Hospital Stay, Recovery, and Factors Associated with Prolonged Hospitalization Following Orthopedic Surgery

Abstract

Background: There is variability in postoperative outcomes and hospital resources utilized among orthopedic procedures. This study aimed to evaluate hospital stays and recovery rates following orthopedic surgery and to determine the factors associated with the extended hospital stays. Methods: This prospective observational cohort included 120 adult patients who underwent elective or emergency surgery on their upper or lower extremities or spine for six months. Data were collected on a structured data-collection form, including demographic data, comorbidities, procedure type, postoperative complications, length of stay (prolonged hospital stay ≥8 days), time to independent ambulation, and recovery status at discharge. Descriptive data analysis, association, and multivariable logistic regression were carried out using SPSS software version 26.0, and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age was 51.7 ± 16.4 years, and 70 (58.3%) were male. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.8 ± 3.2 days, and the mean time to independent ambulation was 4.9 ± 2.1 days. 85(70.8%) of the patients had good recovery on discharge, while 28(23.3%) stayed in hospital for more than 8 days. Prolonged stay was independently associated with age ≥60 years (aOR=2.54; p=0.022), diabetes mellitus (aOR=2.31; p=0.041), major joint replacement (aOR=2.47; p=0.028), postoperative complications (aOR=4.62; p=0.001), and delayed ambulation (aOR=3.18; p=0.006). Conclusion: Complications, delayed ambulation, age, diabetes, and major joint replacement had a significant association with prolonged hospitalization, and recovery was generally favorable. Perioperative care and prevention of complications based on risk could enhance recovery and shorten hospital periods. The results should be confirmed by multicenter studies.