Study Summary

Ninety patients with primary unilateral hip osteoarthritis were randomized to receive a fast-track protocol total hip arthroplasty (THA) or standard care THA. The primary outcome of interest was functional recovery measured by the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), length of hospital stay, blood transfusions, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes of interest included early postoperative functional independence measured by the Iowa Level of Assistance (ILOA) score, complication rates, transfusion requirements, and long-term functional outcomes. Outcomes were assessed on postoperative Day 3 and at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 60 months. Overall, the results of the study revealed significantly faster early functional recovery in the fast-track group, demonstrated by lower ILOA scores on Day 3 and shorter hospital length of stay, as well as improved WOMAC scores at early and long-term follow-up. The findings suggest that fast-track perioperative protocols enhance early recovery and reduce hospitalization time without compromising safety in patients undergoing THA.