Shoulder Arthroplasty as a Day Case: Is It Better?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Shoulder arthroplasty traditionally involves inpatient stays due to post-operative pain management.
• Previous studies on outpatient TSA had short follow-up periods and limited outcome assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty performed as a day case versus traditional inpatient procedures.
• To evaluate long-term complication rates, functional recovery, and patient-reported pain.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-controlled study comparing day case and inpatient shoulder arthroplasty.
• Primary outcome: uneventful recovery (no complications/readmission within 6 months).
• Secondary outcomes: functional scores and pain assessments at multiple time points up to 2 years.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in complications, hospitalizations, or revisions at 2-year follow-up.
• Outpatients showed better functional improvements and range of motion at 6 weeks and 6 months.
• Inpatients reported less severe and less frequent pain at night at 24 weeks and preferred inpatient care for future procedures.

Conclusions:

• Shoulder arthroplasty as a day case is a safe and effective option for selected patients with comparable long-term results to inpatient care.
• Outpatient procedures yield superior functional outcomes but may involve increased short-term pain.
• Both patient groups expressed a preference for inpatient treatment for future shoulder arthroplasty procedures.