Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-1149 (Printed)
ISSN: 2161-1149 (Printed)
Sam Martin
Grafton Base Hospital, Australia
Keynote: Rheumatology
The increasing demand for definitive treatment of degenerative knee disorders continues to pressure the healthcare system, with availability of hospital beds particularly contentious. Within this context, surgical efficiency has seen dramatic improvements over time, with steady reductions in length of stay and increased confidence in patient outcomes. At Grafton Hospital, knee replacement cases have been discharged earlier over recent years and day stay surgery appears within reach. The same aspects that are improving the possibility of making single total knee replacements a day procedure can be implemented to decrease the barriers in performing bilateral surgery. Day surgery for knee replacement may not be suited to every patient and doctor, however it is a safe and effective treatment method established and utilized widely overseas. This presentation outlines the fast track framework within a regional Australian context for joint replacement and reviews the outcomes of these protocols in other settings. In addition, the key factors that can be implemented to improve postoperative function, which extends beyond pain control and patient comfort, will be discussed.
Sam Martin is focused on bringing the highest level of hip and knee replacement surgery to the regional area of NSW that he provide a service to. He is innovative and interested in new techniques, but also careful to weigh up the evidence and avoid early adoption pitfalls which can be serious in surgery. His current practice interests are anterior hip surgery for primary and revision hip replacement and making knee replacement surgery as comfortable, easy and rapid to recover from as possible, whilst still achieving excellent long term results.
E-mail: sam_martin@hotmail.com