Accelerated course in hip arthroplasty
Rasmussen, S.; Kramhøft, M.U.; Sperling, K.P.; Pedersen, J.H.; Falck, I.B.; Pedersen, E.M.; Kehlet, H.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 163(49): 6912-6916
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 11766505 Document Number: 527489
The aim of the study was to assess the results of a well-defined rehabilitation programme after hip arthroplasty. The effects of a revised, optimised, perioperative care programme with continuous epidural analgesia, oral nutrition, and physiotherapy were assessed in 60 patients before intervention and 60 patients after intervention. The hospital stay was reduced from nine to six days (p < 0.01), there were fewer complications and less need for rehabilitation after discharge (p < 0.05) in the intervention group. A clinical programme focusing on pain relief, oral nutrition, and rehabilitation may reduce the stay in hospital and improve recovery after hip arthroplasty.