Predictors of farther mobilization on day of surgery and shorter length of stay after total joint arthroplasty

Background Mobilization on the day of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is associated with shorter length of stay. The question of whether incrementally farther mobilization on the day of surgery (POD0) contributes to shorter length of stay has not been widely studied. The purpose of this study was to determine if farther mobilization on POD0 led to shorter length of stay and to identify the predictors of farther mobilization and length of stay. Methods A retrospective chart review was undertaken using data for patients who had a primary TJA and mobilized on POD0. Patients were categorized into the following 4 mobilization groups: sat on the bedside (Sat), stood by the bed or walked in place (Stood), walked in the room (Room) and walked in the hall (Hall). The primary outcome was length of stay. Predictors of farther mobilization on POD0 and length of stay were identified using regression analyses. Results The sample comprised 283 patients. The Hall group had significantly shorter length of stay than all other groups. There were sex differences across the mobilization groups. Simultaneous regression analysis showed that farther mobilization was predicted by younger age, male sex, lower body mass index, spinal anesthesia and fewer symptoms limiting mobilization. Hierarchical regression showed that shorter length of stay was predicted by male sex, lower body mass index, lower American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status classification score, less pain/stiffness and farther mobilization on POD0. Conclusion Understanding the modifiable and nonmodifiable predictors of mobilization after TJA and length of stay can help identify patients more likely to mobilize farther on the day of surgery, which would contribute to better resource allocation and discharge planning. Focusing on symptom management could increase opportunities for farther mobilization on POD0 and thereby decrease length of stay.