Outcomes, complications, utilization trends, and risk factors for primary and revision total elbow replacement

Using a validated database, 30-day complications of primary and revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) were analyzed to identify risk factors of adverse events.

Primary and revision TEAs from 2007 to 2013 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors for 30-day adverse events were assessed using preoperative and intraoperative variables.

The study reviewed 189 primary and 53 revision TEA patients. Fracture (34%), osteoarthritis (24%), and rheumatoid arthritis (23%) were the most common indications for TEA. Adverse event rate was similar in primary and revision TEA (12% vs. 15%; P = .49), and infectious complications occurred in 3.2% of primary TEAs and 7.5% of revision TEAs (P = .23). Bivariate analysis of risk factors for 30-day adverse events identified dependent functional status in primary TEA (P = .03) and age in revision TEA (P = .02). Multivariate analysis of primary TEA revealed that adverse events were significantly less likely with rheumatoid arthritis compared with osteoarthritis etiology (odds ratio, 0.15; P = .02), and smoking was associated with an increased chance of infection (odds ratio, 6.96; P = .03). Revision TEA was not associated with an increased 30-day adverse event or infection rate compared with primary TEA in multivariate analysis. Among primary and revision TEA patients, dependent functional status (P = .02) and hypertension (P = .04) were independent predictors for adverse events.

Modifiable risk factors should be addressed before TEA to limit postoperative complications as well as cost. The risk of short-term complications after revision TEA is comparable to that of primary TEA.