RAPID MOBILISATION FOLLOWING TOTAL HIP AND KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

BackgroundRapid mobilisation programs, or “fast track” protocols, are aimed at shorter hospital stays. We found a limited local experience with these programs in total hip arthroplasty in South Africa, and decided to introduce a pilot study at our institution.PurposeThis pilot study is aimed at the feasibility and safety of a RM program in the private sector setting, as well as a review of the pertinent literature.Methods40 patients who met inclusion criteria underwent THR and TKR according to a specific protocol. Key aspects of the protocol included: minimum use of opiates, high volume pericapsular local block at time of surgery, no urinary catheter, mobilisation within 6 hrs of surgery and no high care admission. Target Discharge was 3 days. Patients were followed up retrospectively and outcomes included; length of stay, intra- and post-operative complications, subjective patient experience, re-admissions and re-operations.Results36 patients, (90 %), were discharged by day 3, 4 patients were discharged ...