Outcome of an “Enhanced Recovery” Program in Contemporary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Germany

Abstract

Abstract Background An inpatient hospital stay of up to 10 days after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is still common in Germany, mostly followed by inpatient rehabilitation. Internationally already widespread concepts for enhanced recovery are increasingly gaining popularity in Germany. Objectives The presentation of content and results of a newly implemented enhanced recovery concept in THA. Materials and Methods In this single-center, prospective observational study of a consecutive patient collective of a single surgeon, between January 2016 and July 2016, 103 short-stem THA patients were enrolled and treated using a newly introduced enhanced recovery concept. After 6 weeks and 6 months clinical examination was performed regarding function, pain, satisfaction and possible complications. Results The goal of discharge on day 4 after operation was reached in 61.2% of the patients with a mean postoperative inpatient stay of 4.9 days. After 6 weeks and 6 months respectively, excellent clinical results were achieved with high patient satisfaction. The complication rate was found to be low. Mean hemoglobin concentration decreased by 2.1 g/dl. A fissure of the femur below the implant healed conservatively applying no weight bearing for a total of 6 weeks. A pulmonary embolism that occurred during rehabilitation was also successfully treated. After 6 months one case showed a bursitis trochanterica. Conclusions Inpatient length of stay can be reduced by enhanced recovery concepts without increasing the risks to patients. Thus, in Germany these concepts will be applied increasingly.