Patient postoperative outcome can be accurately predicted by the patient’s preoperative HHS or WOMAC score. Prospective, cohort studies of one hundred and seventy-five THAs. SF-36, WOMAC and Harris Hip Score (HHS)questionnaires were used to determine pre-operative and two year final outcome. Student’s t-test, 95% confidence intervals, receiver operator characteristic curves, simple regression analysis and probability were measured. Patients with a HHS = sixty-five pre-operatively had a 100% probability of having an excellent result postoperatively. A preoperative HHS value of thirty-four, and preoperative WOMAC (physical function) value of fifty were the best cutoff points to attain a significantly better postoperative functional outcome.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been well documented to enhance patient function, but patient outcome is dependant on preoperative statuts. The exact timing of surgery to optimize patient outcome after THA remains unknown. This study determines the ideal timing for surgery to obtain the best possible functional outcome.

Prospective, multicenter, cohort studies of one hundred and seventy-five identical, cemented THAs. General health (SF-36) and disease specific (WOMAC and Harris Hip Score(HHS)) questionnaires were used to determine preoperative and two year final outcome. Student’s t-test, 95% confidence intervals, receiver operator characteristic curves, simple regression analysis and probabilty were measured.

All functional scores were improved significantly postoperatively (p< 0.001). Patients with a HHS = sixtyfive preoperatively had a 100% probability of having an excellent result postoperatively. A preoperative HHS value of thirty-four, and preoperative WOMAC (physical function) value of fifty were the best cutoff points to attain a significantly better postoperative functional outcome.

Patient postoperative outcome can be accurately predicted by the patient’s preoperative HHS or WOMAC score. Optimization of surgical timing, by prioritizing wait lists or deciding to treat the arthritis operatively, based on these preoperative score guidelines will help ensure an excellent outcome post THA.