BOSTON — Shoulder replacement performed in the outpatient setting is as safe as it is performed in the inpatient setting, according to results presented at the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Annual Meeting.

“[I]nitial data suggest that it is safe in comparison to inpatient to perform these surgeries as an outpatient, but we need to refine the indications. Larger cohorts are required and longer time follow-up [is needed] to document efficacy and safety, and we need our payers to accept this,” Nikhil N. Verma, MD, said in his presentation.

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2005 and 2014, Verma and colleagues identified patients who underwent either inpatient or outpatient primary shoulder replacement.

“We defined the outpatient cohort as length of stay of 0 days with discharge in the same calendar day,” Verma said. Of more than 7,000 patients identified, 173 patients underwent outpatient surgery.

“You can see they tended to be younger patients. They tended to be males, were healthier, had a lower BMI and generally underwent general anesthetic,” Verma said.

He noted a 2.3% rate of overall adverse events and a 1.7% rate of readmission in the outpatient group compared with 7.9% and 2.9%, respectively, in the inpatient group.

“When we performed a multivariate analysis, we found there was a trend toward decreased adverse events in the outpatient group — although it did not quite reach statistical significance — and there was no difference in readmissions between the two groups,” Verma said. “Overall, there was no difference in the rates of adverse events between the outpatient and inpatient setting and we believe that ultimately in the appropriately selected patient that outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty is at least as safe as in the inpatient environment.” – by Casey Tingle, as originally appeared here.

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) has granted the Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine to Phoenix orthopedic surgeon Shelden Martin, MD, of OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates.

The certificate is bestowed upon board-certified orthopedic surgeons who have demonstrated qualifications in sports medicine beyond those expected of other board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Those who receive the certificate must have additional training in sports medicine, have a practice characterized by a majority of cases in sports medicine and have contributed to the field.

“Throughout the years, I’ve dedicated my career to sports medicine,” Martin said. “Earning my Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine is a reflection of my experience and focus in the field. I’m honored to have my work in sports medicine recognized by The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.”

To receive a Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, orthopedic surgeons must meet specific criteria, including completing a one-year Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) fellowship and submitting a case list of at least 115 operative cases, 75 of which must involve arthroscopy, and 10 non-operative cases.

Those who receive the ABOS Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine must also pass a four-hour examination that evaluates each surgeon’s cognitive knowledge relevant to sports medicine.

As an experienced OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates surgeon, Martin has distinguished himself in the field, serving as head team physician for the Arizona Rattlers and associate team physician for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Arizona Coyotes and the Chicago White Sox. He is also team physician for Desert Vista High School, Veritas Preparatory Academy and Neptune Swim Club.

“We’re happy to congratulate Dr. Martin on this outstanding achievement,” said David Ott, MD, president of OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates. “He’s a dedicated surgeon whose work in sports medicine brings distinction to our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons.”

Martin graduated from Georgetown University, completed his orthopedic residency at Loyola University and his fellowship in sports medicine at OrthoCarolina. He specializes in complex arthroscopic surgery, including ligament reconstruction, cartilage transplants, shoulder and elbow joint replacements, and reverse shoulder replacements.