Trends in Venous Thromboembolism After Shoulder Arthroplasty in the United States: Analysis Following the 2009 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practical Guidelines

Abstract

Background: In 2009, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons released a consensus recommending venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study was to examine the (1) change in incidence of 90-day VTE, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism; (2) change in utilization of chemoprophylaxis; and (3) change in the economic burden associated with VTE after TSA from 2010 to 2019. Methods: Using the PearlDiver database, national data from 2010 to 2019 were used to identify patients who underwent primary TSA for osteoarthritis and/or rotator cuff arthropathy. Exclusions entailed liver pathology, coagulopathy, or those on prior prescribed blood thinners before TSA. Multivariable regression was used controlling for age and Charlson Comorbidity Index for all years with 2010 as the reference year. Results: From 2010 to 2019, there was a reduction in VTE rates from 0.89% in 2010 to 0.78% in 2019. Regarding implant type, there was no notable change in incidence of VTE, DVT, and pulmonary embolism within 90 days after anatomic TSA. Notable reductions were observed in both VTE and DVT after reverse TSA from 2010 to 2019. Prescribed chemical VTE prophylaxis utilization after TSA markedly increased from 4.41% in 2010 to 11.70% utilization in 2019. The utilization of aspirin markedly increased from 17.27% in 2010 to 65.17% in 2019. Among anticoagulants, the utilization of direct factor Xa inhibitors increased from 0.0% utilization in 2010 to 66.09% utilization in 2019. The added reimbursements associated with VTE after TSA markedly decreased from $14,122 in 2010 to $4,348 in 2019. Conclusion: The incidence and economic burden associated with VTE after TSA have markedly declined following the 2010 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guidelines. This reduction can be attributed to both an increase in VTE prevention through increased utilization of prescribed chemoprophylaxis and improvement in VTE treatment strategies. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, III.