Pulmonary Comorbidities Are Associated with Increased Major Complication Rates Following Indwelling Interscalene Nerve Catheters for Shoulder Arthroplasty

Abstract

Pulmonary comorbidities and ASA physical status class III and IV can significantly increase the rate of major complications after ISC placement. Patients with an underlying pulmonary comorbidity or lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or obstructive sleep apnea) have a 2.2-fold increased risk of having any complication and a 2.4-fold increased risk of having a major pulmonary complication compared to those without pulmonary comorbidities. Patients with pulmonary comorbidities may benefit from alternative pain management strategies to avoid complications in the early postoperative period.

Keywords: Complications; Indwelling interscalene catheter; Interscalene nerve block; Pain management; Pulmonary comorbidities; Shoulder arthroplasty.