LAUSR

OBJECTIVES Total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) are two of the most common orthopaedic surgeries that occur in the United Kingdom (UK) annually. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes aim to decrease convalescence across procedures. It has been highlighted that post operative physiotherapy routines may not contain the correct ingredients for promoting acceleration of return to function. This research aims to analyse if current THR and TKR patient information resources adhere to ERAS principles, thus optimising post operative recovery. DATA SOURCES Twenty hip and knee replacement patient information booklets were sourced using a UK Google search. A flowchart of exercise prescription components was formulated from a review of 5 trial booklets. A content analysis was utilised to assess the information included within the patient information booklets. RESULTS Forty percent of patient information booklets identified their pathways to be ERAS. Fifty five percent of the hospitals stated their patients would be mobilised on the day of surgery. Ninety percent of THR and 100% of TKR guidelines suggested the use of bed exercises for rehabilitation. Fifteen percent of THR and 35% of TKR booklets suggested functional exercise as a method of rehabilitation. Strength or resistance based exercises were proposed in 40% of THR and 55% of TKR booklets. CONCLUSION Many patient information booklets do not follow ERAS principles for fast-track rehabilitation and the exercise prescription procedure is non-specific. This must be considered within post operative rehabilitation in order to enhance recovery and reduce length of stay following THR or TKR surgery.