Early mobilization within the first 12 hours (day zero) of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been shown to reduce length of stay (LoS) without risking clinical outcomes, patient safety or satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between the degree of mobilization on day zero (i.e., standing at the bedside versus walking in the hallway) and LoS in TJA patients. In addition, we investigated predictors of LoS and day zero mobilization. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of the health records of patients in a community hospital setting who had an elective unilateral primary TJA between June 2015 and May 2017 and had mobilized on day zero. The total sample was 283 patients (184 TKA and 99 THA) across four mobilization categories: Sat on beside (n = 76), Stood by bed/marched in place (n = 83), Walked in the room (n = 79), and Walked in hall (n = 45). Analysis of variance found no significant group differences in age, ASA score, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, anesthesia, surgeon, procedure type, pain medication, and patient reported symptoms recorded by physiotherapists. Significantly more women were in the Sat group and significantly more men were in the Hall group (p < .001). Patient reported symptoms of nausea and drowsiness were significantly greater for the Sat group (p < .001). LoS was also significantly different across the groups. Post hoc Tukey comparisons found the Walked Hall group had significantly shorter LoS (M = 2.7 days) than the Sat group (M = 3.9, p < .001), Stood group (M = 3.4, p = .011), and the Walked Room group (M = 3.5, p = .004). A hierarchical regression was performed to determine predictors of LoS. Block 1 consisted of demographic, medical status, and patient reported symptoms as variables. Mobilization was entered in Block 2. The first model was significant (p < .001) and explained 24% of variance in LoS. The final model was also significant (p < .001), accounting for a total of 26% of the variance in LoS. Thus, block 2 (i.e., mobilization) accounted for a small but significant 2% incremental variance (p = .008) beyond the block 1 variables in the prediction of LoS. With mobilization added, only male gender (p = .002), lower BMI (p = .026), and lower ASA scores (p = .006) remained significant predictors of shorter LoS, and the predictive ability of several of the block 1 variables were reduced to non-significant levels. A simultaneous regression model was then used to predict degree of mobilization. The model accounted for 24% of the variance in mobilization (p < .001). Variables significantly associated with a greater degree of mobilization included: younger age, male gender, lower BMI, and fewer symptoms, namely nausea, numbness, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. This study found length of stay was shorter when patients mobilized farther on the day of surgery. Some factors predictive of mobilization may be modifiable. Focusing on symptom management could increase opportunities for farther mobilization on the day of surgery, and thus decrease length of stay

Aims. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been successfully performed in the United States healthcare system on outpatients. Despite differences in healthcare structure and financial environment, we hypothesised that it would be feasible to replicate this success and perform UKA with safe day of surgery discharge within the NHS, in the United Kingdom. This has not been reported in any other United Kingdom centres. Patients and Methods. We report our experience of implementing a pathway to allow safe day of surgery discharge following UKA. Data were prospectively collected on 72 patients who underwent UKA as a day case between December 2011 and September 2015. . Results. A total of 61 patients (85%) were discharged on the same day. The most common reason for failure was logistical; five patients had their operation too late in the day. Three patients failed to mobilise safely, two had inadequate control of pain and one had a leaking wound. The mean length of stay for those who were not discharged on the same day was 1.2 nights (1 to 3). During the same time, 58 patients underwent planned inpatient UKA, as they were deemed inappropriate for discharge on the day of surgery. However, three of these were safely discharged on the same day. Follow-up data, 24 hours post-operatively, were available for 70 patients; 51 (73%) reported no or mild pain, 14 (20%) had moderate pain and five (7%) had severe pain. There were no re-admissions. All patients had a high level of satisfaction. Conclusion. We found that patients can be safely and effectively discharged on the day of surgery after UKA, with high levels of satisfaction. This clearly offers improved management of resources and financial savings to healthcare trusts. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:788–92

