Comparing fast track and standard care for total knee replacement

Randomised Controlled Study Comparing Fast Track and Standard Care Protocol on the Functional Outcomes and Hospital Stay of Total Knee Arthroplasty

Not applicable Interventional Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · NCT03869996

This study is testing if a quicker recovery plan for knee replacement surgery helps patients feel better and recover faster compared to the usual care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 78 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna)
Trial IDNCT03869996 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a fast track protocol for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to standard care. The fast track approach includes preoperative education, oral pain management, and early rehabilitation on the day of surgery, while standard care involves intravenous pain management and physiotherapy starting the day after surgery. The study will assess functional and subjective outcomes, hospital stay duration, transfusion needs, and analgesic consumption between the two groups. By optimizing the recovery process, the study seeks to enhance patient outcomes following knee surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with knee osteoarthritis who are eligible for primary total knee arthroplasty and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric diseases or those requiring crutches preoperatively may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to faster recovery times and improved patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with fast track protocols in orthopedic surgeries, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients affected by knee osteoarthritis, eligible for primary total knee arthroplasty
* BMI \< 32
* Time up ang go test \</= 12 seconds
* American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system (ASA) \</= 2
* preoperative hemoglobin (HB) \>13 g/dl
* patients eligible for spinal anesthesia
* presence of a care-giver

Exclusion Criteria:

* psychiatric diseases
* preoperative use of crutches
* ASA \> 3
* preoperative HB \< 13 g/dl

Where this trial is running

Bologna

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Osteoarthritis, KneeArthropathy of Kneefast track caretotal knee arthroplasty
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.