Skipping Post-Surgery PT for joint replacement: safe or risky?

NCT ID NCT05858086

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether patients having hip or knee replacement can safely go home the same day without the usual physical therapy (PT) clearance. Instead, they get gait training before surgery and walk with a nurse after. The goal is to see if this approach leads to more falls, ER visits, or readmissions. About 210 adults who are eligible for same-day discharge will take part.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: novel same-day discharge protocol (preoperative gait training with PT, then postoperative ambulation with nursing)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could allow more patients to go home the same day after joint replacement, reducing hospital costs and freeing up beds.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small study (210 participants) and only looks at falls and readmissions. Results may not apply to all hospitals or patients with complex health issues.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PHYSICAL THERAPY SAME-DAY DISCHARGE TOTAL JOINT ARTHROPLASTY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital for Special Surgery
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10021, United States
University of Maryland
RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

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