Editorial
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Methodol. Dec 20, 2024; 14(4): 95558
Published online Dec 20, 2024. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v14.i4.95558
Optimizing outcomes: Implementing enhanced recovery after surgery in orthopedic surgery
Sathish Muthu, Madhan Jeyaraman, Naveen Jeyaraman, Swaminathan Ramasubramanian
Sathish Muthu, Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Group, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore 641045, India
Sathish Muthu, Department of Orthopedics, Government Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Karur 639003, India
Sathish Muthu, Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore 641021, India
Madhan Jeyaraman, Naveen Jeyaraman, Department of Orthopedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, Chennai 600077, India
Swaminathan Ramasubramanian, Department of Orthopedics, Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Tamil Nadu, Chennai 600002, India
Author contributions: Muthu S designed the research study; Jeyaraman M, Jeyaraman N and Ramasubramanian S performed the research; Muthu S and Jeyaraman M contributed to the analysis; Muthu S contributed to the visualizations; Muthu S, Jeyaraman M and Ramasubramanian S analyzed the data and wrote the manuscript; All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: Authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Sathish Muthu, DNB, MS, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Group, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore 641045, India. drsathishmuthu@gmail.com
Received: April 12, 2024
Revised: May 27, 2024
Accepted: June 7, 2024
Published online: December 20, 2024
Processing time: 104 Days and 19.5 Hours
Abstract

In the realm of orthopedics, the adoption of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols marks a significant stride towards enhancing patient well-being. By embracing a holistic approach that encompasses preoperative counseling, dietary optimization, minimally invasive procedures, and early postoperative mobilization, these protocols have ushered in a new era of surgical care. Despite encountering hurdles like resistance to change and resource allocation challenges, the efficacy of ERAS protocols in improving clinical outcomes is undeniable. Noteworthy benefits include shortened hospital stays and bolstered improved patient-safety measures. Looking ahead, the horizon for ERAS in orthopedics appears bright, with an emphasis on tailoring care to individual needs, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and perpetuating research endeavors. This shift towards a more personalized, streamlined, and cost-efficient model of care underscores the transformative potential of ERAS in reshaping not only orthopedic surgery but also the journey to patient recovery. This editorial details the scope and future of ERAS in the orthopedic specialty.

Keywords: Enhanced recovery after surgery; Orthopedic surgery; Perioperative care; Personalized care; Patient reported outcome measure; Complications

Core Tip: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in orthopedics significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing recovery time, the complication rate, and hospital stay through a multidisciplinary approach involving preoperative counseling, nutritional optimization, minimally invasive techniques, and early mobilization. Despite facing challenges in implementation, such as resistance to change and resource demands, ERAS protocols have proven their efficacy in improving clinical outcomes, including reduced hospital stay and enhanced patient safety. The future of ERAS in orthopedics is promising, with a focus on personalized care, technological integration, and ongoing research. The evolution towards more patient-centered, efficient, and cost-effective care underscores the potential of ERAS to revolutionize orthopedic surgery and patient recovery processes.