konrad gruson

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.  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, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI), operative time and nature of the surgical 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.  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 90-day ED return visit. 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).  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: III

Returns to the Emergency Department (ED) and unplanned readmissions within 90 days of shoulder arthroplasty represent a significant financial burden to healthcare systems. Identifying the reasons and risk factors could potentially reduce their prevalence.  A retrospective review of primary anatomic (aTSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) cases from January 2016 through August 2023 was performed. Demographic patient and surgical data, including age, diagnosis of anxiety or depression, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI), modified 5-item fragility index (mFI-5), and hospital length of stay (LOS) was collected. Patient visits to the ED within 12 months prior to surgery were recorded. Predictors for return to the ED within 90 days postoperatively and any readmissions were determined.  There were 338 cases (167 aTSA and 171 rTSA), of which 225 (67%) were women. Patients with anxiety (OR=2.44, 95% CI 1.11–5.33; P=0.026), surgical postoperative complications (OR=3.22, 95% CI 1.36–7.58; P=0.008), ED visit within 3 months prior to surgery (OR=3.80, 95% CI 1.71–8.45; P=0.001), ED visit 3 to 6 months prior to surgery (OR=2.60, 95% CI 1.12–6.05; P=0.027), and ED visit 6 to 12 months prior to surgery (OR=2.12, 95% CI 1.02–4.41; P=0.045) were more likely to have ED visit within 90 days postoperatively. Patients with prior ipsilateral shoulder surgery (OR=3.32, 95% CI 1.21–9.09; P=0.02), surgical postoperative complications (OR=13.92, 95% CI 5.04–38.42; P<0.001), an ED visit within 3 to 6 months preoperatively (OR=8.47, 95% CI 2.84–25.27; P<0.001), and an mFI-5 ≥2 (OR=3.66, 95% CI 1.35–9.91; P=0.011) were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days.  Patients who present to the ED within 12 months prior to shoulder arthroplasty, those with anxiety, those with surgical complications and those with higher fragility should be monitored closely during the early postoperative period to minimize returns to the ED and/or unplanned readmissions.  Level of evidence: III

The potential for many of the commonly used surgical site wound adhesives, skin antiseptic solutions, topical antibiotics, and suture materials to sensitize and subsequently result in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has become increasingly recognized within orthopedic surgery. Particularly with subsequent exposure to the offending allergen, the cutaneous allergic reaction may present in a similar fashion to cellulitis, thus making early differentiation between the two etiologies to initiate the appropriate and timely treatment crucial. Recognition of the characteristic appearance and severity of ACD surrounding a surgical wound often drives the initial management. This typically consists of anti -histamines, topical corticosteroids, and possible removal of the offending allergen for low grade findings and oral steroids and prophylactic oral antibiotics for the more severe reactions. Multidisciplinary care, including the expertise of a dermatologist or wound care specialist when faced with this challenging clinical scenario is critical and elective patch testing may be indicated to ascertain the exact allergen involved, particularly in patients with a prior history of wound issues. Finally, any clinical cases of ACD following an orthopedic procedure should be documented in the patient’s chart so that exposure can be avoided with any future surgery.  

Health literacy is defined as the degree to which an individual obtains and processes basic health information and services so as to make appropriate and informed health decisions. Limited health literacy (LHL), as assessed by various validated instruments, remains prevalent amongst older adult patients, non-Caucasian ethnicities, and those of lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Of concern, LHL has been associated with decreased medical knowledge, disuse of preventative medical services, worse chronic disease control and increased use of emergency services. Within orthopedics specifically, LHL has been associated with lower expectations regarding outcomes and ambulation following total hip and knee surgery and fewer questions asked regarding diagnosis and treatment in the outpatient care setting. In some cases, LHL has been independently correlated with worse patient -reported outcome measures (PROMs), though this finding may be due in part to the reading level required of the PROMs. There is growing evidence that active intervention by the orthopedic provider and demonstration of empathy improves patient comprehension of the nature of their musculoskeletal complaints, aids informed decision-making and, ultimately, maximizes patient satisfaction. Recognition of the associated factors for LHL will ensure improved physician-patient communication through the implementation of health literate interventions focused on those most at-risk. Level of evidence: III