Sleep apnea in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty is associated with greater complications and healthcare utilization

Background

Sleep apnea (SA) has been shown to negatively affect cognition, immunity, and bone mineralization. There is conflicting evidence for the contribution of SA to outcomes following total shoulder arthroplasty. However, the impact of SA on reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has not been elucidated. A substantial increase in utilization of RSA is projected through the 2030s. Our objective was to assess postoperative medical and implant-related complications and healthcare utilization in patients with SA undergoing RSA.

Methods

A retrospective review of a private insurance claims database was conducted from 2010 to 2021. All cases of RSA and those with a prior diagnosis of SA were identified using their corresponding diagnosis and procedural codes. Patients undergoing RSA with a diagnosis of SA were matched to control patients 1:2 based on demographic and comorbidity profiles.

Results

A total of 18,229 SA patients were matched to 35,988 control patients. The SA cohort had significantly greater odds of all medical complications assessed compared to the control cohort. The SA cohort had greater odds of all implant-related complications including dislocation and mechanical loosening when compared to the control cohort. Mean length of stay was significantly greater in the SA group.

Conclusion

The current data demonstrate that SA patients may have an increased risk of complications and healthcare burden following RSA compared to RSA patients without SA. These findings indicate potential value in preoperative screening for SA prior to RSA.