Enhanced recovery after surgery in older patients with total Knee Arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

With aging, knee joint problems and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to improve knee function have increased in older persons. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to aid recovery, but their impact on older TKA patients is uncertain. This study employs a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the effects of ERAS on older patients with TKA from randomized controlled trials. PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched, and the Analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software. The ERAS group showed a significantly shorter length of hospital stay, fewer postoperative complications, and no significant difference in readmission rates compared to the control group. Regarding pain management, the ERAS group had significantly lower VAS scores on the first two postoperative days, reduced analgesic use, and lower hospitalization costs, demonstrating clear clinical advantages. ERAS accelerates older patients' TKA recovery, reducing hospital stays and complications, and has important clinical implications.