Utilization Of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Research Articles

Differences in total shoulder arthroplasty utilization and 30-day outcomes among White, Black, and Hispanic patients: do disparities exist in the outpatient setting?

In the United States, efforts to improve efficiency and reduce healthcare costs are shifting more total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) surgeries to the outpatient setting. However, whether racial and ethnic disparities in access to high-quality outpatient TSA care exist remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to assess racial/ethnic differences in relative outpatient TSA utilization and perioperative outcomes using a large national surgical database. White, Black, and Hispanic patients who underwent TSA between 2017 and 2021 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, and rates of outpatient utilization, adverse events, readmission, reoperation, non-home discharge, and mortality within 30 days of surgery were compared between racial/ethnic groups. Race/ethnicity-specific trends in utilization of outpatient TSA were assessed, and multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for baseline demographic factors and comorbidities. A total of 21,186 patients were included, consisting of 19,135 (90.3%) White, 1,093 (5.2%) Black, and 958 (4.5%) Hispanic patients and representing 17,649 (83.3%) inpatient and 3,537 (16.7%) outpatient procedures. Black and Hispanic patients were generally younger and less healthy than White patients, yet incidences of complications, non-home discharge, readmission, reoperation, and death within 30 days were similar across groups following outpatient TSA (p>0.050 for all). Relative utilization of outpatient TSA increased by 28.7% among White patients, 29.5% among Black patients, and 38.6% among Hispanic patients (ptrend<0.001 for all). Hispanic patients were 64% more likely than White patients to undergo TSA as an outpatient procedure across the study period (OR: 1.64, 95% CI 1.40-1.92, p<0.001), whereas odds did not differ between Black and White patients (OR: 1.04, 95% CI 0.87-1.23, p=0.673). Relative utilization of outpatient TSA remains highest among Hispanic patients but has been significantly increasing across all racial and ethnic groups, now accounting for more than one-third of all TSA procedures. Considering outpatient TSA is associated with fewer complications and lower costs, increasing utilization may represent a promising avenue for reducing disparities in orthopedic shoulder surgery.

Patient outcomes after revision total shoulder arthroplasty in an inpatient vs. outpatient setting.

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is becoming an increasingly common surgical procedure for numerous shoulder conditions. The incidence of revision TSA is increasing because of the increase in primary TSA and the increased utilization of TSA in younger patients. Conducting revision TSA as an outpatient procedure would be beneficial in limiting expenditure and resource allocation but must show a similar complication profile compared to inpatient revision TSA in order to justify its clinical value. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of outpatient revision TSA to inpatient revision TSA and outpatient primary TSA. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2010-2019 to identify all patients who underwent revision TSA (n=1456) in either an inpatient or outpatient setting, as well as patients who underwent primary TSA in an outpatient setting (n=2630). Relevant demographic characteristics were compared between the outpatient revision group and both the inpatient revision and outpatient primary groups. Postoperative complications, readmission, and reoperation rates were also compared between the groups. Patients undergoing inpatient revision TSA exhibited increased rates of preoperative hypertension (P=.013) and had increased prevalence of severe American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (P=.021) compared to patients undergoing outpatient revision TSA. Patients undergoing outpatient revision TSA were significantly more likely to experience complications (P<.001), have longer surgical times (P<.001), and undergo readmission (P=.006) and reoperation (P=.049) compared to patients undergoing outpatient primary TSA. There was no significant increase in rates of overall complication, readmission, or reoperation between patients undergoing revision TSA in an outpatient vs. an inpatient setting. Outpatient revision TSA has higher complication rates, readmission, and reoperation rates compared to outpatient primary TSA, similar to previous findings when comparing revision and primary TSA done as an inpatient. However, there was no increased risk of complications, readmission, or reoperation for outpatient revision TSA compared to inpatient revision TSA. Outpatient revision TSA should be considered by orthopedic surgeons in patients who are medically healthy to undergo the procedure as an outpatient surgery.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on racial disparities in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty in the United States

