Our Summary

This research paper discusses the introduction of ’enhanced recovery’ pathways for the treatment of hip and knee replacements in the UK National Health Service. These pathways aim to improve patient outcomes and speed up recovery after surgery. The researchers intend to review the cost-effectiveness of these pathways to help inform policy making. This will involve analyzing studies published between 2000 and 2017 that have evaluated the economic impact of these pathways, focusing on the cost-effectiveness of the whole pathway as well as its individual components. The findings of this review will be shared through a peer-reviewed academic journal and at conferences.

FAQs

  1. What are the ’enhanced recovery’ pathways for hip and knee replacements mentioned in the research paper?
  2. What is the purpose of reviewing the cost-effectiveness of these ’enhanced recovery’ pathways?
  3. How will the findings of the review be shared and disseminated?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about knee replacement is to follow the recommended physical therapy exercises and rehabilitation program after surgery. This will help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve range of motion, and aid in a quicker recovery. It is important to be diligent with these exercises to ensure the best possible outcome after the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for knee replacement surgery are those who have severe knee pain that limits daily activities, have not found relief from other treatments such as medication or physical therapy, have significant joint damage due to arthritis or injury, and have a good overall health status that allows them to undergo surgery and rehabilitation. Additionally, patients who are motivated to participate in post-operative rehabilitation and are willing to commit to a long-term recovery plan are also good candidates for knee replacement surgery.

Timeline

Before knee replacement:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, impacting their daily activities and quality of life.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options, including physical therapy, medication, and knee replacement surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments, including blood tests, imaging tests, and consultations with the surgical team.
  4. Patient receives information about the surgery, recovery process, and potential risks and complications.

After knee replacement:

  1. Patient undergoes knee replacement surgery, which involves removing damaged parts of the knee joint and replacing them with prosthetic components.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for post-operative care, pain management, and physical therapy.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues physical therapy and rehabilitation at home or in a rehabilitation facility.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improved mobility and reduced pain in the knee.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications.
  6. Patient achieves full recovery and enjoys improved quality of life with a functioning and pain-free knee.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of undergoing a knee replacement surgery?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with knee replacement surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to take?
  4. What kind of physical therapy or rehabilitation will be needed after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of knee replacement?
  6. What is the success rate of knee replacement surgeries performed by the doctor?
  7. How many knee replacement surgeries does the doctor perform each year?
  8. What is the expected longevity of the knee replacement implant?
  9. How soon can I expect to return to normal activities, such as driving or exercising?
  10. What kind of lifestyle changes or precautions should I take after the surgery to ensure the longevity of the knee replacement?

Reference

Authors: Murphy J, Pritchard MG, Cheng LY, Janarthanan R, Leal J. Journal: BMJ Open. 2018 Mar 14;8(3):e019740. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019740. PMID: 29540418