Preop functional status predicts total hip outcomes

Editor's Note

Compared with preoperative independent functional status, preoperative dependent functional status was independently associated with worse outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty in this study.

Of 43,179 patients analyzed, those who were less able to care for themselves:

• were 2 to 3 times more likely to have surgical complications
• were 2 to 3 times more likely to spend time in a nursing or rehab facility before going home
• had a 19% longer length of hospital stay.

Without a better understanding of factors that influence postoperative outcomes, surgeons may not be making the best treatment plans for their patients, and this study offers a simple tool to help inform treatment decisions, the researchers say.