The purpose of this study was to assess racial disparities in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in the United States and to determine whether these disparities were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 100% sample was used to examine primary TSA volume from April to December from 2019 to 2020. Utilization was assessed for White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations to determine if COVID-19 affected these groups differently. A regression model adjusted for age, sex, CMS-hierarchical condition categories (HCC) score, dual enrollment (proxy for socioeconomic status), time-fixed effects, and core-based statistical area fixed effects was used to study difference across groups. In 2019, the TSA volume per 1000 beneficiaries was 1.51 for White and 0.57 for non-White, with a 2.6-fold difference. In 2020, the rate of TSA in White patients (1.30/1000) was 2.9 times higher than non-White (0.45/1000) during the COVID-19 pandemic (P<.01). There was an overall 14% decrease in TSA volume per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries in 2020; non-White patients had a larger percentage decrease in TSA volume than White (21% vs. 14%, estimated difference; 8.7%, P=.02). Black patients experienced the most pronounced disparity with estimated difference of 10.1%, P=.05, compared with White patients. Similar disparities were observed when categorizing procedures into anatomic and reverse TSA, but not proximal humerus fracture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, overall TSA utilization decreased by 14% with White patients experiencing a decrease of 14%, and non-White patients experiencing a decrease of 21%. This trend was observed for elective TSA, while disparities were less apparent for proximal humerus fracture.

Impact of preoperative urinary tract infection on postoperative outcomes following total shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.

As the utilization of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) increases, it is essential to identify risk factors associated with postoperative complications. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one such example. Our objective is to identify whether UTI is associated with increased rates of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and determine whether its treatment reduces PJI rates. Patients who underwent primary TSA for glenohumeral osteoarthritis between 2010 and 2019 with minimum two-year follow-up were identified in a national database (PearlDiver Technologies) using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases codes. These patients were stratified into two cohorts: those with preoperative UTI within two weeks of TSA and those without. The preoperative UTI cohort was stratified into those treated and those untreated prior to TSA. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Following multivariable analysis, there were significantly higher odds of postoperative anemia, pulmonary embolism, and death in the UTI cohort. Comparing treated to untreated UTI, there were no significant differences in multivariable analysis for any 90-day medical or two-year surgical complications. This study showed that UTI was not associated with increased rates of PJI. UTI was, however, associated with postoperative medical complications that surgeons should be aware of.

Factors associated with total shoulder arthroplasty cost variation in the state of Utah

Hypothesis and BackgroundThe shoulder is the third most commonly replaced joint in the United States. Access to high-volume surgeons has increased in recent years, and overall utilization of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is increasing in the Medicare population across the country. TSA is thus becoming a significant source of cost nationally. The purpose of this study included (1) identifying regional cost variations for patients undergoing TSA and (2) assessing factors contributing to higher cost after TSA. MethodsUtah’s All-Payer Claims Database was queried from 2013 through 2016. Patients undergoing TSA were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes, and those who were continuously enrolled (12 months preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively) were included. The total cost was the primary outcome and the sum of medical cost (inpatient, outpatient, office, and emergency room visits, surgical costs, lab tests) and pharmacy cost. Inflation was adjusted, and costs were expressed in 2016 dollars. Baseline covariates were collected. Generalized linear regression with gamma distribution and log link function was used to identify baseline factors significantly associated with the outcomes. ResultsOf the 1609 included patients, the mean (±standard deviation) age was 68 (±11) years, and 49% were male. The majority were White (89%), and 92% lived in urban locations. One year after the index surgery, the mean pharmacy cost was $7,612, the mean medical cost was $61,433, and the mean total cost was $69,046. Older subjects (coefficient [B] = 0.13, P ≤ .01), male sex (B = 1.38, P ≤ .01), those who lived in urban areas (B = 2.09, P < .01), and those with depression (B = 1.08, P = .03) had higher health-care costs following TSA. Patients in the top 30% of the study population for perioperative cost were significantly more likely to be younger (odds ratio [OR]: 0.95, P = .00), live in an urban environment (OR: 1.98, P = .03), have asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 1.85, P = .00), congestive heart disease (OR: 1.58, P = .02), and a higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score (OR: 1.09, P = .05). Patients in the top 30% of the population for perioperative cost experienced significantly more complications (P < .01). Discussion and ConclusionThe total cost of TSA 1 year after the index surgery is $69,046, with medical cost being the largest contributor. Male sex, increased age, depression, and urban areas were all significantly associated with higher costs following TSA after accounting for preoperative costs. Patients in the top 30% of the population for perioperative cost were significantly more likely to be young, live in an urban environment, and have asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , congestive heart disease , or a higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score. They also experienced significantly more complications.

