Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
09:31
Individualized Stem-positioning in Calcar-guided Short-stem Total Hip Arthroplasty
Published on: February 27, 2018
Waiting time for primary hip replacement--a matter of priority
Debasis Chakravarty1, Tjun Tang, Sarah L Vowler
1Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|August 2, 2005
Summary
Prioritizing patients for hip replacement based solely on waiting time may not align with clinical need. Patient outcomes can vary, with some improving while awaiting surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Healthcare reform often prioritizes patients based on waiting list duration.
- This prioritization strategy may conflict with clinical urgency and surgeon's assessment of need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient outcomes for total hip replacement while on a surgical waiting list.
- To determine if waiting list duration accurately reflects changes in patient's clinical condition.
Main Methods:
- A review of 125 patients awaiting total hip replacement.
- Assessment of hip pain and function using the modified Harris Hip Score at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- A significant portion of patients (31.2%) experienced clinical deterioration while on the waiting list.
- However, a substantial number remained clinically stable (53.8%) or even improved (15%).
Conclusions:
- Patient prioritization should not solely depend on waiting list length.
- Regular review of surgical waiting lists is essential to account for evolving patient conditions and clinical needs.
