Fast-track knee arthroplasty: Enhancing care quality, recovery, satisfaction and reducing complications-Time for routine use.

Abstract

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has significantly enhanced the lives of patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis by providing pain relief, restoring physical activity, and improving overall quality of life. Historically, dissatisfaction rates have remained around 20%, but recent studies show an improvement, with a decrease of 10%. Advancements in alignment philosophies, assistive technologies, custom implants, and artificial intelligence are rising. However, there is currently only scarce evidence confirming their impact on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. A holistic approach that combines multiple strategies may improve outcomes, but the ideal combination is still unclear. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), or fast-track surgery, has transformed knee arthroplasty, supported by substantial evidence demonstrating its benefits. This editorial highlights the evolution and future direction of fast-track knee arthroplasty principles, advantages, controversies, and safety. It advocates for a patient-centred approach, optimising care from preoperative stages to full recovery. Despite concerns in terms of the safety of rapid recovery guidelines, evidence suggests that complications might be minimised. Addressing patients' risk factors and providing education is essential during the preoperative phase. Meanwhile, criteria-based early discharge and customised post-discharge environments are vital in the post-operative stage to enhance and expedite patient recovery. Therefore, we should advance patient care by adopting fast-track arthroplasty as the new gold standard in knee arthroplasty, replacing conventional management strategies for all patients.