Evaluating One-Year Follow-Up After Total Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery to Improve Care and Reduce Unnecessary Visits

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the benefits and costs of routine follow-up appointments after total hip or knee replacement surgery, particularly focusing on the 1-year follow-up visit. Current guidelines recommend follow-ups with X-rays at 3 months, 1 year, and then every 5 years for knee or hip replacements. However, these frequent visits may require significant time and resources from patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, and it is unclear if all scheduled visits are necessary. The HAKA trial aims to safely reduce these routine follow-ups and update clinical guidelines accordingly. The trial compares two approaches one group receives standard care with X-rays and clinical visits at 3 months and 1 year after surgery, while the other group has the same 3-month visit but only a 1-year visit if requested by the patient or healthcare provider. This randomized study is part of a larger research program including long-term follow-up and qualitative studies about patient and provider experiences. Participants receive care following these schedules and are monitored over time. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing physical function, pain, and quality of life before surgery and at several intervals up to 24 months after surgery. Researchers will track the number of clinical visits, X-rays, complications, additional surgeries, and related costs during this period. The study monitors outcomes to evaluate whether reducing routine follow-ups is safe and cost-effective. Overall participation lasts about two years, with regular assessments to guide care decisions.

HAKA: Routine Follow-Up at 1 Year After Hip- or Knee Arthroplasty: Wasting Resources or Appropriate Healthcare?