Artificial Intelligence Tool Cuts Arthroplasty Costs Significantly

A study of 476 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients at three separate institutions found that costs could be reduced by as much as $1,215, length of stay could be cut by as much as 25%, home discharges could increase by 80% and, finally that 91% fewer TKA patients were discharged to a skilled nursing facility. As study which measured the effects of such AI based PreHab, titled "The Role of pre-habilitation with a telerehabilitation system prior to total knee arthroplasty," appears in the November 27, 2018 edition of the Annals of Translational Medicine. According to the study authors, 114 patients were selected to participate in a pre-habilitation program of exercises, nutritional advice, education regarding home safety and reducing medical risks, and pain management skills prior to surgery. A group of 362 patients were selected to participate be the control cohort and did not participate in the pre-hab program. The study was conducted at Northwell Health in San Francisco.