Fast-track Total Knee Arthroplasty Research Articles

Perioperative and Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing the Method of Fast-Track Total Knee Arthroplasty

Perioperative and Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing the Method of Fast-Track Total Knee Arthroplasty

Complication Rates Are Not Higher After Outpatient Versus Inpatient Fast-Track Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Propensity-Matched Prospective Comparative Study

BackgroundThis prospective study aimed to compare the complication rates and clinical outcomes of propensity-matched patients who received fast-track total knee arthroplasty (FT TKA) in outpatient versus inpatient settings. MethodsPatients (n = 629) who received FT TKA at various outpatient (n = 176) and inpatient (n = 462) surgery rates were prospectively followed until 90 days after surgery. The decision between inpatient versus outpatient FT TKA was made on a case-by-case basis, depending on consultation between the surgeon and patient. Complications were collected to distinguish between intraoperative complications, complications with no readmission, complications with readmission, and complications with reoperation. Propensity scores based on age, sex, body mass index, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists score were used to match outpatient to inpatient FT TKA. A cumulative incidence function was computed by taking the time to diagnose any postoperative complication in the first 90 days as the end point. ResultsPropensity score matching (1:2 ratio) for comparison resulted in 173 outpatient FT TKAs and 316 inpatient FT TKAs. No significant differences were observed between outpatient versus inpatient FT TKA for intraoperative complication rates (2% in both groups). At 90-day follow-up, no significant differences were observed between outpatient versus inpatient FT TKA for total complications with no readmission (8.0 versus 7.9%), complications with readmission but no reoperation (1.1 versus 0.6%), and complications with reoperation (4.0 versus 4.4%). A comparison of postoperative complication diagnosis time using the cumulative incidence function revealed no significant differences between outpatient versus inpatient FT TKA. ConclusionsThe present study revealed that there were no differences in 90-day postoperative complication rates between outpatient and inpatient FT TKA and that there were also no differences in rates of intraoperative complications, readmissions, or reoperations. These findings may encourage hesitant surgeons to move toward outpatient TKA pathways, as there is no greater risk of early postoperative complications that could be more difficult to manage after discharge. Level of EvidenceLevel II.

Are patients ready for discharge from the hospital after fast-track total knee arthroplasty?-A qualitative study.

The fast-track based on evidence-based medicine, has dramatically reduced the length of stay for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, patients must assume the responsibility for self-functional exercise and care as early as possible. Also, higher standards and expectations of care delivery have been set. Studies into patients' experiences when faced with a discharge decision under a fast-track program are lacking. (1) Increase the knowledge about patients' experiences of discharged from hospital via a fast-track process after TKA. (2) Explore what gaps exist in the current discharge preparation care service for TKA under fast-track and what can be improved. A qualitative research design was chosen to conduct semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 21 patients from one Chinese hospital who successfully underwent TKA and received discharge orders. Interview data were meticulously analyzed, summarized and thematically distilled using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three themes emerged from the structural analyses: a) Preparing for discharge despite concerns about symptoms-a sense of joy at discharge despite feelings of helplessness, stigmatisation, anxiety about prosthetic function. b) Managing the rehabilitation difficulties-vigilance is needed for medication management, environmental changes, and intimate relationships. c) Creating conditions for safe transition-compassionate bedside manner, listening to patients, and providing a humanized continuing care and referral services are important for safe transitions. Findings suggest that patients undergoing fast-track TKA report good discharge preparation experiences. However, closer analysis reveals difficulties with this process and important directions in which discharge readiness care services can strive.

