Enhanced recovery principles applied to revision hip and knee arthroplasty reduces length of stay and blood transfusion

Introduction This is the first study reporting the application of Enhanced Recovery Principles (ERP) to revision arthroplasty. Method Retrospective series of 132 revision hip and knee replacements treated with ERP. Results Infiltration was associated with reduced LOS in knees (6 vs 8.5 days), lower PCA usage and incidence of transfusion in knees (2 vs 3 days) and hips (1 vs 6 days). Revisions for infection had a longer LOS (5.4 vs 11.5 days p = 0.001), a greater use of PCA and a higher incidence of transfusion (5 vs 0) in both knees and hips. Discussion The application of ERPs to revision arthroplasty is safe. Infiltration appears to be an important factor in improving outcome measures.