This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Thirty-day unplanned readmission rates low after shoulder, knee arthroscopy
The rate of unplanned readmissions was low within 30 days of shoulder and knee arthroscopic procedures, with the most common cause being wound-related complications, according to study findings.
Researchers queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for Current Procedural Terminology codes representing the most common shoulder and knee arthroscopic procedures. The researchers also evaluated unplanned readmissions within 30 days and identified the causes of readmission.
Of the 15,167 patients who underwent shoulder and knee arthroscopic procedures in 2012, 136 patients were readmitted within 30 days, with similar rates between shoulder and knee procedures. Results showed readmission was most common following arthroscopic debridement of the knee, whereas rotator cuff and labral repairs and cruciate reconstructions had the lowest number of readmissions.
Robert Westermann
The researchers also found surgical-site infections, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and postoperative pain were the most common causes of readmission. Independent risk factors for readmission included age older than 80 years, chronic steroid use and elevated American Society of Anesthesiologists class, based on a multivariate analysis. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Westermann reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.