Comparison of short-term radiographic outcomes of medial parapatellar, mini-midvastus, and subvastus surgical approaches in fast-track total knee arthroplasty

Purpose: Due to the difficulties in accessing the knee joint, correct prosthesis placement is of great importance during the implementation of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to compare short-term radiographic X-ray outcomes in patients who underwent fast-track TKA with medial parapatellar (MPP), mini-midvastus (mMV), or subvastus (SV) surgical approaches.
 Materials and methods: Between 2018 and 2020, 93 patients operated with MPP, mMV, and SV surgical approaches and who had complete data of radiographic outcomes before and sixth-week postoperative were retrospectively analyzed and patients divided into three groups: MPP (n=31), mMV (n=31), and SV (n=31). The alignments of preoperative and sixth-week postoperative X-ray images of the surgical approaches were measured. The operative time of fast-track TKA implementation with MPP, mMV, and SV surgical approaches was recorded.
 Results: The MPP group had higher preoperative lateral distal femoral angle than the mMV group and a higher preoperative lateral proximal femoral angle than SV group (p=0.018 and p=0.027, respectively). The mMV group had higher postoperative proximal medial tibial angle than SV group (p=0.011). In the postoperative sixth week, the MPP and mMV groups had a lower posterior tibial slope angle than SV group (p=0.001). The MPP approach had significantly shorter operative time than mMV and SV approaches (p=0.001).
 Conclusion: The outcomes indicate that MPP, mMV, and SV surgical approaches are preferable and feasible in obtaining a satisfactory prosthesis alignment during fast-track TKA. The MPP approach may be preferable because of its shorter operative time and potential advantage in minimizing surgical complication risks.

Preoperative hemoglobin thresholds for increased risk of "medical" complications in fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty, a secondary analysis of a machine-learning algorithm.

There is increasing evidence that gender-specific hemoglobin thresholds may not be ideal in the surgical population. Thus, preoperative anemia defined as a hemoglobin of <13.0 g/dL is a well-established risk factor in elective surgery. However, few studies have investigated the specific influence of preoperative hemoglobin within a machine-learning model using data from an optimized fast-track surgical setup. A secondary analysis on the specific influence of preoperative hemoglobin level on a machine-learning model developed for identifying patients at increased risk of a length of stay (LOS) of >4 day or readmissions due to medical complications in fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty within a well-defined fast-track protocol. To evaluate the effect of hemoglobin on the model we calculated SHaply Additive Explanation (SHAP) values for the 3913 patients from our previous test-dataset and stratified by gender and total hip and knee arthroplasty, respectively. The study period ran from January 2017 to August 2017. Median LOS was 1 day and mean preoperative Hb was 15.5 g/dL (SD:1.5), lower in women (14.9 vs. 16.2 g/dL) and with 30.5% of women versus 12.0% of men having a Hb of <13.0 g/dL. There was a steep increase in SHAP value with a preoperative Hb < 14.8 g/dL, and irrespective of gender age and procedure type. A machine-learning model found a hemoglobin threshold of <14.8 g/dL for increased risk of impaired recovery, regardless of gender or age, supporting reevaluation of preoperative anemia thresholds in the elective surgical setting.

Machine-learning vs. logistic regression for preoperative prediction of medical morbidity after fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty—a comparative study

BackgroundMachine-learning models may improve prediction of length of stay (LOS) and morbidity after surgery. However, few studies include fast-track programs, and most rely on administrative coding with limited follow-up and information on perioperative care. This study investigates potential benefits of a machine-learning model for prediction of postoperative morbidity in fast-track total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsCohort study in consecutive unselected primary THA/TKA between 2014–2017 from seven Danish centers with established fast-track protocols. Preoperative comorbidity and prescribed medication were recorded prospectively and information on length of stay and readmissions was obtained through the Danish National Patient Registry and medical records. We used a machine-learning model (Boosted Decision Trees) based on boosted decision trees with 33 preoperative variables for predicting “medical” morbidity leading to LOS > 4 days or 90-days readmissions and compared to a logistical regression model based on the same variables. We also evaluated two parsimonious models, using the ten most important variables in the full machine-learning and logistic regression models. Data collected between 2014–2016 (n:18,013) was used for model training and data from 2017 (n:3913) was used for testing.Model performances were analyzed using precision, area under receiver operating (AUROC) and precision recall curves (AUPRC), as well as the Mathews Correlation Coefficient. Variable importance was analyzed using Shapley Additive Explanations values.ResultsUsing a threshold of 20% “risk-patients” (n:782), precision, AUROC and AUPRC were 13.6%, 76.3% and 15.5% vs. 12.4%, 74.7% and 15.6% for the machine-learning and logistic regression model, respectively. The parsimonious machine-learning model performed better than the full logistic regression model. Of the top ten variables, eight were shared between the machine-learning and logistic regression models, but with a considerable age-related variation in importance of specific types of medication.ConclusionA machine-learning model using preoperative characteristics and prescriptions slightly improved identification of patients in high-risk of “medical” complications after fast-track THA and TKA compared to a logistic regression model. Such algorithms could help find a manageable population of patients who may benefit most from intensified perioperative care.

