Incidence and 30-and 90-day readmission rates after primary shoulder arthroplasty in the United States: an analysis using the National Readmissions Database

Background: The field of shoulder arthroplasty has experienced a substantial increase in the number of procedures performed annually and a shift toward more common implantation of reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSAs). Same-day discharge is perceived as beneficial for most patients as well as our health care system, and the number of shoulder procedures performed as same-day surgery has increased substantially. However, the potential benefits of same-day discharge after shoulder arthroplasty may be negatively influenced by unex-pected readmissions. As such, an in-depth analysis of readmission rates after primary shoulder arthroplasty is particularly timely.Level of evidence: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison Using Large Database; Prognosis Study (c) 2022 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The number of shoulder arthroplasty procedures has increased, and same-day discharge is considered beneficial. However, unexpected readmissions may affect the benefits of same-day discharge. Therefore, it is important to analyze readmission rates after primary shoulder arthroplasty.