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Thromboembolism Following Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Retrospective Review
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Thromboembolism Following Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Retrospective Review

Cameron W Schick, Robert W Westermann, Yubo Gao and Brian R Wolf
Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, Vol.2(11), pp.2325967114559506-5
11/2014
DOI: 10.1177/2325967114559506
PMID: 26535285
url
https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967114559506View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

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. To identify potential risk factors for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following shoulder arthroscopy and to determine the overall incidence of this complication. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. 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. 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. 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.
 postoperative complication shoulder arthroscopy rotator cuff venous thromboembolism beach-chair position deep venous thrombosis pulmonary embolism

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