AAHKS Position Statements
These statements are policy expressions of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. They are not comprehensive subject reviews nor are they intended as medical advice for the treatment of individual patients. HomeOutpatient Joint Replacement
Hospitals, surgeons and payers have recognized the potential benefits to patients that derive from decreasing the length of inpatient hospital stay after total hip and total knee arthroplasty, and even the potential benefits associated with same-day discharge in the outpatient setting for select patients. This statement contains recommendations for outpatient hip and knee arthroplasty procedures to guide hospitals, surgeons and institutions in appropriate and safe patient care. Full statement.
Opioid Use for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee
How best to manage osteoarthritis pain in the non-operative setting can be challenging and has been the subject of much debate. It is our position that the use of opioids for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee should be avoided and reserved for only for exceptional circumstances. Full Statement.
CDC Guideline Use of Antibiotics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their 2017 Guideline for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection, which recommends against the use of post-operative prophylactic antibiotics – including patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). At this time, we do not agree with this recommendation for TJA as it contradicts current international standards of care with limited evidence and study. Full statement.
Biologics for Advanced Hip and Knee Arthritis
An increasing number of facilities and physicians have begun to offer intraarticular injections of stem cells and platelet rich plasma (PRP) as a therapeutic intervention to patients with advanced hip and knee arthritis. Improvements in joint function, reduction in pain, and an increase in cartilage in the affected joint are often touted as potential benefits. Full statement.
Removal of TKA from CMS IPO List