatient or outpatient setting, as well as patients who underwent primary TSA in an outpatient setting (n = 2630). Relevant demographic characteristics were compared between the outpatient revision group and both the inpatient revision and outpatient primary groups. Postoperative complications, readmission, and reoperation rates were also compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing inpatient revision TSA exhibited increased rates of preoperative hypertension (P = .013) and had increased prevalence of severe American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (P = .021) compared to patients undergoing outpatient revision TSA. Patients undergoing outpatient revision TSA were significantly more likely to experience complications (P < .001), have longer surgical times (P < .001), and undergo readmission (P = .006) and reoperation (P = .049) compared to patients undergoing outpatient primary TSA. There was no significant increase in rates of overall complication, readmission, or reoperation between patients undergoing revision TSA in an outpatient vs. an inpatient setting.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient revision TSA has higher complication rates, readmission, and reoperation rates compared to outpatient primary TSA, similar to previous findings when comparing revision and primary TSA done as an inpatient. However, there was no increased risk of complications, readmission, or reoperation for outpatient revision TSA compared to inpatient revision TSA. Outpatient revision TSA should be considered by orthopedic surgeons in patients who are medically healthy to undergo the procedure as an outpatient surgery.

Incidence and 30- and 90-day readmission rates after primary shoulder arthroplasty in the United States: an analysis using the National Readmissions Database

BACKGROUND

The field of shoulder arthroplasty has experienced a substantial increase in the number of procedures performed annually and a shift toward more common implantation of reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSAs). Same-day discharge is perceived as beneficial for most patients as well as our health care system, and the number of shoulder procedures performed as same-day surgery has increased substantially. However, the potential benefits of same-day discharge after shoulder arthroplasty may be negatively influenced by unexpected readmissions. As such, an in-depth analysis of readmission rates after primary shoulder arthroplasty is particularly timely.

METHODS

The National Readmissions Database was queried for primary shoulder arthroplasty procedures performed in the United States between 2016 and 2018. National incidences were calculated, and indications, patient demographic characteristics, comorbidities, facility characteristics, and rates and causes of 30- and 90-day readmissions were determined for all procedures and compared between anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), anatomic hemiarthroplasty (HA), and RSA.

RESULTS

During the study period, 336,672 primary shoulder arthroplasties were performed (37% TSAs, 57% RSAs, and 6% HAs). In 2018, national incidences per 100,000 inhabitants were 22.64 for RSA, 12.70 for TSA, and 1.50 for HA. The utilization of these procedures between 2016 and 2018 increased for RSA, decreased for HA, and remained constant for TSA, but these changes did not reach the level of statistical significance. The average all-cause 30-day readmission rates were 3.63%, 1.92%, and 3.81% for RSA, TSA, and HA, respectively, and the average all-cause 90-day readmission rates were 7.76%, 4.37%, and 9.18%, respectively. For both RSA and HA, the most common surgical diagnosis for 30-day and 90-day readmissions was dislocation (0.45% and 0.99%, respectively, for RSA and 0.21% and 0.67%, respectively, for HA). For TSA, the most common surgical diagnosis for 30-day readmission was infection (0.11%); however, this was surpassed by dislocation (0.28%) at 90 days.

CONCLUSION

RSA surpassed TSA as the most frequently performed shoulder arthroplasty procedure in the United States between 2016 and 2018. During this period, the 90-day readmission rate was not negligible, with dislocation and infection as the leading orthopedic causes of readmission.

Safety and short-term outcomes of anatomic vs. reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in an ambulatory surgery center

BACKGROUND

A scarcity of literature exists comparing outcomes of outpatient anatomic (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). This study was performed to compare early outcomes between the 2 procedures in a freestanding ambulatory surgery center (ASC) and to determine if the addition of preoperative interscalene nerve block (ISNB) with periarticular liposomal bupivacaine injection (PAI) in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) would improve outcomes over PAI alone.

METHODS

Medical charts of all patients undergoing outpatient primary aTSA or rTSA at 2 ASCs from 2012 to 2020 were reviewed. A total of 198 patients were ultimately identified (117 aTSA and 81 rTSA) to make up this retrospective cohort study. Patient demographics, PACU outcomes, complications, readmissions, reoperations, calls to the office, and unplanned clinic visit rates were compared between procedures. PACU outcomes were compared between those receiving ISNB with PAI and those receiving PAI alone.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing rTSA were older (61.1 vs. 55.7 years, P < .001) and more likely to have American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3 (51.9% vs. 41.0%, P = .050) compared to patients having aTSA. No patient required an overnight stay. Time in the PACU before discharge (89.1 vs. 95.6 minutes, P = .231) and pain scores at discharge (3.0 vs. 3.0, P = .815) were similar for aTSA and rTSA, respectively. One intraoperative complication occurred in the aTSA group (posterior humeral circumflex artery injury) and 1 in the rTSA group (calcar fracture) (P = .793). Ninety-day postoperative total complication (7.7% vs. 7.4%), shoulder-related complication (6.0% vs. 6.2%), medical-related complication (1.7% vs. 1.2%), admission (0.8% vs. 2.5%), reoperation (2.6% vs. 1.2%), and unplanned clinic visit (6.0% vs. 6.1%) rates were similar between aTSA and rTSA, respectively (P ≥ .361 for all comparisons). At 1 year, there were 8 reoperations and 15 complications in the aTSA group compared with 1 reoperation and 8 complications in the rTSA group (P = .091 and P = .818, respectively). Patients who had ISNB spent less time in PACU (75 vs. 97 minutes, P < .001), had less pain at discharge (0.2 vs. 3.9, P < .001), and consumed less oral morphine equivalents in the PACU (1.2 vs. 16.6 mg, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Early postoperative outcomes and complication rates were similar between the 2 groups, and all patients were successfully discharged home the day of surgery. The addition of preoperative ISNB led to more efficient discharge from the ASC with less pain in the PACU.

