Medical complications following shoulder arthroplasty: a review of the evidence

Abstract

Introduction Shoulder arthroplasty (SA) procedures are increasing in number worldwide. Medical complications (MC) following SA have not been widely documented in the literature. Knowledge of these complications is needed to obtain informed consent. Methods The aim of this review article was to summarise the literature regarding systemic complications and mortality after SA to aid the consenting process. Findings We found that the literature regarding MC after SA was variable in quality. The rate of MC was 12% and the rate of mortality was 0.01%. The most common MC were cardiovascular, genitourinary and respiratory. The patients most at risk were the elderly, females, fracture patients and those with HIV or hepatitis C. During inpatient stay, reverse arthroplasty and blood transfusion were associated with MC. We recommend that our data are used to obtain informed consent for SA. Conclusions To reduce risk, we encourage optimisation of patients prior to surgery with correction of anaemia, arranging necessary clinician reviews and appropriate postoperative nursing care.