Hamel MB et al. – This study demonstrates that elderly patients with hip or knee replacements for severe OA took several weeks to recover but experienced excellent long-term outcomes. Methods
A prospective cohort study to examine decision making and clinical outcomes for elderly patients (age ≥65 yrs; n=174) with severe OA of the hip or knee
OA symptoms and functional status were assessed at baseline and at 12 mos
Postoperative symptoms and function were assessed 6 wks, 6 mos, and 12 mos after surgery
Results
76% were female, 17% were nonwhite, 69% had knee OA, and 31% had hip OA)
During a 12-mo f/u, 29% had joint replacement surgery
Of patients who had surgery, no patients died, 17% had postoperative complications, and 38% had postoperative pain lasting >4wks
The median time to recovery of independence in walking was 12 days and to ability to perform household chores was 49 days
At 12 mos, WOMAC scores improved by 24 points in the pts who had surgery and 0.5 point in the pts who did not have surgery
Improvements were 19 and 0.3 points in pts ≥75y
Among pts who did not have surgery, 45% reported that surgery was not offered as a potential treatment option
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