Introduction: Utilisation of day case surgery units for orthopaedic trauma is an uncommon concept. Limited reports of its use in specific orthopaedic trauma cases have been encouraging. There is currently no formal provision for day case surgery for trauma patients at our institution. The aim of this study was to identify the proportion of trauma patients that would be suitable for daycase surgery and the proportion of these that currently undergo procedures as a day case, with a view to establishing a more formalised daycase trauma service. Methods: We undertook prospective data collection on all trauma referrals in our institution over a 1 month period in January 2008. Information was recorded for date and time of referral, admission, operation and discharge. Nature of injury, type of procedure performed, grades of surgeon involved and length, nature and reason for any pre or post-operative delay was also recorded. All patients requiring surgery were assessed on their suitability for day case as defined by pre-determined patient-related and surgery-related criteria. Results: Of all the patients referred during the study period 129 patients required surgery. Of the operated patients 80 (62%) had a procedure suitable to be performed as a day case as defined by surgical factors. Of these, 57 (44%) patients met criteria for day surgery as defined by patient factors. Of those eligible for day case surgery (n=57), only 27% had their procedures performed as a day case. The total number of additional days spent in hospital by day case eligible patients was 69. 34 days were due to pre-operative delay and 35 were due to post operative delay. The mean number of pre operative days in hospital was 1.33(range 0–3) and post operative days 1.85 (range 0–8). There was a wide case mix of procedures performed that were deemed appropriate for day case surgery. 76% were upper limb or soft tissue procedures.The causes for pre-operative delay established two main issues. Limited dedicated operating theatre capacity for day case eligible procedures resulting in their de-prioritisation and limitations on dedicated bed availability. The cause for postoperative delay was more variable but on the whole was for reasons which with appropriate protocols could have been avoided. Conclusions: This study has identified that a significant proportion of orthopaedic trauma workload would be appropriate to be carried out as a day case. Without an appropriate day case surgery setup, current delays are causing 69 unnecessary bed days per month in our institution. Causes for current delays are related to lack of synchrony between timing of admission and surgery and lack of appropriate discharge protocols. We are in the process of developing a plan for implementation of a dedicated day case trauma service at our institution and suggest that this may be an appropriate use of day case facilities in other trusts

Day case surgery is commonplace in the field of orthopaedic surgery, being suitable for a wide range of both trauma & elective procedures. It became apparent within our unit that an unacceptably high number of cases were being cancelled for a variety of reasons. We set out to identify these reasons and thereby develop a simple screening process to reduce the number of cancellations. Initial audit over a 1 year period showed 25% of the 907 day case patients were being cancelled. We subdivided the reasons for these cancellations at both pre-operative assessment and on the day of surgery into avoidable [e.g. no carer / telephone, uncontrolled BP, high BMI and ischaemic heart disease] and unavoidable [e.g. surgery no longer required, patient unwell, list cancelled for emergencies, patient DNA]. The majority of our cancellations fell into the “avoidable” category, predominantly at pre-operative assessment. Accordingly, we devised a simple screening questionnaire to be used by clinicians in out-patients at the time of listing for surgery, based on the RCS guidelines (1985). If any of the questions were answered “Yes”, the patient was not suitable for day case surgery. The patient information letter was also changed, informing patients that non-attendance would result in their removal from the waiting list. Re-audit of 727 patients over the next 12 months showed a fall in cancellations to only 11%, with the majority of these being for unavoidable reasons. Cancellations are a source of inconvenience, distress and frustration to both clinician and patient, are a waste of hospital time and resources, and lead to an increase in waiting lists. Our study demonstrates the value of closing the loop in audit, leading to a dramatic reduction in cancellations. Audit is a useful tool to improve patient care, and is not merely a “number-crunching” exercise

