The Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery recently published a paper authored by several Department of Orthopaedic Surgery faculty, staff, and trainees entitled “Is Outpatient Shoulder Arthroplasty Safe? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.”

 Authors included incoming orthopaedic surgery resident Addison Cimino, B.S., orthopaedic surgery resident Jacob Hawkins, M.D., and Associate Director of the Clinical Research Unit Gerald McGwin, Ph.D. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery faculty included Assistant Professor E. Will Brabston, M.D. and Sport Medicine Section Chief Amit Momaya, M.D.

The purpose of their study was to synthesize the current literature and to provide further data regarding the outcomes and safety of outpatient shoulder arthroplasty, or total shoulder replacement. Authors conducted their systematic review by following the standard PRISMA guidelines, which are an evidence-based minimum set of items for reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

“We really wanted to understand the outcomes of same-day total shoulder replacement, not only for our patients, but also to grow the field of study surrounding these procedures,” said Momaya.

Twelve studies were included with a total of 194,513 patients, of which, 7,162 were outpatients.

Ultimately, authors concluded that outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty, in an appropriately selected patient population, is safe and results in comparable patient outcomes when compared to inpatient shoulder arthroplasty.

“This study has large implications for health systems to begin adopting same-day shoulder replacement,” said Brabston. “Same-day shoulder replacement is a wonderful option for patients who are appropriately indicated, saving both the patient and health care organizations time and finances spent on a hospital stay.”