Enhanced recovery in usual health care improves functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty.

Background: The success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is determined by an effective surgical procedure as well as a well-organized clinical care pathway. Research has shown that day-of-surgery mobilization decreases length of stay (LOS) and complication rates. We developed, implemented, and evaluated a new clinical care pathway for patients undergoing TKA, that included early mobilization, using 'Lean Six Sigma (LSS)', with the aim of accelerating functional recovery and reducing LOS.

[Improving pre- and perioperative hospital care : Major elective surgery].

Surgery is aimed at improving a patient's health. However, surgery is plagued with a risk of negative consequences, such as perioperative complications and prolonged hospitalization. Also, achieving preoperative levels of physical functionality may be delayed.