Clinical pathways in knee and hip arthroplasty: A narrative review on sustainability, quality, and resource management (Preprint)

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

BACKGROUND The growing burden of joint disorders, driven by the aging population, highlights the need for efficient surgical intervention. Clinical pathways (CPWs) standardize care, improve outcomes, and optimize resource use in orthopedic surgery. OBJECTIVE This narrative review examines the pivotal role of clinical pathways (CPWs) in knee and hip arthroplasties, essential procedures for enhancing patient quality of life. METHODS We conducted a narrative review focusing on how CPWs impact sustainability, quality, and resource management in knee and hip arthroplasties, integrating literature from PubMed and Cochrane databases according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways and virtual clinics have significantly improved hospital discharge timelines, resource utilization, and patient satisfaction. Despite these benefits, challenges remain in balancing standardized care with individual patient needs. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the importance of CPWs in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in orthopedic surgery. Future efforts should focus on refining CPWs, integrating digital tools, and maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving healthcare demands.