[Functional evaluation of total knee arthroplasty under fast-track protocol: experience of a tertiary level hospital]

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the definitive treatment for patients with severe functional impairment. Its outpatient procedure has gained interest due to its ability to optimize resources and reduce hospitalization time. The objective of this study is to evaluate the postoperative functionality of patients undergoing outpatient TKA in a tertiary care hospital. The medical records of 33 patients were reviewed, analyzing clinical and imaging characteristics before and after the procedure. Variables included diagnosis of gonarthrosis, comorbidities, surgical time, complications, functionality using the American Knee Replacement Therapy Score (AKPRS), and radiographic alpha, beta, gamma, and sigma angles. The cohort was primarily women (81.8%). High blood pressure was the most common comorbidity (30.3%), followed by rheumatoid arthritis (12.1%). Surgical time ranged from 86 to 146 minutes, and 91% of patients were complication-free. According to the AKPRS, 63.2% received an excellent rating, 24.2% received a good rating, and 12.1% received a fair rating. Most radiographic angles were within normal parameters. No statistical significance was identified between the side of the knee osteoarthritis and functional and/or radiographic outcomes. Despite the absence of statistically significant associations, functional outcomes were favorable, supporting the feasibility of performing TKA on an outpatient basis, with potential benefits in terms of reduced costs and hospital stay.