A Geographic Population-level Analysis of Access to Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in the State of Texas.

Managing costs and improving access to care are two important goals of healthcare policy. The purposes of this study were to (1) evaluate the changes in distribution of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) cases in the state of Texas from 2010 to 2015 and (2) to evaluate patient access to TSA surgery centers as measured by driving miles. Inpatient (IP) and outpatient (OP) records were obtained from 2010 to 2015 from the Texas Department of State Health Services. All primary elective anatomic or reverse TSAs for patients with Texas-based home residence zip codes were included. Driving miles between patient zip codes and their chosen TSA surgery centers were estimated, and the results were compared between IP (high-volume [HV-IP] or low-volume [LV-IP]) and OP centers. Paired student t-tests, multivariate regressions, and mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed for volume comparisons, interactions between TSA centers types, and yearly trend data, respectively. Between 2010 and 2015, a total of 21,092 TSA procedures were performed across 321 surgery centers in the state of Texas (19,629 IP [93.1%] and 1,463 OP [6.9%]). During this time, the cumulative volume of IP TSA per 100,000 Texas residents increased by 109.1%, whereas the cumulative volume of OP TSA increased by 143.7%. Approximately 85.5% of included patients resided within 50 miles of any TSA surgery center; however, only 47.0% of the total Texas population resided within 50 miles of any TSA surgery center. This relationship remained true at every time point irrespective of their volume designations (OP, IP, HV-IP, and LV-IP). Despite the overall increase in TSA volume over time, the majority all TSA utilization in the state of Texas occurred in patients who resided within 50 miles of a TSA center. Increasing volume seems to reflect concentration of care into HV-IP and OP centers. Strategies to improve access to TSA care for underserved areas should be considered. Level II.

Recent trends in Medicare utilization and surgeon reimbursement for shoulder arthroplasty

Recent efforts to contain health care costs and move toward value-based health care have intensified, with a continued focus on Medicare expenditures, especially for high-volume procedures. As total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) volume continues to increase, especially within the Medicare population, it is important for orthopedic surgeons to understand recent trends in the allocation of health care expenditures and potential effects on reimbursements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in annual Medicare utilization and provider reimbursement rates for shoulder arthroplasty procedures between 2012 and2017. This study tracked annual Medicare claims and payments to shoulder arthroplasty surgeons via publicly available databases and aggregated data at the county level. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate trends in procedure volume, utilization rate(per 10,000 Medicare beneficiaries), and reimbursement rate. We used adjusted multiple linear regression models to examine associations between county-specific variables (ie, urban or rural, average household income, poverty rate, percentage Medicare population, and race and ethnicity demographics) and procedure volume, utilization rate, and reimbursement rate. Between 2012 and 2017, there was an 81.3% increase in primary TSA volume and 55.5% increase in primary TSA utilization. The Midwest and South had higher utilization rates than the Northeast and West (P < .001). TSA utilization rates in metropolitan areas were significantly higher than in rural areas (P < .001). Utilization rates for primary TSA procedures also had a significant negative association with poverty rate (P < .001). Regarding reimbursements, the Medicare payment per TSA case decreased from 2012 to 2017, with overall inflation-adjusted decreases of 7.1% and 11.8% for primary and revision cases, respectively. TSAs performed in metropolitan areas received significantly higher reimbursements per case than TSAs performed in rural areas ($1108.05 and $1066.40, respectively; P = .002). Furthermore, reimbursements per case were on average higher in the Northeast and West than in the South and Midwest (P < .001). Our study confirms that although TSA volume and per capita utilization have increased dramatically since 2012, Medicare Part B reimbursements to surgeons have continued to fall even after the adoption of bundled-payment models for orthopedic procedures. Cost-containment efforts continue to focus on Medicare reimbursements to surgeons, although other expenditures such as hospital payments and operational and implant costs must also be evaluated as part of an overall transition to value-based health care.

