Anti-Osteoporotic Treatment Reduces Risk of Revision Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients with Osteoporosis

Background: Osteoporosis, a prevalent bone density disorder, introduces a complex dynamic in the context of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). However, despite the well-established association between osteoporosis and an elevated risk of revision, the existing literature lacks comprehensive insights into the impact of anti-osteoporotic therapy on surgical outcomes in the setting of TSA. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether anti-osteoporotic therapy correlates with improved revision outcomes following TSA.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using a national all payer's claims database. Patients who underwent TSA were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) procedure codes. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of osteoporosis were included, then stratified into two groups: (1) patients with osteoporosis who underwent anti-osteoporotic therapy within 6 months prior to surgery (Anti-OP cohort) and (2) patients with osteoporosis who never received anti-osteoporotic treatment (No Anti-OP cohort). Primary outcomes included the incidence of 2-year all-cause revision, periprosthetic fracture (PPF), periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), and mechanical loosening. Univariate and multivariable regression analysis was conducted to compare outcomes between the two cohorts.

Results: In total, 40,532 osteoporotic patients were included in this study, with 11,577 (28.5%) having undergone anti-osteoporotic treatment. Patients who did not receive anti-osteoporotic treatment had significantly higher odds of 2-year all-cause revision (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.31; P < 0.001) and mechanical loosening (OR: 1.25; P < 0.001) following TSA when compared to those treated for osteoporosis.

Discussion: This study demonstrates a significant association between anti-osteoporotic therapy and reduced rates of 2-year revision following TSA. Orthopedic surgeons should recognize the heightened risk of early implant failure in the absence of osteoporosis therapy. This underscores the imperative for increased screening initiatives given the high prevalence of undiagnosed or untreated osteoporosis in the TSA population. These results also emphasize the importance of integrating osteoporosis management strategies into the broader context of surgical decision-making, thereby contributing to enhanced patient outcomes and quality of care in shoulder surgery.