The aim of this study is to evaluate which patients, if any, can be eligible for a rapid discharge from Hip Surgery Department at 24 hours after primary total hip arthroplasty. Methods In this retrospective clinical trial were included all patients undergone to primary total hip arthroplasty in our Hip Surgery Department from January to June 2004. Exclusion criteria were preoperative anaemia (Hb< 12g/dL), coagulation disease, hip fracture, previous hip surgery and not-weight bearing indication after operation. All patients received an uncemented total hip arthroplasty with posterior surgical approach in regional anaesthesia. All patients had the same post-operative (PO) management including analgesia, prevention of DVT, immediate muscle exercises and physiotherapy for walking on crutches starting on the second PO day. The clinical history, vital parameters, haemoglobin (Hb) value before surgery and for 5 days PO, adverse events like luxation and transfusion were registered. For the statistical evaluation were used the paired “t-test” with a level of significance set at 95%. Differences and p values of < 0.05 were considered significant. Results 234 patients (mean age 65y; range 21–91y) were admitted to the study. 128 women and 106 men. For the blood loss evaluation, the presence of no homogeneous preoperative Hb lead us to analyse the decrease rate of preoperative Hb (DRPH). The mean DRPH was: 22,47% at 1dayPO; 25,09% at 2 daysPO; 22,83% at 3 daysPO; 26,76% at 5 daysPO. For the safety evaluation were considered the incidence of transfusions (limit was set at Hb< 8g/dL) that were related to the preoperative Hb and the age. The transfusion incidence for each preoperative Hb (PrHb) value was: 14% (7/49) for 12< PrHb< 13; 11% (6/53) for 13< PrHb< 14; 11% (5/43) for 14< PrHb< 15; 7% (2/26) for 15< PrHb< 16g/dL. For age under 70y and PrHb> 14g/dL there were the lowest transfusion incidence: 3% (2/41). No adverse events were able to prevent patients from going to Rehabilitation Unit. All patients were able to do their own physiotherapical programme. Pain during physiotherapy was low (mean value of VAS = 3,47). Discussion During the last decade the improvement of anaesthesiologic and surgical technique with minimally invasive soft tissue approach (small incision and little muscular sacrifice) lead to a significant reduction in adverse events after primary total hip arthroplasty. So the relative safety of this surgery justifies the growing importance of intensive rehabilitation and fast recovery. This study shows the safety of a rapid discharge from the Hip Surgery Department. The main adverse event after 24 hours PO is the necessity of blood transfusions, but the incidence rate of only 3%, like in patients with preoperative Hb> 14g/dL and age below 70 years, is not a problem for the physicians of the Rehabilitation Unit. Conclusion This study confirms the possibility to perform a safe One Day Hip Surgery by an accurate selection of the patient

Although day surgery has a good patient satisfaction and safety profile, accurate episode-of-care costs (EOCC) calculation for of this procedure compared to standard same-day admission (SDA), while considering functional outcomes, is not well known. This study assesses the EOCC for patients with a THA while comparing DS and Same Day Admission (SDA) (with a 1-day hospitalization) pathways. The episode-of-care cost (EOCC) of 50 consecutive day surgery and SDA patients who underwent a THA was evaluated. The episode-of-care cost was determined using a bottom-up Time Driven- Activity Based Funding method. Functional outcomes were measured using preoperative and postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS). Overall, the SDA THA cost 11% more than a DS THA. The mean total EOCC of DS THA was 9 672 CAD compared to 10 911 CAD in the SDA THA group. Both groups showed an improvement in HHS score following the procedure but patients in the DS group had a significantly higher postoperative HHS score and a significantly greater improvement in their HHS score postoperatively. Day surgery THA is cost-effective, safe and associated with high patient satisfaction due to functional improvement. Providing policymakers the information to develop optimal financing methods is paramount for clinicians wishing to develop modern protocols, increase productivity while providing the optimal care for patients

Reduced length of stay (LOS) is logistically, economically and physiologically beneficial. Although a high proportion of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients are suitable for same day admission (SDA), removable barriers persist in many centres. This study aimed to determine factors limiting SDA and quantify the impact of implementing both SDA and a targeted enhanced recovery programme on length of stay.

This single-centre retrospective cohort study collected data on elective TJA patients aged <60. Qualitative service reviews identified opportunities for optimisation. Improvements were implemented in 2017, including: obtaining consent at the pre-assessment clinic and robustly assessing suitability for SDA. A targeted rapid recovery program was implemented in June 2018. Data was collected prior to changes in 2017, and following changes in 2018.

