Elective total hip arthroplasty in patients aged 85 years and older
O'Toole, G.C.; Abuzukuk, T.; Murray, P.
Irish Medical Journal 95(4): 106-107
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0332-3102 PMID: 12090438 Document Number: 544381
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.