title: Elective total hip arthroplasty in patients aged 85 years and older.
abstract: Previous reports indicate that elderly patients suffer more complications than younger patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THR). We reviewed 60 consecutive elderly patients undergoing THR. Statistical comparisons were made with a control group of patients. The average age was 86.6 (range 85-92) years. Pre-operative D'Aubigne-Postel Score averaged 8.4 (range 1-14) points, post-operative D'Aubigne-Postel Score averaged 13.1 (range 9-18) points. Compared to the control group, elderly patients had an increased intra-operative blood loss, increased blood transfusion rates, (p=0.0005) and a longer hospital stay (p = 0.0002). Comparing D'Aubigne-Postel scores, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p<0.001). We conclude that THR in elderly patients is a safe procedure and leads to functional improvements similar to those seen in younger counterparts.
authors.affiliation: Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin, Ireland. garyotoole@ireland.com
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: O'Toole
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Abuzukuk
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Murray
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome