Thromboembolism Following Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Retrospective Review

Overview

Journal Orthop J Sports Med

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2015 Nov 5

PMID 26535285

Citations 13

Authors

Cameron W Schick

Robert W Westermann

Yubo Gao

Brian R Wolf

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Thromboembolism following shoulder arthroscopy is considered an uncommon complication, with fewer than 50 cases reported in the literature. Arthroscopy of the shoulder is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures, with low associated risks.

Purpose: To identify potential risk factors for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following shoulder arthroscopy and to determine the overall incidence of this complication.

Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: A retrospective case-control review was performed of patients who developed symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) following shoulder arthroscopy. Multiple surgeons from across North America were queried. For every case of DVT or PE identified, 2 control cases of shoulder arthroscopy were analyzed. The incidence of DVT/PE following shoulder arthroscopy was determined. A univariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model were conducted to identify any potential risk factors for the development of VTE following shoulder arthroscopy.

Results: A total of 17 surgeons participated in this study and had performed a total of 15,033 cases of shoulder arthroscopy from September 2002 through August 2011. Eleven of the 17 participating surgeons had had a patient with a VTE complication during this time frame. The incidence of VTE in the 15,033 cases was 0.15%; 22 patients of the 15,033 patients had a DVT (n = 15) and/or PE (n = 8). Forty-four control cases were also analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. No significant risk factors were identified other than patient positioning. All cases and controls were positioned in the beach-chair position for surgery.

Conclusion: The results of this study show that although rare, VTE occurs following shoulder arthroscopy at a rate of 0.15%. The variables analyzed in the cases of VTE compared with the control cases did not show any significant risk factors. All cases were positioned in the beach-chair position. Further analysis of future cases is warranted.

Citing Articles

Effect of Compressive Shoulder Draping With Adhesive Incise Drape on Soft Tissue Swelling in Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

Uri O, Alfandari L, Yaron R, Kettanie A, Laufer G, Behrbalk E Orthop J Sports Med. 2024; 12(2):23259671241229736.

PMID: 38379580 PMC: 10878228. DOI: 10.1177/23259671241229736.

While the Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism After Shoulder Arthroscopy Is Low, the Risk Factors Are a Body Mass Index Greater than 30 and Hypertension.

Momenzadeh K, Yeritsyan D, Mortensen S, Kheir N, Khak M, Caro D Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2023; 6(1):100815.

PMID: 38149088 PMC: 10749995. DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.100815.

Venothromboembolism following shoulder arthroscopy: a systematic review.

Triplet J, Schuette H, Cheema A, Marigi E, Hassett L, Barlow J JSES Rev Rep Tech. 2023; 2(4):464-468.

PMID: 37588470 PMC: 10426627. DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2022.05.003.

Venous thromboembolism after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a systematic review.

Li T, Li Y, Zhang L, Pang L, Tang X, Zhu J J Orthop Surg Res. 2023; 18(1):103.

PMID: 36788620 PMC: 9927062. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-03592-0.

Alcohol Abuse, Morbid Obesity, Depression, Congestive Heart Failure, and Chronic Pulmonary Disease are Risk Factors for 90-Day Readmission After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

Grewal G, Polisetty T, Cannon D, Ardeljan A, Vakharia R, Rodriguez H Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2022; 4(5):e1683-e1691.

PMID: 36312727 PMC: 9596891. DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2022.06.015.

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