106 of 108 screened patients were eligible for inclusion. There were no significant between-year differences in baseline health characteristics. Significantly greater proportions of 2018 patients were consented at their pre-assessment clinic (56% vs 8.9%, p<0.001) and assessed as suitable for SDA (94% vs 57.1%, p<0.001). Pre-operative LOS was significantly reduced in 2018 for both total hip replacements (median [IQR]: 0[0,0] vs 1[1,1], p<0.001) and total knee replacements (median [IQR]: 0[0,0] vs 0[0,1], p=0.002). The departmental mean LOS improved from 4.7 days to 3.7 days following SDA. This was further shortened to 3.2 days after introduction of the rapid recovery program.

When a larger proportion of patients were deemed suitable for SDA, this correlated with reduction of LOS. The department now performs above national standards in both of these parameters.

Patient satisfaction is a driving force behind setting up and developing day case procedures. Ten months ago a service for day surgery SCARF procedures was set up in Torbay day surgery unit. We analysed patient pre and post operative pain scores and patient satisfaction scores in respect to pain, appearance and overall satisfaction. A questionnaire was sent to all sixty patients who had undergone a SCARF osteotomy in day surgery. Outcomes assessed were: reason for SCARF osteotomy; adequate preoperative information; pain scores pre and post operatively; satisfaction scores and admission rates. 53 patients responded (88% response rate). 79% of patients had their operation for pain, 19% for appearance and footwear, and 2% for function of their foot. 100% of patients were given adequate information by the surgeon preoperatively and 27% also used other sources for information. 62% of patients scored 6 or more on a linear pain score preoperatively. 85% of patients have a current pain score of 0 or 1. 87% were highly satisfied (scoring 9 or 10 on linear scale) with the outcome regarding their pain, 83% highly satisfied with appearance and 72% highly satisfied with function despite the questionnaire being completed less than one year post surgery. 83% of patients were highly satisfied with the overall procedure and 91% said they would have a SCARF as a day case procedure again. 9 patients were admitted, 3 due to living alone, 3 for wound problems and 3 for post anaesthetic problems including pain, nausea and vomiting. From these figures we concluded that SCARF osteotomy in day surgery is a successful, feasible and worthwhile undertaking in our unit. We used the questionnaires and results to further analyse our service and we have made modifications to improve it. We have now put in place a dedicated anaesthetist with an interest in foot and ankle blocks, as well as a comprehensive post operative analgesic regime and a stringent day surgery protocol. We now run a prospective questionnaire from clinic, including AAOFAS scores, to continue analysis of our service. With these changes in place we would like to see our satisfaction scores rising towards 100%

A pilot study was performed to assess the feasibility of discharging patients undergoing unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) within a day of surgery; both clinical and administrative issues were examined. Logistics and responsibilities were organised prior to the study. Representatives of anaesthetics, pain team, orthopaedics, admissions, bed management, nursing, theatres, physiotherapy, radiology and outpatients were involved. Patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis undergoing unicompartmental knee replacement who passed strict exclusion criteria were recruited. Factors included; unsuitable home situation (no phone, excessive stairs, no support person), low tolerance to NSAIDS, and not living within a 25 mile radius of the hospital. To date seven NHS patients (mean age 60 years) have been recruited. All patients underwent preoperative assessment and counselling. The mean preoperative Oxford Knee Score was 24/48, the mean Knee Society Score (KSS) was 43/100 and average pain score was 14/50 indicating all patients had significant dysfunction and pain before operation. Average knee flexion was 111° and the average flexion deformity was 5°. Each patient had a medial UKR using the minimally invasive approach and then underwent the accelerated recovery program. The program included pain control, accelerated rehabilitation, dedicated instructions and self assessment. Post operative pain was controlled by an intra-operative infiltration of local anaesthetic around the knee and large doses of NSAIDs. All patients were mobilised on the day of surgery and all except one who was delayed for administrative reasons) were discharged the following day. Patients were discharged in an extension splint and provided with post operative instructions including an emergency back up telephone number. A designated clinician made regular contact with the patient at home to assess progress. Patients were then assessed in clinic at 6 days, 13 days, and 6 weeks after surgery. Patients average pain scores at 7 days and 14 days were 2/10 and 2.2/10 respectively. At 6 week follow up the average knee flexion was 124° and average flexion deformity was 1°. All patients were walking independently and painfree. No complications were encountered except one patient required further manipulation for limited knee flexion. The new pain control protocol permits early mobilisation and discharge for patients undergoing UKR. Potential benefits include increased patient comfort, functional rehabilitation, avoidance of hospital induced infection and substantial cost benefits to the NHS. The pilot study demonstrates that, provided adequate communication is maintained between involved personnel, the program is both practical and safe. It now is planned to implement the accelerated recovery program for UKR as routine

