Hip surgery candidates: a comparative study of hip osteoarthritis and prior hip fracture patient characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
To assess similarities and differences in patient-related characteristics before and after surgery for painful disabling hip osteoarthritis among elderly subgroups with and without a trauma history.


METHODS
First, a cohort of 1000 hospitalized patients were assessed for trends in: perceived duration of the condition, pain intensity, functional performance ability, walking distance, body mass, and comorbidity characteristics among other factors. Then, the most salient of these patient-related characteristics were compared between 42 cases of hip osteoarthritis without a trauma history and 42 cases with a trauma history matched for age and gender, using medical records and standard data recording and analysis procedures.


RESULTS
Hip osteoarthritis cases with a prior hip fracture history had a longer duration of disability, and were more impaired functionally before surgery (p < 0.05) than those with no such history. They also had lower leg muscle strength and used more assistive devices.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients undergoing hip replacement surgery for painful hip osteoarthritis who have a hip fracture history are likely to be more impaired and disabled than those with no such history.
Marks
Ray
R
Department of Health, Physical Education and Gerontological Studies and Services, City University of New York, York College and The Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, USA.