Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER
Authors
1
Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY 10461
2
Montefiore Medical Center - Department of Orthopedic Surgery Bronx, New York 10461
3
Albert Einstein College of Medicine Department of Epidemiology & Population Health Bronx, NY 10461
4
Montefiore Medical Center 1250 Waters Place Bronx, NY 10461
10.22038/abjs.2024.78325.3606
Abstract
Objectives:
Return to the Emergency Department (ED) within 90-days following arthroscopic shoulder surgery represents a potential source of increased healthcare expenditures. Understanding the risk factors could bring about interventions aimed at reducing its prevalence.
Methods:
A retrospective review of all shoulder arthroscopies undertaken at a single academic institution from February 2016 through November 2023 was performed. Patient demographics and surgical data, including age, diagnosis of mental health disorder, history of prior ipsi- and/or contralateral shoulder arthroscopy, insurance type, distance from home-to-clinic, socioeconomic status, operative time and nature of the arthroscopic procedure was collected. Patient visits to the ED within 12 months prior to surgery were recorded. Regression analysis was utilized to determine the independent predictors for 90-day postoperative ED return.
Results:
There were 584 total cases included in this study, of which 303 (52%) were women. The median age of the cohort was 57 years (IQR 51,62). There were 60 (10.3%) patients who experienced at least one unplanned return visit to the ED during the 90-day postoperative period comprising a total of 75 visits. Following multivariable analysis, a diagnosis of mental health disorder (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.50-4.75, P=0.001), an ED visit within 3 months of surgery (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.28-5.40, P=0.009), an ED visit between 3-6 months of surgery (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.41-5.54, P=0.003), and an ED visit between 6-12 months of surgery (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.07-3.66, P=0.029) was significantly associated with a 90-day unplanned postoperative ED visit. Finally, having >3 preoperative ED visits was significantly associated with a 90-day postoperative ED visit (OR 9.41, 95% CI 3.68-24.06, P<0.001).
Conclusions:
Patients with a history of mental health disorder and those with a visit to the ED within 12 months prior to the planned shoulder arthroscopy should be counseled preoperatively regarding appropriate direct contact with the treating surgical team following discharge to minimize postoperative 90-day ED visits.
Level of evidence: Level III (Retrospective cohort)
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