Purpose of the study: to prospectively evaluate if day surgery influences post-operative rehabilitation time in sportsmen. Material and Methods. 122 young sportsmen underwent a reconstruction of the ACL with patellar tendon. They were randomly divided up into two groups. Group A (62 patients, mean age 28 years) Day Surgery and Group B (60 patients, mean age 30 years) staying one or two nights in the clinic. In all the same surgical technique by the same surgeon was performed. Peripheral anaesthesia was used in the majority of them. 15% of the subjects in Group A and 17% of the subjects in Group B chose general anaesthetic. The same rehabilitation protocol was applied to all of the subjects. Results were evaluated with the IKDC form. Furthermore, the time crutches were used, the time needed in order to recover complete ROM and the time lapse from surgery to resuming running and sports activities were evaluated. The results were analysed statistically ( paired Student t test). Mean follow up 75 months. Results. The two groups were classified according to the IKDC form:Group A: 53 A , 6 B , 3 C . Group B: 44 A , 14 B, 2 C. The time crutches were used (mean 10 days in both groups) and the average time needed for the recovery of complete mobility was 88 days in Group A and 105 days in Group B. 8% of Group A and 3% of Group B did not recover flection completely (< 5). Patients in Group A started running after an average time of 92 days, and in Group B after an average time of 110 days. 87% in Group A and 83% in Group B resumed sports activities after 161 and 179 days respectively. No statistical difference was evidenced in any parameter evaluated. 97% in group A declared that they were satisfied with the day surgery. Conclusions and Significance. Day surgery ACL reconstruction does not jeopardize the rehabilitation time of sportsmen

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has been traditionally performed as an inpatient due to post-operative analgesic requirements. Increased patient demands and pressures of bed shortages have led to the development of day case surgery. Day case anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery using an analgesic pump was assessed. 24 consecutive ACL reconstructions using arthroscopic hamstring technique were performed as day case procedures. All received a standard anaesthetic of propofol, fentanyl, tenoxicam, and morphine. And an intra-articular administration of 10mls 0. 75% Ropivicaine Hydrochloride at the end of surgery. 0. 2% Ropivicaine at a rate of 2mls/hr was infused over 48hrs using a compression spring infusion pump (Pain Control Infusion Pump – Sgarlato Labs) via an intraarticular catheter. Post operative pain was assessed by a Visual Analogue Score (VAS) recorded by the patient onto an unmarked 1 Ocin line (0 – no pain ; 1 0 – maximum pain). For the 48hrs the pump was infusing the average VAS was 2. 7 with minimal additional analgesia required. Following pump removal by a District Nurse, the average VAS score was 1. 9 with similar analgesia requirements. All patients were satisfied with their care; none had problems related to the use of or removal of the pump; none required re-admission or review from their GP; or suffered post-operative complications. The cost for day case surgery was 260 (including theatre time; pump and drug costs; District Nurse costs) compared to 1072 for an average in-patient stay of 4 days (both exclude ACL specific implants, surgeon and anaesthetist costs). The intra-articular infusion of local anaesthetic has been shown to be well received by patients with no additional risks. It is an effective and cost-effective means of providing post-operative analgesia allowing day case ACL Reconstruction surgery to be performed. This study has demonstrated that there are no requirements for additional resources from primary care

