Factors associated with hospital admission for proximal humerus fracture

Abstract

Background: The number of inpatient admissions for proximal humerus fracture is increasing, but the factors that determine hospitalization are not well documented. We sought to identify predictors of hospital admission among individuals presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a fracture of the proximal humerus.

Methods: Using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for 2010 and 2011, an estimated 285661 patients were identified and separated into those who were admitted to hospital (19%) and those who were discharged directly home (81%). Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify independent predictors of hospital admission.

Results: Factors associated with admission included increasing age and Charlson comorbidity index, ED visit on a weekday, Medicare and Medicaid insurance, open fracture, injury due to motor vehicle crash, polytrauma, urban teaching hospital, and residence in the Northeast. The lowest ratio of hospital admission to home discharge was noted for uninsured patients (0.09).

Discussion: Factors unrelated to medical complexity such as insurance status, geographic region, timing of ED visit, and hospital type are associated with inpatient admission for proximal humerus fracture. Interventions to reduce variation in hospital admission and the influence of nonclinical factors merit attention.

Level of evidence: Level II, prognostic study.