The Relationship Between Osteoarthritis, Hip Arthroplasty, and Post-Operative Ambulation Distances

Abstract

<p>Osteoarthritis, total hip replacements, and post-operative ambulation distances are three interrelated concepts that lead patients from diagnosis, to intervention, and to the first indications of recovery post-operatively. The purpose of the project was to quantify the ambulation distances of patients with one of three surgical approaches for total hip replacements (THR). The timeframe for measurement was from the day of surgery (day 0) through the second post-operative day (POD 2) comparing different surgical approaches with length of ambulation distances. Pre-operative elective joint replacement educational classes, may play a role in post-operative recovery, which provided the rationale for including them in this project. Electronic health records of 20 patients from each of the three surgical approaches (anterior, posterior, and lateral), were retrieved; data regarding the ambulation distances were averaged for each surgical approach. The results revealed no advantage, in terms of average ambulation distance, of one surgical approach over another. All members of the healthcare team strive to provide patient centered, quality care in the most fiscally responsible manner. Increasing post-operative ambulation distances after a THR may contribute to earlier discharge and economic benefit to the healthcare system. A replication study with a larger sample may yield additional findings and guide the advanced nurse practitioner in developing an evidence based approach to post-operative care of THR patients.</p>