Introduction. Major ankle and hindfoot surgery has traditionally been performed as an inpatient. Recent advances in minimally invasive surgery and improved post-operative pain management make it possible to contemplate performing major ankle and hindfoot operations as a day-case. This could have a significant impact on length of stay for these major cases, saving resources and in keeping with government policy. In this study, we prospectively audited the outcome of the first cohort of patients undergoing major ankle and hindfoot surgery as a day-case against a series of standards. Methods. Twenty four consecutive patients who underwent ankle or hindfoot surgery between August 2009 and April 2010 were considered for day surgery. Seven patients were deemed not suitable due to co-existing medical conditions or insufficient help at home. This left 17 patients who had ankle or hindfoot surgery as a day case. All patients received an ultrasound-guided regional nerve block and spinal or general anaesthesia. The data was collected on patient demographics, diagnosis, and type of surgical procedure. Patients received the standard follow-up regimen for a particular procedure. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a standard questionnaire which included self-monitoring of post-operative pain at 6, 24 and 48 hrs. In addition, any adverse outcomes were recorded. Results. The average age was 48 (range 23-67) years. There were 7 males and 10 females. The surgical procedures included arthroscopic ankle fusion (5), subtalar fusion (5), talonavicular fusion (1) midfoot fusion with calcaneal osteotomy (1), tibialis posterior reconstruction (3) tendo-achilles reconstruction (1) and arthroscopy and lateral ligament reconstruction (1). 93% patients reported that they were given enough information and advice about their operation as a day case. No patients reported severe pain at 6 hrs. One patient had severe pain at 24 hrs post-op. Four patients (23%) had significant pain at 48 hrs and required strong analgesia. Thirteen (77%) patients stated that they would recommend having this surgery as a day-case if they were having it again whereas four (23%) would prefer staying in overnight. The average length of stay for the patients deemed unsuitable for day surgery was 3.8 (range 1-6) days. Conclusions. Our initial results of performing major ankle and hindfoot procedures as day surgery are encouraging but pain control at 48 hrs still remains an unsolved issue and further optimisation is needed

Purpose: Due to bed and resource constraints at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, we have seen an increase in utilization of the day surgery program for acute Orthopedic traumatic injuries in ambulatory patients. The purpose of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with the Saskatoon Health Region Orthopedic trauma day surgery program by collecting data pertaining to wait-times, demographics, communication, coping skills at home and pain management. Method: A patient-oriented questionnaire was devised and administered to eligible adult patients presenting for day surgery Orthopedic Trauma procedures over a three month period. Inclusion criteria included age greater than 18 and written english comprehension. Between July 12 and October 2, 2009, 45 patients consented to participate. The questionnaire was formulated to encapsulate all the potential concerns associated with the day-surgery program, which included expected wait-times, pain control, and communication between the orthopedic surgeon and the patient. Demographics and actual wait-times were obtained from hospital data. Results: There was a marked discrepancy between the actual and anticipated waiting times for day surgery. However, 64% of the patients were still satisfied with the waiting times despite the difference. Seventy three percent of patients did not think that admission to hospital would lead to earlier surgery. There was an obvious difference in demographics with 53% of patients living outside city limits. Demographics played an important role in patient satisfaction. Patients living within the city limits had a better experience compared to patients living outside city limits. Patients did have difficulty managing at home. The overall satisfaction was 68% at the conclusion of the study. Conclusion: Patients were overall satisfied with the day surgery program. We have identified several areas where we can improve. This involve better pain management, better communication and assessment of the bio-socioeconomic circumstances of patients. We will also have a lower threshold for admitting non residents of Saskatoon. We will relay a more realistic timeframe for surgery, as calculated in the study, to patients

