Recovery at the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit After Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Recovery at the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit After Fast-track Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

To clarify patient related problems in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) immediately after fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty.

In this prospective, consecutive, observational cohort study we examine:

1. Patient related problems in the PACU after hip and knee arthroplasty simply to answer the question "Why in PACU?", using a modified version of the national guidelines for patient observation in PACU.
2. The time spent in PACU with the modified version of the national guidelines for patient observation in PACU.
3. If the modified version of the national guidelines for patient observation in PACU results in patient related problems in the ward afterwards.

Inclusion Criteria:

• primary, unilateral, total hip or knee arthroplasty by one of three surgeons using the same technique, and under spinal anaesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bilateral arthroplasty
• Revision arthroplasty
• General anaesthesia