Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Uni-compartmental knee replacement (UKR) has become popularised due to quicker recovery times, reduced postoperative pain, and blood loss. The desire to increase bed capacity and reduce costs, while preserving safety and patient satisfaction, has led to increased interest in day-case arthroplasty. This study observes the feasibility of UKR as a day-case procedure and whether this affects short and long-term postoperative outcomes.
Methodology
Between 2018 and 2021, at a single institution and operated by a single orthopaedic surgeon, seventy-seven patients received a UKR on an elective basis. The patients were divided into two groups: ‘day-case’ for those discharged on the same day, and ‘non day-case’ group.
Results
31 patients were identified as day case procedures with the remaining 46 requiring between one to three days before discharge. Mean age, sex, modal ASA score, BMI, Charlson co-morbidity index, and pre-op oxford knee score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). No significant difference between the post-op oxford knee score at 1 year was found for patients treated and discharged as a day case procedure (37.8 +/− 6.88) and those who remained as an inpatient postoperatively (37.8 +/− 10.7); t(df) = −0.0007, p=0.994. No patients in either group suffered any complications beyond the peri-operative period. 30-day and 90-day readmission rates were equal.
Conclusions
With no significant differences in post-op knee scores, complication, and readmission rates, we feel UKR can be performed as a viable day case procedure in a planned elective setting. This will result in significant cost savings.
