Grant: Project Grant

The most common reason for joint replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. The number of older adults waiting for elective joint replacement surgeries has rapidly increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly difficult for older adults who are also experiencing frailty, a state of reduced function and health. Individuals with frailty do not "bounce back" as quickly after their operation and sometimes do not gain the full benefits from the surgery. Thus, our study will examine if participating in the Fit Joints program before joint replacement surgery will improve post-surgical outcomes in older adults (aged 60+) who are frail, compared with older adults who receive the standard care. The Fit Joints program can be delivered in-person or virtually and combines three treatments into one program: (1) Physiotherapist supported exercise, (2) Dietary counseling and protein supplements, and (3) A medication review to improve the safety and appropriate use of medicines. We will examine patients' frailty status, physical function, pain level and quality of life before and after surgery. Patients will receive weekly phone calls to help stay on track. We will also explore the costs of the program when delivered in a hospital setting. This study is led by an expert team of clinical researchers in geriatrics and orthopedic surgery across multiple surgical sites in Canada. The goal of the Fit Joints program is to help patients get fit for joint replacement surgery and optimize surgical outcomes of reduced pain and improved function.