Abstract
Purpose
There has been recent interest in gender-specific arthroplasty implant design but little evidence to support their use. We hypothesised that outcomes among arthroplasty patients are affected by gender.
Methods
Patients were retrospectively identified from a prospective database of TJRs performed at one centre among six surgeons over a ten-year period (1998-2008). Demographics, pre-operative and 1-year clinical Knee Society (KSS), Harris Hip (HHS), and Oxford scores were collected. Gender differences were analysed using independent samples t-test and chi-square.
Results
The study sample was comprised of 4780 primary unilateral TJRs performed for osteoarthritis, including 3186 cemented TKAs (63% females, 37% males), and 1594 cementless THAs (55% females, and 45% males). Among TKAs, females had higher BMIs, and differing rates of comorbidities and complications. Female KSS, Oxford and flexion scores were significantly inferior to male scores pre-operatively and at 1-year follow-up. Significantly more females reported higher pain scores and inferior stair climbing ability compared to males at all intervals. Females showed significantly more improvement in clinical outcomes, including flexion from pre-operative to one-year. Among THAs, females were significantly younger with higher BMIs. There were varying rates of complications and comorbidities by gender. Females had significantly worse HHS and Oxford scores, and inferior stair climbing ability at all intervals. Pain scores were higher for females pre-operatively and at 6 weeks, but became equivalent thereafter. Females showed significantly greater outcomes improvement pre-operative to one-year.
Conclusion
As reported in the literature, results of this study indicate that women choose arthroplasty at a later stage of disease, presenting with inferior functional status. The effect of waiting seems most marked among the TKA population with inferior outcomes and pain relief persisting to one year. Although women do have inferior outcomes, their overall level of improvement is superior. Surgeons must counsel females differently about expectations and TJR recovery.