Preoperative carbohydrate drink in fast-track primary total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial of 168 patients.

A key component in fast-track total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is early mobilization. Preoperative fasting might cause orthostatic hypotension and -intolerance which both can interfere with early mobilization. It was hypothesized that consuming a carbohydrate drink 2-3 hours prior to surgery is a viable option to reduce orthostatic hypotension, and as a result, improve rehabilitation. In this randomized controlled trial, all consecutive unilateral primary TKA patients were reviewed for eligibility. Exclusion criteria were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class above 3, older than 80 years of age, Diabetes Mellitus, and an insufficient comment of Dutch language. Patients were distributed in two groups. The control group was allowed to eat till 6 hours and drink clear fluids till 2 hours before surgery (standard treatment). The intervention group consumed, additionally to the standard treatment, a carbohydrate drink 2-3 hours before surgery. Blood pressure was measured both lying and standing as a measure for orthostatic hypotension during first time postoperative mobilization on day of surgery. A total of 168 patients were included. Prevalence of orthostatic hypotension in the control- and intervention group was 24 patients (34%) and 14 patients (19%) respectively, (p=0.05). Prevalence of orthostatic intolerance was 13 patients (19%) in the control group and 9 patients (13%) in the intervention group (p=0.32). No drink related adverse events occurred. In conclusion, taking a carbohydrate drink 2-3 hours before TKA significantly lowers the number of patients with orthostatic hypotension in early mobilization. However, the clinical relevance of the carbohydrate drink has to be studied further.

Telerehabilitation following fast-track total knee arthroplasty is effective and safe: a randomized controlled trial with the ReHub® platform

Purpose After a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), ensuring rehabilitation is continued at home is essential for a successful recovery. The aim of this randomized clinical trial (NCT04155957) was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of an interactive telerehabilitation system (ReHub®) to guide and provide feedback during exercise in the postoperative period of a fast-track TKA program. Methods Fifty-two patients who underwent TKA were randomized to intervention (N = 26) or control (N = 26). Upon discharge, they followed a 4-week plan of 5 daily exercises and up to 10 physiotherapy home visits. The intervention group performed exercises with ReHub® autonomously, control did not use any auxiliary device. Data were collected 1) on the day of discharge, 2) after 2 weeks and 3) after 4 weeks. Results Telerehabilitation patients showed higher adherence to exercise (p = 0.002) and greater quadriceps strength (p = 0.028). No significant differences between groups were found in other outcomes. Only 1 adverse event was linked to ReHub®. Patients gave the platform high System Usability Scale scores (83/100). Conclusion Interactive telerehabilitation with ReHub® during a post-TKA exercise program is effective, safe, and well-received by patients. It provides real-time performance feedback and ensures communication. Quadriceps strength and adherence to the exercise plan are improved with ReHub®.

Subvastus Approach Supporting Fast-Track Total Knee Arthroplasty Over the Medial Parapatellar Approach: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BackgroundNumerous surgical approaches are being used to perform total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to compare surgical approaches used in TKA regarding postoperative outcomesat different time points. MethodsWe performed a literature search from medical database inception until October 2, 2021. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating patients undergoing TKA and comparing at least 2 surgical approaches regarding early postsurgical clinical outcomes (range of motion [ROM], pain on a visual analog scale, and Knee Society Score [KSS]). We included 33 RCTs in our networks. Using paired and network meta-analysis, we calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs by comparing surgical approaches to the medial parapatellar method. ResultsThe subvastus (SV) method performed the best on days 1 (MD = 6.99; CI: 1.08; 12.89), 3 (MD = 8.00; CI: 2.08; 13.92), 4 (MD = 27.01; CI: 18.09; 35.92), and 6 (MD = 27.22; CI: 18.38; 36.07) for ROM improvement. Regarding the decrease in pain, the mini SV approach offered significantly lower pain values on days 1 (MD = −1.98; CI: −2.93; −1.03), 3 (MD = −0.85; CI: −1.49; −0.22), and 7 (MD = −1.90; CI: −2.23; −1.57). The differences decreased as time passed. Furthermore, the SV and mini-SV methods performed the best regarding total, knee and function KSS. ConclusionQuadriceps-sparing approaches, especially the SV and mini-SV, are superior to the other approaches in the early postsurgical period, but the differences decrease as time passes.

