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Pulmonary embolism following shoulder arthroplasty
John W Sperling1, Robert H Cofield
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55902, USA. sperling.john@mayo.edu
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|November 14, 2002
Summary
Pulmonary embolism is an uncommon complication following shoulder arthroplasty. Surgeons should maintain a high suspicion for pulmonary embolism in patients experiencing respiratory issues post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Complications
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) risk is well-documented after knee and hip arthroplasty.
- Limited data exists on PE incidence following shoulder arthroplasty.
- This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding PE after shoulder replacement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) after shoulder arthroplasty.
- To assess the incidence of this serious complication in a large patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 2885 primary shoulder arthroplasty cases.
- Data collected from June 1981 to June 2001.
- Identification of all patients who developed pulmonary embolism post-operatively.
Main Results:
- Five cases of pulmonary embolism were identified among 2885 patients.
- Three patients presented with symptoms initially misattributed to other causes.
- No fatal pulmonary embolism events were recorded in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary embolism is an infrequent complication of shoulder arthroplasty.
- High clinical suspicion is crucial for diagnosing PE in patients with post-operative respiratory distress.
- Early recognition and management are vital for improving patient outcomes.