The Characteristics of Surgeons Performing Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Volume Consistency, Training, and Specialization.

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has proved a cost-effective, reproducible procedure for multiple shoulder pathologies. As utilization of TSA continues to grow, it is important to investigate procedure diversity, training, and other characteristics of surgeons performing TSA. To identify surgeons performing TSA in the Medicare population, the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Databases from 2012 through 2014 were used. This dataset includes any provider who bills Medicare >10 times with a single billing code. A web-based search was performed for each physician performing >10 TSA in all years of the study to identify their surgical training characteristics. Between 2012 and 2014, 1374 surgeons (39 females [2.8%]) performed >10 TSA in Medicare patients in at least 1 year (71,973 TSA). Only 44.3% (609/1374) of surgeons met this threshold for all 3 years (55,538 TSA). Of these 609 surgeons, 191 (31.3%) were shoulder and elbow fellowship trained (21,444 TSA). Shoulder and elbow fellowship-trained surgeons were at earlier points in their careers and practiced in large referral-based centers with other surgeons performing TSA. In addition to TSA, surgeons performed other non-arthroplasty shoulder procedures (80.2% of surgeons), total knee arthroplasty (46.3%), repairs of traumatic injuries (29.8%), total hip arthroplasty (27.8%), non-arthroplasty knee surgeries (27.2%), elbow procedures (19.6%), and hand surgery (15.4%) during the study period. With less than one-third of TSA performed by shoulder and elbow fellowship-trained surgeons with consistent moderate-volume practices, the impact of consistent high-volume practices and targeted fellowship training on quality must be determined.

Trends and Variability in the Use of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Medicare Patients.

As policies are implemented to encourage high-quality care, it is important to identify any persistent limitations to the uniform delivery of anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The study's goal was to assess current TSA use and identify predictors of geographic variability. We used data from 2012 through 2014 that was obtained from public Medicare databases to identify the case volume, locations, and names of surgeons performing >10 TSAs annually. We also recorded regional characteristics of the Medicare population, including demographic characteristics and health factors. From 2012 through 2014, the number of surgeons performing >10 TSAs annually increased from 824 to 1,060-an increase ranging from 0.75 to 0.95 TSAs per 1,000 beneficiaries. In 2012, there were 59 hospital referral regions with no TSAs performed; the number of regions decreased to 35 by 2014 (P = 0.009). The use of TSA varied widely across regions (range, 0.1 to 6.4 per 1,000 beneficiaries). A larger proportion of white patients and a smaller proportion of patients eligible for Medicaid were independent predictors for increased use of TSA. Despite this finding, 74.4% and 96.9% of the US population resided within 50 km and 200 km, respectively, of a surgeon performing at least 20 TSAs in Medicare patients annually. TSA utilization in the Medicare population is increasing across the country. Although notable geographic disparities in the use of TSA persist, increased TSA utilization has provided greater access to surgeons with high-volume TSA caseloads. Substantial geographic variation in TSA use remains, largely due to socioeconomic factors.

