It is known by several names: same-day surgery, day-case surgery, ambulatory surgery and outpatient surgery. Whatever the name, outpatient orthopaedic surgery is now considered by many to be safe and feasible across an ever-widening array of joints — hips, knees, hands, ankles and spine. Proponents of these procedures say they have the potential to increase patient comfort and satisfaction while improving hospital efficiency and reducing health care costs.
However, there are concerns among some physicians about this type of surgery.
