DO POST OPERATIVE HAEMOGLOBIN LEVELS BETWEEN 7–8G/DL SLOW REHABILITATION AFTER TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT?

Abstract

Introduction: Failure to meet rehabilitation targets after total knee replacement is the main reason for delayed discharge in our orthopaedic unit. Low haemoglobin levels are associated with increased length of stay possibly due to poor participation in physiotherapy and delayed attainment of the functional goals necessary for safe discharge. This report describes the rehabilitation of patients with post operative haemoglobin levels between 7.1–8g/dL and provides a comparison with individuals rehabilitating with much higher levels.

Materials and Methods: Case notes of 64 primary total knee replacements over the period January – October 2007 (10 months) were reviewed in a comprehensive retrospective analysis. All aspects of care were standardised. Joint replacements were performed using recognised surgical techniques and implants.

Patients were given access to a minimum of two physiotherapy sessions each day, 6 days a week. Typical gait re-education began with the delta rolator frame progressing to walking sticks, stair assessment and finally discharge. Care pathways, operative and medial notes were reviewed for postoperative haemoglobin levels, complications and achievement of functional physiotherapy targets.

Results: 8 of 64 patients were found to have a postoperative haemoglobin level bellow 8g/dL (sample average 10.2g/dL). 3 of these patients underwent transfusion for levels bellow 7g/dL and were excluded from further analysis. 5 patients began rehabilitation with haemoglobin levels between 7.1–8g/dL. All 5 mobilised with the delta frame on post op day one, progressed to sticks between days two to four and managed a stairs assessment on postoperative days two to five with an average inpatient stay of six days.

Conclusion: These gains were almost identical to the overall sample average suggesting that in isolation, haemoglobin levels between 7.1–8g/dL do not significantly impede postoperative rehabilitation. It would seem there is no justification for ‘top up’ transfusions to expedite rehabilitation after joint replacement surgery in this patient group.