Revision total elbow arthroplasty is associated with a high rate of 30-day complications: A descriptive analysis of a national database

Introduction: Revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is indicated for component loosening, periprosthetic joint infection, and fractures. Previous investigations into revision TEA complications have small sample sizes and limited exploration of acute complications. This study aims to characterize the 30-day complications and associated demographics of patients undergoing revision TEA using a large national database.

Methods: The 2015-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify all revision TEA patients.

Results: The analysis included 158 patients (average age 62.6 years). The overall complication rate was 13.9% (n = 22). The most common 30-day complications were organ/space surgical site infection (3.8%, n = 6), unplanned readmission (3.2%, n = 5), intraoperative or postoperative transfusion (3.2%, n = 5), and unplanned reoperation (1.9%, n = 3). Patients with a history of dyspnea or steroid/immunosuppressant use for a chronic condition had significantly higher rates of bleeding requiring transfusion (p = .029 and p = .021, respectively). Additionally, patients aged 80 years or older had a significantly higher rate of unplanned readmission (p = .032).

Conclusion: Revision TEA has a 13.9% rate of complications within 30-days of surgery, with most involving surgical site infection, unplanned readmission, and blood transfusion.

Level of evidence: IV.