[Total hip arthroplasty in Austria. Results of a nationwide survey based on a questionnaire]

Besides the number of annual total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeries (11,978 primary THA, 148 implantations per 10(5) inhabitants), little is known about the state of total hip replacement in Austria. We collected information about different aspects of THA treatment regimens. A questionnaire was developed and sent to all chairmen of orthopedic and traumatology departments posing 22 questions regarding type of THA, surgical technique, number of surgeries, data collection, physical therapy and mobilization, length of hospital stay, and recommendations on sport activities as well as activities of daily life. In Austria cementless THA predominates (according to the questionnaire survey 85%). Postoperative mobilization with cementless implants is prescribed as full weight bearing in 52%, partial weight bearing in 42%, and no weight bearing in 6%. The length of hospital stay with cementless insertion is 14.2 days and with cemented implantation 14.9 days; the use of crutches is recommended for 6.0 and 5.4 weeks, respectively. Hip scores for documentation are used before surgery in 65% of orthopedic departments and 13% of traumatology departments and in the postoperative follow-up in 62% and 13%, respectively. In-patient rehabilitation is prescribed by 74% of orthopedic and 26% of traumatology departments. Austria ranks among the top nations in Europe regarding the number of total hip arthroplasty implantations. Documentation is insufficient and needs to be improved. In some aspects of managing patients with total hip arthroplasties there are remarkable differences between orthopedic and traumatology departments.