A review of the outcome, safety, practicality and cost effectiveness of day surgery anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was studied in the British set-up. From January 2003 to May 2005, 75 patients who underwent day case arthroscopic ACL reconstruction without the use of tourniquet or nerve blocks, but using a pump-regulated saline-epinephrine irrigation system were studied prospectively. 68 patients had a hamstring tendon graft and 7 patients had patellar tendon graft reconstruction. None of the patients required overnight stay. Mean immediate postoperative Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for pain was 2.5 (range1–8) and 0.5 (range 0–3) at 6 weeks indicating excellent pain control. The mean follow-up was 14 months (range 6–30 months). We had no early or late complications in this series. ACL specific Mohtadi Quality of Life Index improved from pre-operative score of 20 (15–40) to 93 (80–100) at 9 months after surgery. The mean Modified Lysholm Knee Score was 93.9 points, (range 80–100) at the 9 months follow-up examination. On Tegner activity score, 68 patients returned to the same level of sporting activity at 8 months and the rest 7 patients dropped 1 level. The average saving per patient was in the range of 50–60% when compared to inpatient ACL reconstruction. In conclusion, day case ACL reconstruction using a pump-regulated saline-epinephrine irrigation system is safe, cost-effective and is the patient’s choice

We retrospectively reviewed 2989 consecutive patients with a mean age of 81 (21 to 105) and a female to male ratio of 5:2 who were admitted to our hip fracture unit between July 2009 and February 2013. We compared weekday and weekend admission and weekday and weekend surgery 30-day mortality rates for hip fractures treated both surgically and conservatively. After adjusting for confounders, weekend admission was independently and significantly associated with a rise in 30-day mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 1.9; p = 0.039) for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. There was no increase in mortality associated with weekend surgery (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8 to 1.7; p = 0.39). All hip fracture patients, whether managed surgically or conservatively, were more likely to die as an inpatient when admitted at the weekend (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.80; p = 0.032), despite our unit having a comparatively low overall inpatient mortality (8.7%). Hip fracture patients admitted over the weekend appear to have a greater risk of death despite having a consultant-led service.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:373–8.

Aims. The rate of day-case total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the UK is currently approximately 0.5%. Reducing length of stay allows orthopaedic providers to improve efficiency, increase operative throughput, and tackle the rising demand for joint arthroplasty surgery and the COVID-19-related backlog. Here, we report safe delivery of day-case TKA in an NHS trust via inpatient wards with no additional resources. Methods. Day-case TKAs, defined as patients discharged on the same calendar day as surgery, were retrospectively reviewed with a minimum follow-up of six months. Analysis of hospital and primary care records was performed to determine readmission and reattendance rates. Telephone interviews were conducted to determine patient satisfaction. Results. Since 2016, 301/7350 TKAs (4.1%) in 290 patients at our institution were discharged on the day of surgery. Mean follow-up was 31.4 months (6.2 to 70.0). In all, 28 patients (9.3%) attended the emergency department or other acute care settings within 90 days of surgery, most often with wound concerns or leg swelling; six patients (2.0%) were readmitted. No patients underwent a subsequent revision procedure, and there were no periprosthetic infections. Two patients (0.7%) underwent secondary patella resurfacing, and one patient underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis after previous manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA). Three patients (1.0%) underwent MUA alone. Primary care consultation records, available for 206 patients, showed 16 patients (7.8%) contacted their general practitioner within two weeks postoperatively; two (1.0%) were referred to secondary care. Overall, 115/121 patients (95%) telephoned stated they would have day-case TKA again. Conclusion. Day-case TKA can be safely delivered in the NHS with no additional resources. We found low incidence of contact with primary and secondary care in the postoperative period, and high patient satisfaction. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):621–627