Effect of Adding Perineural Methylprednisolone to Peripheral Nerve Blocks Combined With Intravenous Dexamethasone for Prolonged Postdischarge Analgesia After Fast-track Total Knee Arthroplasty

Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may experience moderate-to-severe subacute pain after hospital discharge that may be undermanaged. We aimed to evaluate the effect of methylprednisolone added to ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) combined with multimodal analgesia including intravenous dexamethasone for prolonged analgesia after early discharge. We randomized 80 patients who underwent fast-track TKA into 2 groups. All patients received a periarticular injection, PNBs, and multiple doses of intravenous dexamethasone. The methylprednisolone group received 140mg methylprednisolone in PNBs, while the nonmethylprednisolone group did not. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate-to-severe pain (Numerical Rating Scale ≥4) during the first 12 postdischarge days. The secondary outcomes included pain scores until 3 postoperative months, incidence of rebound pain, functional performances, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. No significant between-group differences were noted in the incidence of moderate-to-severe pain during the first 12 postdischarge days (nonmethylprednisolone vs. methylprednisolone groups: 70% vs. 69.2%, P=0.941). However, this incidence was significantly higher in the methylprednisolone group between 2 weeks and 1 month (P=0.015) and between 1 and 3 months (P=0.004) postoperatively. No between-group differences in the Numerical Rating Scale scores at the postdischarge time points, incidence of rebound pain, and functional performance results were noted. Adding perineural methylprednisolone to ultrasound-guided PNBs for multimodal analgesia with intravenous dexamethasone did not prolong analgesia and improved the functional ability after fast-track TKA within 12 postdischarge days. However, the incidence moderate-to-severe pain may increase between the 2-week and 3-month follow-up.

Orthostatic intolerance after fast-track knee arthroplasty: Incidence and hemodynamic pathophysiology.

Early postoperative mobilization can be hindered by orthostatic intolerance (OI) due to failed orthostatic cardiovascular regulation. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood and specific data after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are lacking. Therefore, we evaluated the incidence of OI and the cardiovascular response to mobilization in fast-track TKA. This prospective observational cohort study included 45 patients scheduled for primary TKA in spinal anesthesia with a multimodal opioid-sparing analgesic regime. OI and the cardiovascular response to sitting and standing were evaluated with a standardized mobilization procedure preoperatively, and at 6 and 24 h postoperatively. Hemodynamic variables were measured non-invasively (LiDCO™ Rapid). Perioperative bleeding, fluid balance, surgery duration, postoperative hemoglobin, opioid use, and pain during mobilization were recorded. Eighteen (44%) and 8 (22%) patients demonstrated OI at 6 and 24 h after surgery, respectively. Four (10%) and 2 (5%) patients experienced severe OI and terminated the mobilization procedure prematurely. Dizziness was the most common OI symptom during mobilization at 6h. OI was associated with decreased orthostatic responses in systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures, and heart rate (all p < .05), while severe OI patients demonstrated impaired diastolic, mean arterial pressures, heart rate, and cardiac output responses (all p < .05). No statistically significant differences in perioperative bleeding, fluid balance, surgery duration, postoperative hemoglobin, pain, or opioid use were observed between orthostatic tolerant and intolerant patients. Early postoperative OI is common following fast-track TKA. Pathophysiologic mechanisms include impaired orthostatic cardiovascular responses. The progression to severe OI symptoms appears to be primarily due to inadequate heart rate response.

