Biological sex impacts perioperative complications after reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fracture.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in complication rates between males and females undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures. We hypothesized that (1) females were more likely to undergo reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture, and (2) males were more likely to sustain a perioperative complication.

Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fracture between 2011 and 2018. Patients were stratified based on biological sex. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day perioperative complication rates were collected. Univariate analyses and multiple variable logistic regression modeling were performed.

Results: About 905 patients were included in the analysis-175 (19.3%) were male and 730 (80.7%) were female. Males were more likely to sustain perioperative complications (26.3% vs. 14.1%;  < .001)-pneumonia (2.9% vs. 0.5%;  = .016), unplanned intubation (2.3% vs. 0.4%;  = .029), and unplanned reoperation (9.1% vs. 1.1%;  < .001). On multivariate analysis, males were at a 2.4-fold increase risk of developing any complication (OR = 2.38 [95% CI 1.55-3.65];  < .001) and a 10-fold increase risk of returning to the operating room for an unplanned reoperation (OR = 10.59 [95% CI 4.23-27.49];  < .001) compared with females.

Conclusion: Females were more likely to undergo reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fracture, but males were at increased risk of sustaining short-term complications. This study provides useful information for clinicians to consider when counseling their patients during the perioperative period.