Predictors of Readmission and Reoperation Following Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients Under 45 Years of Age.

Abstract

Background: The use of shoulder arthroplasty has increased among all age groups, albeit most prominently in older patients. While previous studies have investigated predictors of short-term readmission and reoperation in the general population, there is a paucity of literature available on these in patients under 45 years of age. This study aimed to identify the predictors of 30-day readmission and reoperation following shoulder arthroplasty in patients under 45 years of age.

Methods: A retrospective query in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2011 to 2019 was used to identify patients who underwent primary reverse and anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of 30-day readmission and reoperation.

Results: A total of 530 patients were included. Multivariate regression revealed that Black race and Hispanic ethnicity were independent predictors of readmission. Functional dependence, hypertension requiring medication, and prolonged length of stay predicted reoperation. Finally, low hematocrit and prolonged length of stay predicted morbidity.

Discussion: Identifying and accounting for these risk factors for poor outcomes may help improve perioperative risk stratification. As a result, these findings have the potential to reduce healthcare costs associated with readmission and reoperation following shoulder arthroplasty in young patients. Our results also highlight the underlying disparities in healthcare outcomes among racial and ethnic groups that must be considered.