Nn. Mahomed et al., Determinants and outcomes of inpatient versus home based rehabilitation following elective hip and knee replacement, J RHEUMATOL, 27(7), 2000, pp. 1753-1758
Objective. There are large variations in practice patterns and costs of reh
abilitation following total joint replacement (TJR). We evaluated the deter
minants of rehabilitation setting (home based vs inpatient) after TJR, and
its influence on early functional outcomes.
Methods. We studied a retrospective cohort of 146 primary total hip and kne
e replacements. Ninety-six patients completed a mailed survey consisting of
the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC),
the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36), and a satisfaction quest
ionnaire.
Results. The mean age of the cohort was 66 years, 70% were women, and osteo
arthritis was the primary diagnosis in 79%. Thirty-nine percent received ho
me based rehabilitation. Determinants of home based rehabilitation included
preference for home based rehabilitation, male sex, and knowledge regardin
g TJR. At a mean followup of 8 months post TJR, there were no significant d
ifferences between the inpatient and home based rehabilitation groups with
respect to the WOMAC, SF-36; and satisfaction scores.
Conclusion. These results support continued use of home based rehabilitatio
n.