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Older patients likely able to maintain independent lifestyle after THA
Patients older than 75 years of age who underwent total hip arthroplasty for neck of femur fractures had comparable functional outcomes to younger patients and maintained an independent lifestyle post injury, according to study results.
Researchers identified 44 patients older than 75 years of age who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) for a neck of femur (NOF) fracture during a 2-year study period. Patients underwent routine postoperative clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6 weeks and 1 year, and data were collected with regard to hip-related complications, general complications, activities of daily living, patients’ living conditions and hip function. The researchers also measured activities of daily living status using the Katz index retrospectively and postoperatively, and patients’ mortality was divided into 30-day and 1-year mortality.
Elizabeth Travis
According to study results, 88% of patients were classified as independent and 90.5% of patients received on-site rehabilitation, with a mean length of stay of 9.5 days. The researchers observed a mean preoperative Katz Index score of 5.9 and a mean postoperative score of 5.7 in 36 patients. Among 37 of the 44 patients, the mean Oxford Hip Score was 39.7. Overall, results showed no infections or periprosthetic fractures within the follow-up period. The researchers also found three patients had perioperative stroke, two patients had perioperative non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and 20 patients required transfusion of blood products. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.