The Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORI) at Bournemouth University and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to highlight the publication of new research led by Dr Lauren Thornley following her Foundation Year 2 research placement.
The paper — “Hyponatraemia After Hip and Knee Replacement: Incidence, Risk Factors, Clinical Consequences and Management in the Era of Enhanced Recovery” — represents the first published output from Dr Thornley’s four-month placement with the ORI. The work was undertaken in collaboration with colleagues at Bournemouth University and University Hospitals Dorset and has now been published in Clinical Practice.
The narrative review examines the incidence, risk factors, and clinical implications of postoperative hyponatraemia following total hip and knee replacement. The findings highlight that hyponatraemia occurs in approximately 20–40% of patients undergoing these procedures and may negatively affect cognitive function, gait, rehabilitation participation, and length of hospital stay. The paper also emphasises the need for improved risk stratification, monitoring, and pathway integration within enhanced recovery programmes to reduce preventable complications.
This publication represents one of several academic outputs from Dr Thornley’s placement. A second manuscript is currently under review, and related work was presented at the ERAS UK Conference in November. These achievements demonstrate the value of structured research opportunities within clinical training and reflect ORI’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development of early-career clinician–researchers.
Professor Robert Middleton, who supervised the placement, commented that the work highlights how focused mentorship and protected research time can enable junior clinicians to contribute meaningfully to the evidence base while developing their academic skills.
The ORI congratulates Dr Thornley on this achievement and looks forward to following her continued development.
The publication can be accessed here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41440487/
