Our Summary

This study looked at whether going to an educational class before having hip or knee replacement surgery could reduce the amount of time patients spent in hospital after their operation. They compared patients who had attended the class to those who had not. The results showed that on average, patients who attended the class spent slightly less time in hospital after their surgery - around a third of a day less for hip replacements and three-quarters of a day less for knee replacements. This difference was even more significant for patients who were considered to be at high risk of needing to stay in hospital for a long time after knee replacement surgery. These patients spent, on average, around 2.5 fewer days in hospital if they had attended the class. So, the study suggests that offering these classes before surgery could be beneficial, particularly for patients having knee replacements who are likely to need a longer hospital stay.

FAQs

  1. What was the aim of the study conducted on pre-surgical educational classes for hip and knee replacement patients?
  2. How much reduction in hospital stay was observed for the patients who attended the class before knee replacement surgery?
  3. How beneficial are pre-surgical classes for high-risk patients who are likely to need a longer hospital stay after knee replacement?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about knee replacement surgery is to attend an educational class before the procedure. This can help you better understand what to expect during and after the surgery, as well as how to properly care for your new knee. Additionally, attending the class may help reduce the amount of time you need to spend in the hospital post-surgery, which can lead to a quicker recovery and better overall outcome. It’s always important to be informed and prepared before undergoing any type of surgery, so taking advantage of resources like educational classes can be very beneficial.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended knee replacement surgery are those who have severe knee pain that limits their daily activities, have not found relief with other treatments such as medication or physical therapy, have significant joint damage from arthritis or injury, and have tried other less invasive treatments without success. Additionally, patients who have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair due to knee pain may also be recommended for knee replacement surgery.

Timeline

Before knee replacement surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic knee pain, stiffness, and difficulty with mobility.
  2. Patient consults with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  3. Orthopedic surgeon recommends knee replacement surgery as the best option.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure they are medically fit for surgery.
  5. Patient attends an educational class about the surgery and recovery process.

After knee replacement surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the knee replacement surgery, which involves removing damaged cartilage and bone and replacing it with artificial components.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to monitor for any complications and begin 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 regains strength and mobility in the affected knee over the following weeks and months.
  5. Patient follows up with their orthopedic surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  6. Patient eventually achieves improved knee function, reduced pain, and increased quality of life as a result of the knee replacement surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after knee replacement surgery?
  3. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  5. How long will the knee replacement surgery take?
  6. Will I need to make any modifications to my home or lifestyle after the surgery?
  7. What type of implant will be used for the knee replacement and why?
  8. How long can I expect the knee replacement to last?
  9. What are the success rates of knee replacement surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of knee replacement surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sisak K, Darch R, Burgess LC, Middleton RG, Wainwright TW. Journal: J Rehabil Med. 2019 Oct 29;51(10):788-796. doi: 10.2340/16501977-2602. PMID: 31512732