Venous thromboembolism following 672,495 primary total shoulder and elbow replacements: Meta-analyses of incidence, temporal trends and potential risk factors.

Abstract

There is wide variability in reported venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence following total shoulder replacement (TSR) or total elbow replacement (TER). It is uncertain which risk factors influence the risk of VTE following TSR or TER. We conducted a PRISMA compliant meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence, temporal trends and potential risk factors for VTE following primary TSR and TER. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched to September 2019 for longitudinal studies reporting VTE outcomes after TSR or TER. Incidence and relative risks (RR) (95% confidence intervals) were estimated. We identified 43 articles with data on 672,495 TSRs and TERs (668,699 TSRs and 3796 TERs). The overall pooled 3-month VTE incidence following TSR was 0.85% (0.39-1.46). For TER, the 3-month incidence of VTE was 0.23% (0.08-0.44). Older age, body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m The average 3-month incidence of VTE following TSR or TER is <1%. High risk groups such as older patients, those with a previous VTE history and those undergoing reverse or inpatient TSR may need close monitoring. Modifiable factors such as high BMI, alcohol abuse, and comorbidities could be identified and addressed prior to surgery. PROSPERO 2019: CRD42019134096.

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