In Canada, hip and knee replacements are each among the top three surgeries performed annually. In 2020, surgeries across the country were cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the impact on these joint replacement surgeries throughout the year. Using the Discharge Abstract Database and National Ambulatory Care Reporting System, we developed a dataset of all 208,041 hip and knee replacements performed in Canada (except from Quebec) between January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. We compared patient and surgical characteristics (including sex, age, main diagnosis, and type of surgery (planned/urgent, primary/revision, inpatient/day surgery) in 2020 to 2019. In 2020, hip and knee replacements volumes decreased by 18.8% compared to 2019. In April and May 2020, hip and knee replacements fell by 69.4% and 93.8%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2019. During those months, 66.5% of hip replacements were performed to treat hip fracture versus 20.2% in April and May 2019, and 64.5% of knee replacements were primaries versus 93.0% in April and May 2019. Patterns by patient age group and sex were similar compared to 2019. These patterns were similar across all provinces. By the summer, planned surgeries resumed across the country and volumes mostly returned to pre-pandemic monthly levels by the end of the year. We also found that there was an increase in the proportion of hip and knee replacements done as day surgery, with 4% in 2020 versus 1% in 2019, and patients undergoing day surgery replacement for osteoarthritis were older, with a median age of 64 for hip patients and 65 for knee patients, versus 63 for both joints the previous year. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable drop in 2020 of hip and knee replacements performed in Canada. With the demand for joint replacements continuing to grow, the resulting backlog will have an immediate, significant impact on wait lists and patient quality of life. The shift to a greater proportion of joint replacements performed as day surgeries may have an effect on patient outcomes as well shifts in access to care. It will be important to continue monitor patient outcomes following day surgery and the impact on patients for which day surgery was not an option

Abstract. Introduction. The rate of day-case total knee replacement (TKR) in the UK is currently ~0.5%. Reducing length of stay improves efficiency, increases operative throughput and tackles the rising demand for joint replacement surgery and the COVID-19 related backlog. We report safe delivery of day-case TKR in an NHS Trust via inpatient wards, with no additional resources. Methodology. Day-case TKRs, defined as patients discharged on the same calendar day as surgery, were retrospectively reviewed with a minimum follow-up of six-months. Analysis of hospital and primary care records was performed to determine readmission and reattendance rates. Telephone interviews were conducted to determine patient satisfaction. Results. Between 2016 and 2021, 301/7350 (4.1%) TKRs were discharged on the day of surgery. Mean follow-up was 31.4 (6.2–70.0) months. 28 (9.3%) patients attended Accident and Emergency or other acute care settings within 90-days of surgery; six (2.0%) patients were readmitted. No patients underwent a subsequent revision procedure. There were no prosthetic infections. Two patients underwent secondary patella resurfacing, and one patient underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis after previous manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA). Three patients underwent MUA alone. Primary care consultation records, available for 206 patients, showed 16 (7.8%) patients contacted their General Practitioner within two-weeks post-operatively; two (1.0%) were referred to secondary care. 115/121 (95%) patients telephoned stated they would have day-case TKR again. Conclusion. Day-case TKR can be safely delivered in the NHS with no additional resources. We found low incidence of contact with primary and secondary care in the post-operative period, and high patient satisfaction

Introduction. Day Case Surgery (defined as same day discharge) is a priority within the National Health Service and has been shown to provide beneficial outcomes for patients and hospitals. We report our experience developing a Day Case Programme for Total Ankle Replacement (TAR). Methods. Prior to the introduction of a Day Case Programme, average length of stay following TAR in our unit was 3.5 days. Stakeholders were consulted about ways in which same day discharge could be facilitated. Patients' post-operative pain charts were reviewed prior to the introduction of this programme. Inclusion criteria included non-complex surgery (anticipated tourniquet < 2hrs), friend or relative support and pre-operative walking-aid assessment. An enhanced recovery protocol included long-acting popliteal block and dexamethasone. Patients were discharged with opiate analgesia and written pain instructions. Patients were asked to complete a pain and satisfaction questionnaire. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were recorded. Results. From September 2017 to April 2019 21 of 70 patients underwent TAR as a Day Case. Mean age was 67 years (43-85 years). Complications included two delayed wound healings and one representation on day three with urinary retention. No patients reported post-operative nausea or vomiting, 60% did not use Oramorph at home. Average Visual Analogue Score for pain was 23/100 on day one and 21/100 day three post-operatively. There was no significant difference in pre-operative or overall change in MOXFQ, VAS or EQ5D PROMS. Conclusions. Early results suggest that Day Case Total Ankle Replacements are safe. Appropriate patient selection is necessary. Day Case Surgery relies on support and communication between multiple teams to organise and run effectively