Outpatient total elbow arthroplasty: 90-day outcomes

Background: Interest in outpatient arthroplasty has grown in response to increasing emphasis on the efficient delivery of safe, high-quality medical care. This study evaluated 90-day episode-of-care complications after outpatient total elbow arthroplasty (TEA).

Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 28 patients discharged the same day after primary TEA for 90-day episode-of-care complications, reoperations, and readmissions. Postoperative complications and elbow range of motion measurements were recorded and evaluated at the latest follow-up. All patients were contacted and given a satisfaction survey to assess their outpatient experience. Univariate logistic regression was performed for each risk factor to evaluate the risk for major and minor complications. Statistical significance was set as P < .05.

Results: Final follow-up data were available for 28 patients at an average of 14 months. Major complications within 90 days of surgery occurred in 7.1% of patients, ulnar nerve paresthesias occurred in 42.8% of patients, and minor wound problems occurred in 39.2% of patients. Five reoperations occurred after the 90-day postoperative period. All ulnar paresthesias and minor wound complications had resolved by the latest follow-up. Univariate regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between smoking and minor wound complications (P = .038). The satisfaction survey had an 85.7% response rate, with 91.7% of patients stating they were happy they went home the same day, and 95.8% feeling more confident and in control of their lives.

Conclusions: The risk profile of carefully selected patients undergoing same-day discharge after TEA is acceptable when combined with close follow-up.