Outcome of hip arthroplasty in octogenarians compared with younger patients

This prospective study aimed to ascertain if octogenarians undergoing primary hip arthroplasty experienced a similar clinical outcome and complication rate as younger patients. Significantly better (p=0.019) improvement in mean Harris hip score (SD) was seen 18 months after surgery in the younger cohort: 43.4 (SD 13.8) compared with 39.8 (SD 10.6). Length of hospital stay was longer (p<0.001) in the octogenarians: 12.9 days (SD 7.0) days versus 10.1 (SD 4.7) with a higher blood transfusion rate of 40% compared with 28% (p = 0.009). No significant differences in infection, dislocation, thromboembolism or 90-day mortality rates were found.

octogenarians are more likely to require blood transfusions and a longer hospital stay, with less improvement in clinical outcome at 18 months after primary hip arthroplasty. (Hip International 2005; 15: 206-11).