Medics in Great Britain have come up with an innovative new knee replacement system that lets patients take steps just two hours post-operation.
The system was developed by consultant orthopedic surgeon Tony Smith at North Wales NHS Trust, who worked with physiotherapists, anesthetists, hospital managers and nurses.
New aesthetic techniques, along with very effective pain medicines, are used in the system, which permits most patients to leave the hospital after 36 hours. Some go home the day after surgery to replace their knee.
"The fact is that many of these patients are better than those who are in hospital for six days or longer in other hospitals," the Daily Mail quoted Smith as saying."We're not pushing them out until they're ready," Smith added.
Anita Gittens, a hospital nurse involved in caring for patients treated with the new system, said: "I've worked here for 20 years and I can't believe how quickly they are recovering."