Abstract

Background: Hip replacement is an optimal solution to restore mobility and improve the quality of life for patients. In this process, postoperative care and rehabilitation play a pivotal role in determining treatment efficacy. Objectives: to evaluate the outcomes of postoperative care following hip arthroplasty in elderly patients at the Department of Orthopedic and Thoracic Surgery, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, and to explore several associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 44 patients aged 60 and older who underwent hip arthroplasty from September 2022 to April 2023. Research instruments included 372 TẠP CHÍ Y DƯỢC HUẾ - HUE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY ISSN 3030-4318; eISSN: 3030-4326 the SWAT (Surgical Wound Assessment Tool) and the Merle d’Aubigné-Postel hip score. Data were analyzed using SPSS v22.0 software. Chi-square tests and Pearson’s correlation test were utilized to identify associated factors and to analyze the correlation between the Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score and the SWAT score, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the study group was 78.8 ± 10.1 years, with 79.5% having comorbidities. 100% of the patients received correct medication/laboratory orders; over 70% were monitored systemically and locally, and received health education regarding postoperative positions to avoid. The mean surgical wound score on day 5, according to SWAT, was 6.9 ± 2.5 points. The rate of early postoperative complications was 31.8%; the proportion of patients achieving an average or higher functional hip score prior to discharge was 29.5%. Comorbidities and receiving bedside rehabilitation supervised by healthcare professionals were associated with functional hip outcomes. There was a negative correlation between the day-5 SWAT score and the postoperative functional hip score (r = -0.387). Conclusion: The monitoring and postoperative care of elderly patients following hip arthroplasty demonstrated good adherence to clinical protocols; however, the rate of early complications and functional hip outcomes prior to discharge remained somewhat limited. Comorbidities and receiving bedside rehabilitation from healthcare professionals were associated with postoperative functional hip outcomes. Additionally, the results indicated a negative correlation between the SWAT score and the postoperative functional hip score. Key words: hip replacement; postoperative care; SWAT; Merle d’Aubigné – Postel.