A new Journal of Arthroplasty study examines whether specific patient variables or performance on functional testing can predict length of stay after total hip arthroplasty.
For the study, researchers included 120 patients undergoing a THA through an anterior, posterior or lateral approach. Patients performed a timed up-and-go test preoperatively to determine if it was predictive of hospital LOS after THA. According to the CDC, the timed up-and-go test, or TUG test, is used to assess mobility and involves patients walking to a pre-decided spot while being timed.
Other variables of interest included patient age, body mass index, age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, mean procedure time and time spent in the post-anesthetic care unit.
Here are four insights:
1. The TUG test was predictive of LOS beyond 48 hours after surgery.
2. For every five-second interval increase in TUG time, patients were twice as likely to stay in the hospital beyond 48 hours.
3. Patient age, body mass index and Charlson Comorbidity Index were not predictive of increased LOS after THA.
4. Also, mean procedure time and mean time in the postanesthetic care unit were not indicative of an increase in LOS.