Abstract
Introduction
Total Hip Replacement (THR) is an effective treatment for end stage degenerative disease of the hip and offers patients the prospect of long term pain relief, improved joint function and quality of life. Enhanced Recovery Programmes (ERP) aim to standardise routine perioperative care, reduce hospital length of stay (LOS) and promote rapid recovery after elective surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether the implementation of an ERP could successfully reduce the length of hospital stay associated with primary THR and whether this could be achieved without compromising the expected functional outcome or risking an increased dislocation rate.
Patients/Materials & Methods
Prospectively collected data on 1161 patients (611 managed with traditional rehabilitation and 550 with ERP) undergoing primary unilateral THR between 2005 and 2013 was retrospectively reviewed. Univariable statistical analysis was undertaken to identify factors that appeared to predict length of stay and a multiple linear regression model was then constructed to determine the significance and strength of effect of the individual predictors.
Results
Median LOS was 5 days for those managed in the traditional method and 3 days for those managed with ERP (p<0.001). Multivariate regression models demonstrate that this effect on LOS is independent of and stronger than other factors affecting LOS and we did not observe increased rates of dislocation (1.03% versus 0.73%, p=0.75) or mortality (1.5% versus 0.6%, p=0.14) at one year postoperative in patients managed with ERP. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in mean Harris Hip Score (+42.8 versus +41.5) at twelve to eighteen months postoperative and there was no significant difference in the magnitude of improvement between groups (p=0.09).
Discussion
This is the first study to demonstrate the independent effect of ERP on LOS through multiple regression analysis and to directly compare functional outcomes of patients managed with ERP with the accepted gold standard (traditional rehabilitation) and these findings will be of use to surgeons counselling patients peiroperatively and healthcare planners.
Conclusion
Implementation of ERP can reduce the hospital LOS for primary THR without adverse effects on dislocation rates and functional outcomes at 12 to 18 months postoperative.
