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Abstract

Pain control is the primary indication for postoperative hospital admission following shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of performing shoulder arthroplasty using an ambulatory perineural local anesthetic infusion. The potential advantages of an outpatient alternative for shoulder arthroplasty are decreased cost, decreased nosocomial infection risk, and patient control over their environment. Material and Methods: Study inclusion criteria required that the patient be an ASA I or II, have a capable caregiver at home and were intellectually capable of giving IRB approval and informed consent.