| Description: |
Introduction: Knee osteotomy, both high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and distal femoral osteotomy (DFO), is a well-recognized treatment for young, active patients with unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. Osteotomy around the knee is usually performed as an inpatient procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of our day-case protocol for knee osteotomy. Methods: All patients who underwent day-case knee osteotomy at the study unit, over a 3-year period, were reviewed to assess the success of ambulatory care for knee osteotomy. Patients were sent questionnaires to assess functional outcome and patient satisfaction with our day-case process. Results: Thirty-three knee osteotomies were performed as a day-case protocol, of which same-day discharge was achieved in 24 patients (73%) and discharge within 24 h achieved in 32 patients (97%). The mean postoperative Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score was 67.1% and 79% of patients rated their care as good or excellent. Return to sporting activities was achieved in 75% of patients, and 88% of the patients reported they would be happy to undergo day-case knee osteotomy again. Conclusions: Knee osteotomy, both HTO and DFO, can be performed as a day-case procedure with similar improvements in functional outcomes and no increased complication rate, compared to in-patient osteotomy. |