Two new ways to identify joint replacement patients at risk for post-operative complications

Orthopedic surgeons have developed two new prediction tools aimed at identifying total hip and knee replacement patients who are at-risk of developing serious complications after surgery. "Improved anesthesia and rehabilitation techniques have made outpatient and overnight stay for total hip and total knee replacements more common than ever," said a study's lead investigator. "At the same time, pressures on hospitals to lower costs have led to an across-the-board emphasis on shortening or even eliminating in-hospital stays. While shorter stays are obviously a major overall benefit, we have to make sure that we identify patients who are at greater risk of complications and should thus not have their knee or hip replaced on an outpatient or overnight basis. Our tool provides this guidance."



from Today's Healthcare News -- ScienceDaily http://ift.tt/1E4uYx2