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Elective Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Octogenarians

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.

Background. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has resulted in decreased pain and increased function in people with end-stage hip arthritis for several decades. In elderly people, THA has been used most often following femoral neck fracture. However, with life spans increasing and people remaining healthy and active well into their eighties, arthroplasty surgeons are now performing primary THA as an elective procedure in octogenarians. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of elective total hip arthroplasty in patients aged 80 years or older with end-stage hip arthritis.

Methods. Forty patients (46 THAs), aged 80 or older at the time of surgery, were identified for this study. Clinical assessment included amount of hip pain, limp, and use of assistive devices for ambulation at most recent follow-up. Radiographic assessment included implant stability, heterotopic bone formation, and osteolysis. Medical and hip-related complications, reoperations, and revisions were recorded from medical records.

Results. Eleven patients (27.5%) suffered a medical complication and six patients (15%) had a hip-related complication, all of which were treated and were not life threatening. Clinically, 80% were pain free and 70% walked without assistance at an average 4-year follow-up. Radiographically, all implants were stable without osteolysis. No components had been revised; however, four patients had undergone a reoperation, three for recurrent dislocation.

Conclusions. Elective total hip arthroplasty is a safe and effective treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip in the elderly patient. However, the procedure is not without risk. Complications, often related to preexisting comorbidities, do occur, but mortality rates are low.