Clinical outcomes of fast-track total knee arthroplasty for patients aged >80 years.

Because of the ageing population in Hong Kong, there is an increasing incidence of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) conducted in patients aged >80 years. This retrospective case-control study enrolled all patients who were aged >80 years and underwent fast-track primary TKA between 2011 and 2015. Their outcomes were compared with the outcomes of a matched control group of younger patients who underwent fast-track TKA in the same period. In total, 220 patients were included in this study with a follow-up period of at least 2 years (mean=3.2 years; range, 2-5 years); 112 (51%) were octogenarians and 108 (49%) were non-octogenarians. Greater improvement in Knee Society Score was found in the octogenarian group at 1 year after surgery (46 ± 19 vs 39 ± 16, P=0.018). The incidence of complications was higher in the octogenarian group (15.2% vs 4.6%, P=0.009). There were no significant differences in the incidence of major complications, the rate of intensive care unit admission, or the 1-year mortality rate between the two groups. After adjustment for confounding factors, Charlson Comorbidity Index >5, history of major cerebrovascular accident, and history of peptic ulcer disease were predictive of complications after fast-track TKA (P=0.039, P=0.016, and P=0.007, respectively); octogenarian status was not predictive of complications. Octogenarians had greater improvement in Knee Society Score at 1 year after fast-track TKA, compared with non-octogenarians, but there were no significant differences in the incidences of mortality or major complications.

The effects of preoperative neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the postoperative quadriceps muscle strength and functional status in patients with fast-track total knee arthroplasty.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of pre- operative neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on postoperative quadriceps muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life in patients with fast-track total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This prospective study was carried out at Orthopedics department from September 2017 to October 2018. A total of 40 patients were randomly divided into NMES (n=20) and control group (n=20). Patients in NMES group were asked to use home NMES device daily for 20 minutes, 5 times a day, for 6 weeks before surgery. The control group was placed on the 6-week waiting list for surgery without any preoperative intervention. Standard home exercise program was applied to both groups after discharge. The patients were evaluated baseline, preoperatively (6-weeks after baseline) and at the 4th and 12th weeks after surgery. Knee range of motion, quadriceps muscle strength, patient-reported (WOMAC and KOOS) and performance-based activity limitation (30-second chair-stand test, 40-meter fast-paced walk test, and stair-climb test) were evaluated at each visit. Preoperative NMES resulted in significant improvement in KOOS-function in daily living and WOMAC total score (p≤0.05) but had a non-significant trend toward to improve quadriceps muscle strength, KOOS-pain and -other symptoms, performance- based activity limitation, and quality of life scores (p>0.05). However, there was no significant difference between groups in the postoperative period (p>0.05). NMES has beneficial effects in terms of patient- reported and performance-based physical functions and quality of life in preoperative period ; however, it does not provide any additional benefit for post- operative outcomes in patients with fast-track TKA.

Enhanced recovery protocol after single-stage bilateral primary total knee arthroplasty decreases duration of hospital stay without increasing complication rates.

With an increasing number of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), protocols for better standard of patient care and shorter duration of hospital stay are necessary. Enhanced recovery (ER) protocols are becoming popular to meet these objectives. The current study aims to evaluate the clinical outcome of fast-track TKA using ER protocol in terms of length of hospital stay, perioperative complications and functional outcomes. Patients undergoing single-stage bilateral primary TKA were prospectively included in the study. All patients went through a pre-defined ER protocol of TKA. Length of hospital stay, readmission rates, pain scores and functional scores of patients operated under ER protocol were compared with another matched historical control-group. Factors delaying the discharge of the patients by 48h after the surgery were noted. We compared 275 patients undergoing single-stage bilateral primary TKA through ER protocol (Group 1) with 190 patients who had undergone bilateral primary TKA before the ER protocol was initiated (Group 2). The length of hospital stay (3.9 ± 2.1days in group 1 and 7.5 ± 3.2days in group 2, p 0.0001) and post-operative pain scores at 12h (5.2 ± 2.9 in group 1 and 5.7 ± 2.1 in group 2, p 0.03) and 24h (4.1 ± 1.6 in group 1 and 4.6 ± 1.4 in group 2, p 0.0005) were found to be significantly better with ER protocol. There was no difference in Oxford knee scores, infection rates, readmissions or mortality between the two groups. ER protocol in single-stage bilateral primary TKA resulted in decreased length of hospital stay without increasing complications and compromising the clinical outcome. It requires an integrated approach and adherence to clinical pathways. Level II, Prospective comparative study.

