Rehabilitation
Fast-Track knee and hip replacement
A rapid recovery protocol (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery – ERAS) after total joint replacement: less pain, less bleeding, walking a few hours after the operation and discharge in 1–2 days or even on the same day.
- Walking a few hours later
- No drains
- Discharge even on the same day
What is the Fast-Track protocol?
Fast-Track and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have one goal: for the patient to return to everyday life as quickly and as painlessly as possible after total knee or hip replacement, without needing help from another person.
The basic principle is that the surgeon uses a technique that causes the least possible trauma to the tissues, so the patient has less bleeding and less pain. All care before, during and after the operation is organised around this principle.
What it involves
- Modern pre-operative preparationA full work-up and patient information, so that the patient arrives for surgery in the best possible condition.
- Anaesthesia protocolSpinal or regional anaesthesia, ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and local solutions at the surgical site. No opioids, and so none of the nausea and vomiting they cause.
- Minimally traumatic surgical techniqueRobotic surgery, small incisions and a special approach: in the knee, the quadriceps tendon is retracted instead of being cut.
- Limiting bleedingSpecific medicines, such as tranexamic acid, so that most patients do not need a blood transfusion.
- Immediate mobilisationStable fixation of the implants allows full weight-bearing on the leg from the day of surgery.
Advantages
- Walking a few hours after the operation
- Minimal post-operative pain
- No opioid painkillers
- No catheters or drains
- Blood transfusion rarely needed
- Fewer days in hospital
- Fewer physiotherapy sessions
- Lower risk of complications
- Faster return to everyday life
- Lower overall cost
Day-case surgery: discharge on the same day
Because no tubes, drains or urinary catheters are used, the patient can eat freely and return to their usual routine immediately, as if they had not undergone a major operation.
The protocol allows safe discharge on the next day and, when the right conditions are met, even on the same day: pain is under control and the body responds quickly to the stress of surgery.
Day-case surgery is not suitable for everyone. The decision is made for each patient individually, based on their health and their home environment.
What to expect
- A few hours laterMost patients get up and walk with a walking frame.
- Same or next dayWalking unaided, stairs and discharge, depending on the case.
- First weeksA few physiotherapy sessions at home. Some patients need hardly any.
- 2–3 weeksRemoval of stitches, unless an intradermal (dissolvable) suture has been used.
3 hours after hybrid robotic knee replacement with the Fast-Track protocol
Robotic total hip replacement with a one-day hospital stay
The doctor will examine your case and recommend the right treatment.
Request an appointment210 7793103Frequently asked questions
Fast-Track: frequently asked questions
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Which operations is Fast-Track used for?
For total knee and hip replacement, including simultaneous replacement of both knees, adapted to each case.
Will I be in pain?
The combination of regional anaesthesia, nerve blocks and local solutions keeps pain at very low levels. Most patients report little or no pain in the first days.
Can I really go home on the same day?
In suitable patients, yes. For most, discharge is on the next day or the day after. The decision is always based on safety.
Will I need a blood transfusion?
Most patients do not, thanks to the minimally traumatic technique and the use of tranexamic acid.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
Fewer than with older techniques, usually about 5 at home. Some patients need even fewer.
Patient cases
Patients treated with the Fast-Track protocol
3 hours after hybrid robotic knee replacement
Robotic total hip replacement — one-day hospital stay
Robotic total knee replacement without physiotherapy
Total knee replacement — 1 day later
Both knees — 1 day after surgery
Robotic total hip replacement
Appointment
Want to get back to your everyday life quickly?
Book an appointment for an assessment and find out whether the Fast-Track protocol is right for you.