The vast majority of shoulder surgeries and recoveries go as intended, and while you may head back to the doctor for regular post-op assessments, odds are you won’t be readmitted to deal with a new issue that has developed. Unfortunately, not every surgery goes as intended, and some patients find that they need to be readmitted following their initial procedure. What’s driving readmission after shoulder surgery, and more importantly, what can you do to reduce your risk of readmission? Below, we share some of the ways you can lower your risk of hospital readmission after shoulder surgery.
There’s always going to be a non-zero chance that you’ll need to be readmitted to the hospital following a shoulder procedure, but you can reduce your risk of readmission by being aware of the driving factors of complications and working to address these potential issues. Some of the most common risk factors for readmission after shoulder surgery include:
Concurrent Health Issues
Many people are surprised to learn that complications with a shoulder surgery aren’t just confined to the shoulder itself. One study found that patients with heart disease or diabetes were twice as likely to be readmitted to a hospital following shoulder surgery, so it’s wise to try and improve your health as best as possible in the lead up to your surgery. Eat right, shed some weight, manage your blood glucose and try to become a healthier version of yourself, and you’ll naturally lower your risk of readmission.
Infection
The onset of an infection is another reason why many patients need to be readmitted to the hospital following shoulder surgery. You can greatly reduce your risk of an infection after shoulder surgery by following your doctor’s specific care instructions, which will include advice on:
- How to change bandages and dressings
- Frequency of cleaning and bandage changes
- Spotting the signs of an infection
- Showering/Keeping the area dry
If you’re struggling to care for your wound site because it’s in a difficult to see or reach location, be sure to enlist someone to assist with regular wound management.
Worse Original Condition
Patients who needed to undergo more invasive surgeries to address more severe issues were more likely to be readmitted. This is likely no surprise, but it speaks to the importance of not putting off care for too long. If you wait to seek out treatment and the issue worsens significantly, it’s going to be more challenging to effectively manage the condition, and your risk of readmission increases.
Discharge Location
Researchers found that patients who were discharged to assisted living facilities were more likely to be readmitted than those who were discharged home. That’s not to say that the care they received at these facilities was poor, but it’s likely a combination of a number of factors. These patients likely have additional health challenges and may be less likely to be able to effectively care for their wound site on their own. Working to improve your health and independence in the lead up to a shoulder procedure can improve your odds of avoiding hospital readmittance after shoulder surgery.
Dr. Holloway and his team can assess your shoulder health and determine the best path forward for your care. If surgery is on the table, they’ll talk about the procedure, the risks and what you can do to improve your likelihood of having a successful procedure and recovery. For more information about treating different shoulder concerns, connect with Dr. Holloway’s office today at (865) 410-7887.
