Improvement in fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty: a prospective multicentre study of 36,935 procedures from 2010 to 2017

Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 4;10(1):21233. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-77127-6.

Abstract

"Fast-track" protocols has improved surgical care with a reduction in length of hospital stay (LOS) in total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the effects of continuous refinement of perioperative care lack detailed assessment. We studied time-related changes in LOS and morbidity after THA and TKA within a collaboration with continuous scientific refinement of perioperative care. Prospective multicentre consecutive cohort study between 2010 and 2017 from nine high-volume orthopaedic centres with established fast-track THA and TKA protocols. Prospective collection of comorbidities and complete 90-day follow-up from the Danish National Patient Registry and medical records. Of 36,935 procedures median age was 69 [62 to 75] years and 58% women. LOS declined from three [two to three] days in 2010 to one [one to two] day in 2017. LOS > 4 days due to "medical" or "surgical" complications, and "with no recorded morbidity" declined from 4.4 to 2.7%, 1.5 to 0.6%, and 3.8 to 1.3%, respectively. 90-days readmission rate declined from 8.6 to 7.7%. Our multicentre study in a socialized healthcare setting was associated with a continuous reduction in LOS and morbidity after THA and TKA.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / adverse effects*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / history
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / mortality
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / history
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / mortality
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morbidity
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Patient Readmission / statistics & numerical data
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Prospective Studies