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Alcohol abstention improved WOMAC scores in patients after THA
Prior to elective total hip arthroplasty, moderate drinkers experienced better WOMAC and Harris Hip Scores, while after surgery, abstainers achieved greater improvements in WOMAC function, pain and total scores, according to this study.
Carlos J. Lavernia, MD, and colleagues retrospectively reviewed 191 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty that answered an alcohol consumption questionnaire, and divided these patients into three groups consisting of nondrinkers, occasional drinkers and moderate drinkers.
Overall, researchers found that most abstainers were older, female and Hispanic. Moderate drinkers had better WOMAC function and total scores and Harris Hip Scores preoperatively, and had a higher contribution margin and net income compared to nondrinkers, according to the abstract. Postoperatively, there were no differences among groups. Postoperatively, nondrinkers had greater improvement in WOMAC function, pain and total scores.
Disclosure: The authors report payments or benefits from Johnson & Johnson, Mako Surgical Corp and Zimmer.