ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated the safety of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in an outpatient setting. No clinical studies, to date, have specifically analyzed complication and readmission rates after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) with same-day discharge. The purpose of this study was to compare the 90-day complication and readmission rates of patients undergoing TSA and RTSA with same-day discharge. METHODS: Ninety-eight consecutive patients who underwent 104 shoulder arthroplasties with same-day discharge (52 TSA and 52 RTSA) between 2016 and 2019 were analyzed. Suitability for same-day discharge was determined preoperatively using the standardized criteria. Demographic variables, operative time, 90-day readmission, and complication rates were recorded and compared between groups. Differences between the patients undergoing TSA versus RTSA were evaluated with Student t-test, Mann-Whitney test, or Chi square tests as statistically appropriate and reported as P values. RESULTS: Average age in the TSA cohort was significantly lower (60.1 ± 7.4 versus 67.5 ± 7.5, respectively; P < 0.001). Total operating room time was significantly shorter in the RTSA cohort (153 ± 30.1 minutes versus 171 ± 20.9). Three minor postoperative complications (5.8%) were observed in the TSA cohort (three seromas) within the 90-day postoperative period. There were four postoperative complications (7.7%) in the RTSA cohort (two postoperative seromas, one periprosthetic fracture, and one dislocation). None of the TSA patients required readmission and 1 RTSA (periprosthetic fracture) patient required readmission within 90 days. DISCUSSION: RTSA with same-day discharge is a safe option for appropriately selected patients despite significantly increased age. 90-day readmission and complication rates between outpatient TSA and RTSA are similar. DATA AVAILABILITY: Yes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (case-control).