Short-term functional outcome after fast-track primary total knee arthroplasty: analysis of 623 patients

Background and purpose — Early functional outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been described before, but without focus on the presence of certain functional recovery patterns. We investigated patterns of functional recovery during the first 3 months after TKA and determined characteristics for non-responders in functional outcome. Patients and methods — All primary TKA in a fast-track setting with complete patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) preoperatively, at 6 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively were included. Included PROMs were Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Short-Form (KOOS-PS), and EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) including the self-rated health Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients with improvement on OKS less than the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) were determined as non-responders at that time point. Characteristics between groups of responders and non-responders in functional recovery were tested for differences: we defined 4 groups a priori, based on the responder status at each time point. Results — 623 patients were included. At 6 weeks OKS, KOOS-PS, and EQ-5D self-rated health VAS were statistically significant improved compared with preoperative scores. The mean improvement was clinically relevant at 6 weeks for KOOS-PS and at 3 months for OKS. Patient characteristics in non-responders were higher BMI and worse scores on EQ-5D items: mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression. Interpretation — Both statistically significant and clinically relevant functional improvement were found in most patients during the first 3 months after primary TKA. Presumed modifiable patient characteristics in non-responders on early functional outcome were BMI and anxiety/depression.

WITHDRAWN: Effects of progressive resistance training for early postoperative fast-track total hip or knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Progressive resistance training (PRT) is one of the most commonly used exercise methods after joint replacement, while its effectiveness and safety are still controversial. Therefore, it`s vital to investigate the effect of PRT on muscle strength and functional capacity early postoperative total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Method Relevant studies were identified via a search of Medline, Web of science and Cochrane Library from 2002 to 12 May 2020. A meta-analysis was performed to compare postoperative outcomes between PRT and standard rehabilitation (SR) with respect to muscle strength measurement, functional recovery evaluation, and incidence of adverse events. Results fifteen of 704 studies which comprised 7 THAs and 8 TKAs, involving 1,021 adult patients were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between the two groups after TKA in the 6-WMT (95% CI= -31.03, -28.70), SCP (95% CI= -1.57, 0.45), Leg extension power (95% CI= -0.06, 0.08), TUG (95% CI= -0.21, 0.23), ST (95% CI= -0.4, 0.91). Similarly, two groups were also no obvious distinction after THA in the 6-WMT (95% CI= -4.39, 109.82), SCP (95% CI= -1.32, 0.82), Leg extension power (95% CI= -0.14, 0.70), ST (95% CI= -5.18, 1.63). There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events. Conclusion PRT early after THA or TKA did not differ significantly from SR in terms of functional capacity, muscle strength recovery and incidence of adverse events. PRT is one of the options for rapid rehabilitation after joint replacement.

Identified opportunities for gamification in the elective primary fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty journey: Secondary analysis of healthcare professionals' interviews.

To identify opportunities for gamification in the elective primary fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty journey in order to support patients' health-related behaviour. Gamification provides an opportunity to increase engagement in a given health behaviour and, eventually, the possibility of reaching improved outcomes through continued or consistent behaviour. A secondary analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 healthcare professionals in a single joint-replacement centre in Finland during autumn 2018. NVivo software was used for deductive and inductive coding. The open codes were also calculated. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research were followed. Gamification opportunities were identified related to six dimensions: accomplishment, challenge, competition, guided, playfulness and social experience. Based on the frequencies of the coded content, most opportunities for gamification can be identified in the context of personalised counselling, monitoring and social support. Several opportunities for gamification were identified and quantified. While various needs and limitations need to be considered when developing digital gamified solutions and more research into the effectiveness of such solutions will be required, the current study opens possible future avenues for exploring the use of gamification in lower limb joint replacement journey and other specialisms. This study provides an important insight into healthcare professionals' views of the current state of the total hip and knee arthroplasty journey and the potential for its development. In addition, it pinpoints the biggest opportunities for gamified services in the context of personalised counselling, monitoring and social support. Despite the focus of this secondary analysis being on the arthroplasty journey, the findings can also be generalised in other surgical journeys.

