Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 90

Evaluating the need for physical therapy clearance before same-day discharge after joint surgery

Official title: Is Postoperative Physical Therapy Clearance Necessary for Safe Home Discharge After Total Joint Arthroplasty?

Run by University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT05858086 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if patients can safely go home on the same day after joint surgery without needing a physical therapy check first.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
Enrollment210 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 27, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 2027
Study endsDecember 2027
Registry record updatedFebruary 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT05858086 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty who are medically stable and have support at home.

Probably not a fit

Patients aged 90 years or older, those with sleep apnea, or those requiring an overnight stay will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) can be safely discharged on the same day without prior physical therapy (PT) clearance. The protocol involves preoperative gait training by PT, followed by discharge after ambulation with trained nursing staff. This approach aims to maximize same-day discharges, reduce hospital bed occupancy, and improve operating room efficiency. The study is conducted at the University of Maryland and the Hospital for Special Surgery, focusing on eligible patients who meet specific criteria.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could streamline discharge processes and enhance patient satisfaction by allowing more patients to return home on the same day of surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored same-day discharge protocols, showing promising results, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* are 18 years of age or older
* undergo primary THA or TKA
* are eligible for same-day home discharge (friends or family available to stay at home with the patient for one week postoperatively and medically stable for discharge from PACU per anesthesia).

Exclusion Criteria:

* 90 years of age or older
* have sleep apnea (not eligible for same-day discharge)
* require overnight stay for any reason
* undergo revision THA or TKA.

Where it's running

  • University of Maryland
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States
    Recruiting
  • Hospital for Special Surgery
    New York, New York, United States
    Not yet recruiting

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.