Fast-track rehabilitation after THR yielded shorter stays, better functional outcomes
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Patients who received fast-track rehabilitation after total hip replacement experienced shorter hospital stays and better functional outcomes compared with patients who had conventional rehabilitation, according to results.
Researchers randomly assigned 60 patients undergoing THR for hip arthritis to participate in conventional rehabilitation after a normal hospital stay or a fast-track rehabilitation program. Researchers mobilized patients in the conventional group 1 to 3 days after surgery according to the general condition and pain tolerance, while patients in the fast-track group were mobilized on the day of surgery 3 to 5 hours after leaving the OR and being transferred to the normal orthopedic ward. Researchers evaluated hip function preoperatively and at 6 and 12 weeks after surgery using the WOMAC score and Harris Hip Score (HHS).
Results showed the conventional group had a mean length of stay of 7.8 days vs. 4.5 days in the fast-track group. Researchers identified one dislocation in both groups, as well as a case of heart failure and readmission in the conventional group. Patients in the conventional group had a mean HHS of 69.3 at 6 weeks and 82 at 12 weeks postoperatively compared with 79 at 6 weeks and 91 at 12 weeks postoperatively in the fast-track group, according to results. Researchers noted the difference in HHS between the two groups was statistically significant.
“This approach needs careful implementation and dedicated patients and staff to maintain a satisfactory care throughout the treatment process,” the authors wrote.
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