Study: Total Hip Replacement Effective for Those 90 and Up

People who are 90 years old and up can have safe and effective total hip replacement that can add years of quality to their lives, according to a study by Mayo Clinic researchers.

As reported in the March issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, the researchers studied 65 patients who had undergone total hip replacement surgery at Mayo Clinic from 1970 to 1997.

The news is good for the most rapidly growing segment of the United States' population -- those aged 85 and older.

According to study author Dr. Mark Pagnano, the typical patient in the study lived for more than five years after hip replacement and had substantial relief of pain and improvement of function during that period.

Although some medical and surgical complications occurred in the patients studied, Pagnano said they seldom compromised the outcome of the operation.

Patients in this age category, according to Pagnano, often have medical conditions such as hypertension, anemia or a history of cardiac disease that can make the surgery more challenging. With that in mind, he says it is important for patients to be monitored closely for medical complications in the early postoperative period.

In an accompanying editorial, Dr. James O'Brien, of the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, said the study provides a glimpse into the future and highlights the challenge that orthopedists are likely to confront. He said the most important findings of the study are related to reduction of pain, restoration of function and patient satisfaction.

Other sources: Mayo Clinic