Excellent PROM results after fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty with no postoperative restrictions: a cohort study validation of fast-track surgery without postoperative restrictions

Background Fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty (HA and KA) has been increasingly common over the last decade. In the same time period, there was a strong trend toward less restrictive mobilization. However, few reports have been published on combining these novel programs while measuring the postoperative results by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Descriptions of fast-track surgery programs and their results are warranted. Methods The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to examine if it is possible to achieve excellent PROM results for hip and knee arthroplasty patients in a fast-track pathway without postoperative restrictions. During 2014-2017, the stepwise introduction of a PROM program was implemented at Stavanger University Hospital for all scheduled HA and KA patients, with preoperative assessments and postoperative follow-ups at the outpatient clinic. Standardized information with a focus on early mobilization and no postoperative restrictions was also initiated for the same patients. The generic EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D) and either the Hip or Knee disability/injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS or KOOS) were used. Results PROM response rates varied from 80 to 99%. The median (interquartile range) change from preoperative to one-year postoperative results were as follows for HA and KA patients, respectively: pain, 55 (43-68) and 47 (31-61); other symptoms, 50 (40-65) and 36 (19-50); function in daily living, 54 (41-65) and 44 (31-55); function in sports and recreation, 56 (38-75) and 40 (15-64); joint-related quality of life, 69 (50-81) and 56 (38-75). The length of stay (LOS) was reduced by 1.9 days (mean), corresponding to a 40% reduction for HA patients and a 37% reduction for KA patients. Conclusions We found excellent PROM results after fast-track HA and KA with no postoperative restrictions. We believe that a fast-track program focusing on mobilization without any postoperative restrictions is superior for most patients, but further comparative studies are warranted.