Quick pathway for patients with high pRobability of dislocatEd hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty to minimise the time from hospital aDmission to redUCtion of the prosthesis (Q-REDUCE): protocol for a prospective cohort study.

introductionPatients with total hip arthroplasties and hemiarthroplasties are both subject to hip dislocations. Although the incidence of complications differs, both patient groups suffer immediate high pain and need acute treatment. The purpose of this study is to design a fast-track pathway for patients with a dislocated hip prosthesis primarily to reduce the time from arrival to reduction and the total hospitalisation time. The secondary aim is to investigate whether quicker prosthesis reduction influences subsequent hip function and quality of life, reduces pain experience immediately and in the long term, and increases patient satisfaction. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective observational cohort study, initiated on 1 December 2024 and continuing for 2 years. During the first year, patients admitted to the University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, will follow the current standard treatment pathway. After 1 December 2025, a newly developed treatment pathway (fast-track) will be adhered to. Based on a sample size calculation, 120 patients will be included. The main clinical outcomes (time to reduction (primary outcome), total hospitalisation) are registered from patient files. The patients are followed up for 1 year to measure patient-reported outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is conducted as a treatment quality study and is locally approved by the Executive Board at the University Hospital of Southern Denmark. The results will be published in relevant national and/or international journals and presented at relevant congresses. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06639334.