Yearly Trends in Elective Shoulder Arthroplasty, 2005–2013

To evaluate the change in incidence rate of shoulder arthroplasty, the utilization of shoulder arthroplasty for specific indications, and the surgeon volume trends associated with these procedures between 2005 and 2013. A population-based cohort study was conducted using the more than 7 million members of an integrated health care system in California. Cases of shoulder arthroplasties performed between 2005 and 2013 were identified using a shoulder arthroplasty registry. Annual shoulder arthroplasty incidence rates per 100,000 patients were determined, and adjusted yearly changes in rates were estimated using incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Changes in surgeon volumes by year and number of surgeons performing different procedures were also compared. The incidence of shoulder arthroplasty per 100,000 members increased from 6.1 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 5.5-6.7) in 2005 to 13.4 (95% CI 12.5-14.2) in 2013. In patients with osteoarthritis, there was increasing utilization of total shoulder arthroplasty (IRR 1.12 [95% CI 1.11-1.14]) and decreasing utilization of hemiarthroplasty (IRR 0.91 [95% CI 0.89-0.94]). For patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy, there was an increase in utilization of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (IRR 1.33 [95% CI 1.29-1.37]) but no change in hemiarthroplasty (IRR 0.99 [95% CI 0.92-1.05]). The average surgeon yearly volume increased for total shoulder arthroplasty (P < 0.001) and for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (P = 0.020). Shoulder arthroplasty is being used with greater frequency in this population. Surgeons are performing a greater yearly volume of total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Arthroplasty treatment of proximal humerus fractures: 14-year trends in the United States

ABSTRACTObjectives: Proximal humerus fractures are a common injury in the elderly population that can usually be managed non-operatively. However, arthroplasty has become increasingly utilized for complex fractures and poor bone quality. We evaluated national trends in treatment, specifically looking at the adoption of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.Methods: The incidence of proximal humerus fractures was calculated from the Nationwide Emergency Department Database (NEDD) from 2006 to 2012. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to select patients from 2000 to 2013 with proximal humerus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), and hemiarthroplasty (HSA). RSA and TSA shared the same ICD-9 code until 2010.Results: The incidence of proximal humerus fracture was stable from 2006 to 2012. Hemiarthroplasty was the majority treatment choice for arthroplasty in the early 2000’s. However, in 2008, there was a large decrease in utilization, to 51.3% in 2013. During this period, utilization of TSA greatly increased, coinciding with a large increase of RSA. By 2013, RSA made up 45.1% of arthroplasty procedures.Conclusion: The rate of proximal humerus fracture appears stable, while we observed both an overall increase in operative intervention. RSA appears to be increasingly chosen over HSA for arthroplasty treatment of proximal humerus fractures, an observation more pronounced in older patients. While clinical results appear promising, it is important to remember that most proximal humerus fractures may be treated successfully with conservative management, and rapid adoption of new technology should be watched carefully to ensure appropriate use.

Total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with HIV infection: complications, comorbidities, and trends

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection were previously at substantial risk for immunosuppression-related complications. As a result of highly active antiretroviral therapy, HIV-infected patients are living longer and are presenting for elective surgery. Outcomes in HIV-infected patients are well described for hip and knee arthroplasty but not for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study was to examine postoperative complications of TSA in HIV-positive patients. We queried the entire 2005 to 2012 Medicare database. Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to identify the procedure, demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The query returned 2528 HIV-positive patients who underwent TSA or reverse TSA (RTSA). There was increased utilization of TSA and RTSA in this population from 2005 to 2012; 1353 patients had 2-year follow-up. These patients were slightly older and had higher prevalence of comorbidities, suggesting a sicker cohort. HIV-positive patients had alarmingly higher rates of 90-day cerebrovascular accident (OR, 35.98; CI, 30.34-42.67). HIV-positive patients had higher overall rates of broken prosthetic joints (OR, 1.72; CI, 1.20-2.47), periprosthetic infection (OR, 1.36; CI, 1.01-1.82), and TSA revision or repair (OR, 2.44; CI, 1.81-3.28). To our knowledge, this is the first study that directly examines the postoperative outcomes of HIV-positive patients after TSA or RTSA. As more of these patients present for surgery, surgeons should be aware that these patients might be at increased risk for certain postoperative surgical and medical complications.

Persisting Racial Disparities in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Utilization and Outcomes.

