Preoperative indications for total shoulder arthroplasty predict adverse postoperative complications.

BackgroundAlthough studies have shown improved pain, function, and patient satisfaction after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), preoperative factors predicting poor outcomes are unexplored. Comparison of postoperative complications between osteoarthritis (OA), cuff arthropathy (CA), and fracture patients is important for identifying at-risk patients.MethodsPrimary TSAs from 2014 to 2016 with preoperative OA, CA, and proximal humerus fractures as indications were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Short-interval postoperative complications were compared using multivariate binary logistic regression, and postoperative time to discharge between groups was analyzed using univariate analysis of variance with Tukey comparison. Statistical significance was defined as P ResultsOf 9684 TSA cases, the primary indication was OA in 6571 patients, CA in 725 patients, and fractures in 646 patients. Compared with fractures, OA patients had statistically significant lower risk of dislocation, readmission, return to operating room, nonhome discharge, surgical site infection, perioperative bleeding requiring transfusion, and pulmonary embolism (all P P P = .01) and surgical site infection (odds ratio, 3.7; P = .007) were significant. Mean differences in discharge time were significant between both OA and CA groups compared with fractures (P P = .116).ConclusionProximal humerus fracture is a risk factor for increased postoperative complications compared with OA and CA. With new outcomes-based reimbursement models, nonroutine discharge and increased discharge time should be considered in arthroplasty planning.