Regional anaesthesia: what surgical procedures, what blocks and availability of a “block room”?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With an expected rise in day care procedures with enhanced recovery programs, the use of specific regional anaesthesia can be useful. In this review, we will provide insight in the used regional block and medication so far known and its applicability in a day care setting.

RECENT FINDINGS

Regional anaesthesia has been improved with the aid of ultrasound-guided placement. However, it is not commonly used in the outpatient setting. Old, short acting local anaesthetics have found a second life and may be especially beneficial in the ambulatory setting replacing more long-acting local anaesthetics such as bupivacaine.To improve efficiency, a dedicated block room may facilitate the performance of regional anaesthesia. However, cost-efficacy for improved operating time, patient care and hospital efficiency has to be established.

SUMMARY

Regional anaesthesia has proven to be beneficial in ambulatory setting. Several short acting local anaesthetics are favourable over bupivacaine in the day care surgery. And if available, there are reports of the benefit of an additional block room used in a parallel (monitored) care of patients.

Comparing bupivacaine alone to liposomal bupivacaine plus bupivacaine in interscalene blocks for total shoulder arthroplasty: a randomized, non-inferiority trial

Introduction

Interscalene brachial plexus blocks are a commonly performed procedure to reduce pain following total shoulder arthroplasty. Liposomal bupivacaine has been purported to prolong the duration of brachial plexus blocks for up to 72 hours; however, there has been controversy surrounding the analgesic benefits of this drug. Our hypothesis was that an interscalene block performed with bupivacaine alone would be non-inferior to a combination of liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine with respect to opioid consumption following total shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

Subjects presenting for primary total shoulder arthroplasty were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to an ultrasound-guided, single-injection interscalene block with either a combination of liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine (LB group) or bupivacaine without additive (Bupi group). The primary outcome of this study was 72-hour postoperative cumulative opioid consumption (in oral morphine equivalents) with a non-inferiority margin of 22.5 mg. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, patient satisfaction with analgesia and patient reported duration of sensory block.

Results

Seventy-six subjects, 38 from the Bupi group and 38 from the LB group, completed the study. Analysis of the primary outcome showed a 72-hour cumulative geometric mean oral morphine equivalent consumption difference of 11.9 mg (95% CI −6.9 to 30.8) between groups (calculated on the log scale). This difference constitutes approximately 1.5 tablets of oxycodone over 3 days. No secondary outcomes showed meaningful differences between groups.

Discussion

Interscalene brachial plexus blocks performed with bupivacaine alone did not demonstrate non-inferiority compared to a mixture of liposomal bupivacaine plus bupivacaine with regards to 72-hour cumulative opioid consumption following total shoulder arthroplasty. However, the difference between groups did not appear to be clinically meaningful.

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 transition to outpatient shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Transitioning shoulder arthroplasty (SA) from an inpatient to outpatient procedure is associated with increased patient satisfaction and potentially decreased costs; however, concerns exist about complications following same-day discharge. We hypothesized that outpatient SA would be associated with low rates of failed discharges, readmissions, and complications, rendering it a safe and effective option for SA.

METHODS

A systematic review of the outpatient SA literature identified 16 of 447 studies with level III and IV evidence that met the inclusion criteria with at least 90 days of follow-up. Data on patient demographic characteristics, preoperative and postoperative protocols, surgery characteristics, failed discharges, complications, and readmissions were collected and pooled for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 990 patients were included in our analysis. Many studies identified specific institutional protocols for determining eligibility for outpatient SA, including preoperative clearance from an anesthesiologist; identification of a perioperative caretaker; and exclusion of patients based on cardiac, pulmonary, or hematologic risk factors. Failed same-day discharge occurred in only 0.9% of patients (7 of 788), and 2.1% of patients (9 of 418) and 0.79% of patients (2 of 252) presented to an emergency department or urgent care facility for a perioperative concern. The readmission rate for periprosthetic fracture, arthrofibrosis, infection, subscapularis rupture, and anterior subluxation was 1.3% (7 of 529 patients). Complications occurred in 7.0% of patients (70 of 990), with 5.4% of patients (53 of 990) experiencing a surgical complication and 1.7% (17 of 990) having a medical complication. There were 28 total reoperations (2.9%, 28 of 955 patients).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Outpatient SA is associated with low rates of failed discharges, readmissions, and complications. Additionally, the medical and surgical complications that occur after outpatient SA are unlikely to be prevented by the short inpatient stay characteristic of traditional SA. With careful screening measures to identify appropriate candidates for same-day discharge, outpatient SA represents a safe approach to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and to decrease costs associated with SA.