The purpose was to study whether racial disparities in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) utilization and outcomes have declined over time. We used the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2011. We used chi-squared test to compare characteristics, Cochran-Armitage test to compare utilization rates, and Cochran-Armitage test and logistic regression to compare time-trends in outcomes by race. From 1998 to 2011, 176,141 Whites and 7694 Blacks underwent TSA. Compared to Whites, Blacks who underwent TSA were younger (69.1 vs. 64.2years; p < 0.0001), more likely to be female (54.9 vs. 71.0%; p < 0.0001), and have rheumatoid arthritis or avascular necrosis as the underlying diagnosis (1.7 vs. 3.0% and 1.7 vs. 6.1%; p < 0.0001 for both) and a Deyo-Charlson index of 2 or higher (8.5 vs. 16.7%; p < 0.0001). Compared to Whites, Blacks had much lower TSA utilization rate/100,000 in 1998 (2.97 vs. 0.83; p < 0.0001) and in 2011 (12.27 vs. 3.33; p < 0.0001); racial disparities increased from 1998 to 2011 (p < 0.0001). A higher proportion of Blacks than Whites had a hospital stay greater than median in 1998-2000, 62 vs. 51.4% (p = 0.02), and in 2009-2011, 34.4vs. 27.3% (p < 0.0001); disparities did not change over time (p = 0.31). These disparities in utilization were borderline significant in adjusted analyses. There were no racial differences in proportion discharged to inpatient medical facility in 1998-2000, 15.2 vs. 15.0% (p = 0.95), and in 2009-2011, 12.3 vs. 11.1% (p = 0.37), respectively. We found increasing racial disparities in TSA utilization. Some disparities in outcomes exist as well. Patients, surgeons, and policy-makes should be aware of these findings and take action to reduce racial disparities.

Shoulder arthroplasty in New York State, 1991 to 2010: changing patterns of utilization

Shoulder arthroplasty is now used to treat an expanding variety of glenohumeral disorders. This study assessed the demographic patterns and utilization rates of shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) and anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) within New York State (NYS) from 1991 to 2010. Using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database, all shoulder arthroplasty procedures that occurred within NYS during the study period were retrospectively identified and analyzed. During the 20-year period, 24,040 shoulder arthroplasty procedures were performed. During the second decade (2001-2010), there was a 393% increase in utilization of TSA with a 98% increase in HA. This disproportionate increase is likely due to the introduction and expanding indications of reverse TSA as an effective procedure in place of HA for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures and rotator cuff arthropathy, as rotator cuff arthropathy as a primary indication for HA was significantly less prevalent in period 2. Also notable was an identifiable disparity in race; whites represented approximately 80% of the shoulder arthroplasty procedures in both decades, whereas African Americans made up <5%. This is significantly different from the general racial demographics of NYS during both periods analyzed. It is clear that the volume of shoulder arthroplasty procedures performed in NYS is increasing, mirroring the national experience. This trend reflects the expanding indications, the general success of these procedures, the aging demographic of our population, and a greater desire and willingness of patients to consider operative management to maintain or to improve quality of life.

Utilization of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in New York State: The Impact of Race and Sex

Utilization of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in New York State: The Impact of Race and Sex

Trends in the epidemiology of total shoulder arthroplasty in the United States from 1990–2000

Longitudinal trends in epidemiology and utilization of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) have not been previously reported. We evaluated trends in the distribution of age, race, hospital volume and teaching status, outcomes, and indications for TSA during the last decade. TSA cases (n = 12,758) were extracted from the 1990-2000 Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases. TSA trends were obtained for 3 time periods: 1990-1993 (period I), 1994-1997 (period II), and 1998-2000 (period III). Between 1990 and 2000, there were minor increases in the rate of TSA in most age groups. Ninety-three percent of the patients undergoing TSA in all 3 time periods were white. An increased proportion of patients were operated on in high volume hospitals in period III as compared with period I. Patients discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facilities after surgery had longer lengths of in-hospital stays as compared with those discharged home. Osteoarthritis was diagnosed in an increasing proportion of patients undergoing TSA (56.6% in period I versus 70.9% in period III). There was a minor increase in the rate of TSA, and almost no change in use of TSA by nonwhites from 1990 through 2000. Efforts to understand and narrow this apparent underutilization of TSA among nonwhites are required. Further research should determine whether the observed shift of TSA to high volume centers improves surgical outcomes.