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Total hip replacement and cancer. A cohort study
E B Mathiesen1, A Ahlbom, G Bermann
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Summary
This study found no increased cancer risk after hip replacement surgery. The incidence of all cancers, including lymphoma and leukemia, remained similar to the general population.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Total hip replacement is a common procedure.
- Previous studies suggested a potential link between hip replacement and certain cancers, particularly lymphoma and leukemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of cancer following total hip replacement.
- To determine if there is an increased risk of developing cancer, specifically lymphoma and leukemia, after hip replacement surgery.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study was conducted using data from 10,785 individuals who underwent hip replacement in Stockholm County, Sweden, between 1974 and 1988.
- Follow-up data was collected until the end of 1989, utilizing record linkage with national cancer and cause-of-death registries.
- The study analyzed 58,437 person-years at risk to calculate Standardised Morbidity Ratios (SMRs) for all cancer sites.
Main Results:
- The overall Standardised Morbidity Ratio (SMR) for all cancer sites was 0.96 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.03), indicating no significant increase in cancer incidence.
- For lymphoma and leukemia specifically, the SMR was 0.89 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.14), also showing no statistically significant elevation.
- These findings were consistent across the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia, is not increased after total hip replacement.
- This study does not support previous concerns regarding a higher cancer risk post-hip replacement surgery.
- The results suggest that total hip replacement is a safe procedure concerning long-term cancer risk.