Evaluating the need for physical therapy clearance before same-day discharge after joint surgery
Is Postoperative Physical Therapy Clearance Necessary for Safe Home Discharge After Total Joint Arthroplasty?
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05858086 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: Other studies have explored same-day discharge protocols, showing promising results, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations
- University of Maryland — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- Hospital for Special Surgery — New York, New York, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.