Abstract

RIEMER, B et al. Rapid mobilisation following total hip and knee arthroplasty. SA orthop. j. [online]. 2017, vol.16, n.2, pp.58-61. ISSN 2309-8309.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2309-8309/2017/v16n2a8.

INTRODUCTION: A rapid recovery protocol for hip and knee replacement surgery is a multidisciplinary, standardised pathway to meet the increasing demands for surgery and enhancement of recovery. This is the idea behind the recent global push by funders for cost effective, elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty. We report on a pilot study to assess the implementation and feasibility of a standardised care pathway in a South African private hospital setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible patients presenting for primary hip or knee arthroplasty were enrolled in a rapid recovery programme. The protocol that was implemented was based on current literature and international best practices. It involved members of a multidisciplinary team and the standardisation of the treatment of patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were enrolled in the pilot study and 43 patients were successfully discharged by the third post-operative day. There were no major complications and high patient satisfaction was recorded. CONCLUSION: This pilot study successfully implemented a multidisciplinary and standardised treatment protocol for hip and knee arthroplasty in a South African setting. The rapid recovery protocol proved to be safe and effective for the management of hip and knee replacements.

Keywords : rapid recovery arthroplasty; short stay protocol; enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS).

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