A cost-effectiveness analysis after implementation of a fast-track protocol for total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundSince the introduction of arthroplasty fast-track protocols, many studies have investigated their effect on complications and length of hospital stay. However, few fast-track studies have examined the long-term effects on cost and health-related quality of life after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to specifically analyze, after implementation of fast-track TKA, cost-effectiveness with functional outcome, length of stay, thromboembolic complications, medical costs, and quality of life after 12 months. MethodsA retrospective cohort of 403 TKA patients treated by a fast-track pathway were compared with 283 patients in a non-fast-track pathway. Length of stay and thromboembolic complications were registered postoperatively. Healthcare costs were based on hospital production costs and calculated on average. Costs were compared with EQ-5D questionnaires to derived quality-adjusted life year (QALY) scores. ResultsNo between-protocol differences were found in functional outcome and quality of life after TKA. The fast-track protocol reduced the length of stay from a median five days to median three days, and did not influence the thromboembolic complication rate (2.6%). After one-year follow-up for fast-track pathway patients, QALY was 0.85 vs. 0.84 for non-fast-track. A reduction of 268,- euro per patient was calculated in favor of the fast-track protocol. ConclusionFast-track protocol implementation is a cost-effective strategy for patients undergoing TKA, with high QALY and reduced costs. Fast-track TKA treatment is safe, with low thromboembolic complications. This is the first study to measure fast-track implementation effects on functional outcome and quality of life up to 12 months postoperatively, and calculate equivalent QALYs for both groups. Level of evidenceLevel III.

Patients' satisfaction and experiences during elective primary fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty journey: A qualitative study.

To explore how satisfied patients are with the process of treatment and care and to identify the experiences that patients perceive during elective primary fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty journey. Greater satisfaction with care has predicted better quality of recovery, and patient experience has been positively associated with patient safety and clinical effectiveness. However, a little is still known about how patients experience their treatment and care. A qualitative interview study. The study was conducted among 20 patients in a single joint replacement centre during 2018. Patient satisfaction was measured using a numerical rating scale. Patients' experiences were identified through qualitative semi-structured interviews which were analysed using an inductive content analysis method. The COREQ checklist was used (Supporting Information). The mean numerical rating scale score for overall satisfaction was 9.0 (SD 1.1) on a scale from 0-10. The patients' experiences were grouped under eight main categories that were derived from the qualitative data in the analysis: (a) patient selection, (b) meeting the Health Care Guarantee, (c) patient flow, (d) postdischarge care, (e) patient counselling, (f) transparency of the journey, (g) communication and (h) feedback. The findings suggest that patients are highly satisfied after an elective primary fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty. However, closer analysis of the patients' experiences reveals challenges and suggestions on how they could be solved, often involving digital technologies. As the number of total joint arthroplasties grows, patients and their families need to take ever greater responsibility, for their own care from advance preparation to rehabilitation. The findings of the study can be used to organise work, improving patient-clinical communication, fostering engagement and improving patient centredness. In addition, the results pinpoint the issues on how the patient experience could be improved.

Economic analyses of fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review.

The number of total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasties (TKA) grows constantly which causes enormously rising costs for healthcare systems. The aim of this systematic literature review was to evaluate whether a cost reduction can be achieved by THA or TKA fast-track protocols, which is a multidisciplinary approach aiming at faster recovery. A systematic literature research was undertaken for the timeframe from 2007/01/01 to 2019/03/04 in PubMed. Abstracts and title of the identified records were checked for eligible criteria and afterward the full text was assessed. Seven studies were included in the review. All studies showed a reduction in the total cost for fast-track THA and TKA. Most studies based their cost calculations on the amount of days the patients spend in the hospital. Using a fast-track protocol can significantly reduce the overall costs of the treatment.