The association of hyponatremia and early postoperative complications in aseptic revision total shoulder arthroplasty

Purpose: This study investigates the association between preoperative serum sodium levels and 30-day postoperative complications following aseptic revision total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent aseptic revision TSA from 2015 to 2022. The study population was divided into two groups based on preoperative serum sodium levels: eunatremia (135–144 mEq/L) and hyponatremia (< 135 mEq/L). Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between hyponatremia and early postoperative complications. Results: Compared to eunatremia, hyponatremia was independently associated with a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing any complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–2.40; P =.008), blood transfusions (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.24–4.83; P =.010), unplanned reoperation (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.07–4.79; P =.032), and length of stay > 2 days (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.09–2.45; P =.017). Conclusion: Hyponatremia was associated with a greater rate of early postoperative complications following noninfectious revision TSA. This study sheds light on the role of preoperative hyponatremia as a risk factor for postoperative complications and may help surgeons better select surgical candidates and improve surgical outcomes in the setting of revision TSA.