Factors That Influence the Choice to Undergo Surgery for Shoulder and Elbow Conditions

Background Knowledge of the factors that influence the willingness of patients considering elective orthopaedic surgery is essential for patient-centered care. To date, however, these factors remain undefined in the orthopaedic population with shoulder and elbow disorders. Questions/purposes In a cohort of patients seeking surgical consultation for shoulder or elbow conditions, we sought to identify factors that influenced the willingness and decision to undergo surgery. Methods In this prospective study, 384 patients completed a questionnaire collecting socioeconomic and health status data before consultation from June 2009 to December 2010. An additional 120 patients who were offered surgery after consultation completed a second questionnaire on their perceptions and concerns regarding surgery. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors influencing the willingness and decision to undergo surgery. Results Lower income (odds ratio [OR], 0.02; CI, 0.02–0.08; p