Evaluation of orthopaedic fast-track surgery from 2009 to 2013 in an Italian hospital

Each year millions of patients are treated for joint pain with total joint arthroplasty, and the numbers are expected to rise. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has an integral role in the treatment of severe knee joint diseases including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and long-term results for pain relief and functional improvement have been excellent.The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the application of the Fast-Track method has reduced the LOS during a period of 5 years, while taking care of the patients outcome and the readmission rate in our Department.