Perioperative Factors Affecting the Length of Hospitalization After Shoulder Arthroplasty

To determine factors related to length of hospitalization after shoulder arthroplasty.

A retrospective review identified patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty between 2009 and 2012 at our institution. Factors were evaluated for their association with hospitalization length in a univariate model. Diagnoses were categorized into four groups: (1) osteoarthritis, cuff tear arthropathy, massive rotator cuff tear, or osteonecrosis; (2) acute fracture or fracture sequelae; (3) inflammatory arthropathy; and (4) failed shoulder arthroplasty. Significant factors were then evaluated using a multivariate model.

Four hundred twenty-five shoulder arthroplasties were identified (average age, 66.9 years). Arthroplasty type significantly affected hospitalization length. Significant factors for increased hospitalization using multivariate analysis were diabetes mellitus, American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or 4, acute fracture or fracture sequelae diagnosis, inflammatory arthropathy, and a blood transfusion.

Independent factors using multivariate analysis are diabetes, an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3, fracture or fracture sequelae, inflammatory arthritis, and a perioperative blood transfusion.

Level III therapeutic study.