Patients who undergo a total hip replacement (THR) can be fast tracked to discharge in two days compared with the standard three to six days. According to a study conducted by the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, earlier discharge could help reduce hospital-acquired infections, lessen hospital costs, and improve patient satisfaction. The study compared two groups of patients-149 underwent THR with a fast-track protocol, and 134 underwent THR followed by traditional discharge at four days. Patients on the fast track had a physical therapy session on the day of surgery. The main difference was that pain medication was discontinued in the fast-track cohort one day after surgery, whereas in the traditional group pain medication was discontinued on day two.
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