This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Database study shows increase in arthroscopic elbow procedures
Results from a national insurance database search found a significant increase in the rate of arthroscopic elbow procedures during the 5-year period studied. The findings also showed regional differences among the different procedure types, and indicated most procedures were performed in men and patients aged between 40 years and 59 years.
Investigators searched for the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) billing codes and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes using the PearlDiver Patient Record Database for patients who underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery between 2007 and 2011. Of the 20 million records, investigators identified 4,127 patients who underwent 6,268 elbow arthroscopies. Procedures and CPT codes that corresponded with study criteria included diagnostic arthroscopy, loose body removal, synovectomy and debridement. In addition, researchers determined infection at 30 days, stiffness at 90 days and nerve injury at 180 days.
Results showed the incidence of arthroscopic elbow surgeries increased significantly from 2007 to 2011 (1.27 in 10,000 orthopedic patients to 1.45 in 10,000 orthopedic patients, respectively). Investigators noted 911 patients out of all elbow arthroscopy patients were younger than 20 years; 1,067 patients were aged between 20 years and 39 years; and 244 patients were aged 60 years and older. The most procedures (1,959) were performed in patients aged between 40 years and 59 years.
All procedure types were statistically significant with regard to differences in regions, with the exception of synovectomy. The overall reoperation rate was 2.2% and investigators found the reoperation rates for infection, stiffness and nerve injury were 0.26%, 0.63% and 1.26%, respectively. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Leong reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.