Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:We sought to identify the influence of shoulder arthroplasty (SA) type (primary anatomic, primary reverse, revision) and indication (fracture, arthritis) on the risk of postoperative packed red blood cell transfusion (pRBCT) and intravenous fluid bolus (IVFB). METHODS:Patients who underwent SA from 2013 through 2016 at our institution were categorized into four groups: primary anatomic (pTSA; N = 298), primary reverse (pRTSA; N = 292), revision (RevSA; N = 133), and shoulder arthroplasty for fracture (SAF; N = 58). Basic demographics, intraoperative metrics, preoperative lab values, and postoperative interventions (pRBCT and IVFB) were retrieved from electronic records. RESULTS:There were 781 SAs, of which 176 cases involved at least one postoperative intervention: pRBCT (6.3%) or IVFB (18.8%). Compared to pTSA, the odds of pRBCT in pRTSA, revSA, and SAF were: 3.0 (95% CI 0.9-10.0), 3.4 (95% CI 0.9-2.7), and 8.6 (95% CI 2.2-32.9), respectively. Independent risk factors for pRBCT included increasing age (p = 0.003), underweight body mass index (p = 0.019), Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 3 (p = 0.002), inpatient discharge to higher level of care (p = 0.011), estimated blood loss (p = 0.003), and preoperative hemoglobin (p ≤ 0.001). Also, compared to pTSA, the odds for IVFB in pRTSA, revSA, and SAF were: 2.8 (95% CI 1.7-4.6), 2.2 (95% CI 1.2-4.0), and 4.7 (95% CI 2.2-9.9), respectively. Other independent risk factors for IVFB included female sex (0.002), CCI ≥ 3 (p = 0.017), and operative time (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Shoulder arthroplasty for fracture is an independent risk factor for higher risk of postoperative pRBCT and IVFB.

Background/UNASSIGNED:The rate of mortality in surgical procedures involving the lumbar spine has historically been low, and as a result, there has been difficulty providing accurate quantitative mortality rates to patients in the preoperative planning phase. Awareness of these mortality rates is essential in reducing postoperative complications and improving outcomes. Additionally, mortality rates can be influenced by procedure type and patient profile, including demographics and comorbidities. The purpose of this study is to assess rates and risk factors associated with mortality in surgical procedures involving the lumbar spine using a large national database. Methods/UNASSIGNED:< .05 differences relative to the overall cohort. Results/UNASSIGNED:Mortality for all patients requiring surgery of the lumbar spine was 0.13%. Mortality based on procedure type was 0.105% for simple fusions, 0.321% for complex fusions, and 0.081% for decompression only. Increased mortality was observed demographically in patients who were male (odds ratio [OR]: 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-2.03), black (OR: 1.40; CI: 1.10-1.79), ages 65-74 (OR: 1.46; CI: 1.25-1.70), and age 75+ (OR: 2.70; CI: 2.30-3.17). Comorbidities associated with the greatest increase in mortality were mild (OR: 10.04; CI: 7.76-13.01) and severe (OR: 26.47; CI: 16.03-43.70) liver disease and congestive heart failure (OR: 4.57; CI: 3.77-5.53). The complications with the highest mortality rates were shock (OR: 20.67; CI: 13.89-30.56) and pulmonary embolism (OR: 20.15; CI: 14.01-29.00). Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:From 2003 to 2012, the overall mortality rate in 803,949 lumbar spine surgery patients was 0.13%. Risk factors that were significantly associated with increased mortality rates were male gender, black race, and ages 65-74 and 75+. Comorbidities associated with an increased mortality rate were mild and severe liver disease and congestive heart failure. Inpatient complications with the highest mortality rates were shock and pulmonary embolism. These findings can be helpful to surgeons providing preoperative counseling for patients considering elective lumbar procedures and for allocating resources to treat and prevent perioperative complications leading to mortality. Level of Evidence/UNASSIGNED:3.