Outpatient shoulder arthroplasty: outcomes, complications, and readmissions in 2 outpatient settings

There is currently a paucity of non-database studies looking at safety and outcomes after outpatient shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to report our initial safety experience with outpatient shoulder arthroplasty including 90-day complications and readmissions. Our hypothesis was that the rate of early complications after outpatient shoulder arthroplasty would be low and similar to that of inpatient procedures regardless of outpatient setting.

We analyzed 50 consecutive patients who underwent outpatient shoulder arthroplasties (44 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties, 4 reverse total shoulder arthroplasties, and 2 hemiarthroplasties) from 2014-2017. The readmission rate and complications were recorded. All patients were available for minimum 3-month follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and visual analog scale scores were recorded.

The average age was 56.9 ± 6.9 years; average body mass index, 29.75 ± 5.9; and average Charleston Comorbidity Index, 1.6 ± 1.2. There were 6 complications (12%) (hematoma, deep venous thrombosis, axillary nerve injury, acute infection, and 2 subscapularis failures). Only 4 occurred within the 90-day global period, and only 1 patient required readmission. Our subscapularis failures occurred after 3 months postoperatively and required additional surgery (arthroscopic repair and revision to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty). At last follow-up, all had significant improvements (P < .001) in range of motion and functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and visual analog scale scores). No difference in the complications and functional outcomes was found between the patients based on their surgical setting.

Outpatient shoulder arthroplasty is a safe option for appropriately selected patients. No difference in complications and outcomes occurs regardless of outpatient setting.