Predictors of Loss to Long-Term Follow-up After Shoulder Surgery

The authors aimed to identify factors influencing loss to follow-up after shoulder surgery, hypothesizing that older patients would have higher follow-up rates while those undergoing instability surgery would have lower rates. Their analysis of 1,028 patients revealed that older age, undergoing arthroplasty, and being insured by Medicare were associated with higher follow-up completion, while younger age and missing preoperative pain scores predicted loss to follow-up. The findings suggest a need for targeted strategies to enhance follow-up rates among younger patients and those with specific insurance types.