Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an increasingly common procedure in the United Kingdom and incurs vast costs, with a mean length of stay (LOS) of 5.5 days. Reducing LOS plays a key role in improving cost-effectiveness, morbidity, and patient satisfaction following many orthopaedic procedures. The aim of this study was to identify attributes in patients with the shortest LOS following THA, with a view to targeting those with the potential for early discharge.
Materials and methods: 1280 THA cases over one year at one institution were reviewed in a retrospective case note study. Of these, 131 patients had LOS=2 days. Various factors (age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, primary diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), socio-economic status) were compared between this group and the rest of the cohort. Further characteristics of the short LOS group were also explored to identify trends for future study.
Results: Lower age, male gender, and low ASA grade were significantly associated with the short LOS group (all p<0.001). BMI, primary diagnosis, and socioeconomic status showed no significant differences. Short LOS patients were also noted to have few comorbidities, family at home, and independent transport.
Conclusion: Younger age, male gender, and lower ASA grade are associated with early discharge following THA, and could be used to identify patients suitable for early discharge.