Abstract
Background
With the rising demand for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), there has been an emphasis on reducing the revision burden and improving patient outcomes. Although studies have shown that primary THA effectively minimizes pain and restores normal hip function for activities of daily living, many younger patients want to participate in more demanding activities after their operation. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between age, gender and patient satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty.
Methods
With IRB approval, 2 groups of subjects were enrolled in this study: (i) 143 patients at an average of 25 months (range 10–69 months) post-primary THA, and (ii) 165 control subjects with no history of hip surgery or hip pathology. All subjects were assigned to one of four categories according to their age and gender: Group A: 40–60 year old males (31 THA; 42 Controls), Group B: 40–60 year old females (25 THA; 53 Controls), Group C: 60–80 year old males (35 THA; 25 Controls), and Group D: 60–80 year old females (36 THA; 23 Controls). Each patient completed a self-administered Hip Function Questionnaire (HFQ) which assessed each subject's satisfaction, expectations, symptoms and ability to perform a series of 94 exercise, recreational and daily living activities. These included participation in work-out activities, adventure and water sports, running and biking, and contact and team sports. Each participant was also asked their activity frequency, symptom prevalence and satisfaction with their hip in performing each activity.
Results
When compared to controls, more THA patients reported at least weekly pain (20% vs. 7% p=0.001), stiffness (16% vs. 9% p=0.06), and dependence on analgesics at least weekly (8% vs. 5% p=0.42). Males age 40–60 were the only subgroup to differ significantly from their comparators in regards to pain, stiffness, or analgesic use (pain: 29% vs. 7% p=0.02; stiffness: 29% vs. 5% p=0.007; analgesics: 19% vs. 2% p=0.04). Looking at frequency of pain, more controls were dissatisfied than THA patients (64% vs 21% p=0.02). There were 12% of THA patients reporting their hip does not feel normal compared to 6% of controls (p=0.06); elderly males reported this more frequently than controls (p=0.016) and their elderly female counterparts (p=0.028). Of the effect modifiers tested, sensation of an abnormal hip (p=0.03) and frequent stiffness (p=0.003) portend lower satisfaction ratings while history of THA leads to better satisfaction rating vs. Control (p< 0.0001). Age and sex groups (p=0.33), the presence of pain (p=0.13), and analgesic use (p=0.16) were not significant modifiers.
Discussion
Residual symptoms, especially stiffness, and the sensation that their hip is not normal after THA are negatively impact patient satisfaction, yet they are not uncommon in THA patients. Young THA males tend to experience more postoperative symptoms, however they remain satisfied and tolerate these symptoms well. Older THA males are less likely to report a normal feeling hip, but are generally satisfied with the outcome of THA.
