Patient reported outcome measure for early postoperative recovery following lower limb arthroplasty: A systematic review

Background Lower limb arthroplasty is an effective surgical treatment option for patients with moderate to severe arthritis who have not responded to medical management[1]. However, surgical interventions can lead to postoperative consequences such as limited mobility, pain and infection. Consequently, improving postoperative recovery holds significant benefits for patients, health care professionals and health care payers. The purpose of this review is to determine if any recovery tools exist that can effectively measure early postoperative recovery after hip or knee arthroplasty. Methods The following databases were searched; PubMed (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), Web of Science (ISI Web of Knowledge), PsycINFO, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), Cochrane library and SCOPUS. We restricted our search to English language papers, and adult respondents. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a pro-forma spreadsheet and existing quality criteria were applied. Results Our literature search identified 23 articles relating to development, assessment and validation of 15 tools. Not all instruments demonstrated the same levels of quality. None of the tools found were specific to both the orthopaedic arthroplasty population and early recovery time periods. Conclusion Our literature search identified 23 articles relating to development, assessment and validation of 15 tools. Not all instruments demonstrated the same levels of quality. None of the tools found were specific to both the orthopaedic arthroplasty population and early recovery time periods.