The effects of total hip arthroplasty on physical functioning in the older population

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the effects of total hip arthroplasty (THA) on three levels of physical functioning in a representative national sample of older adults. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Participants were interviewed in their homes. PARTICIPANTS: Participants consisted of stratified random samples of Medicare beneficiaries interviewed between 1992 and 2003. METHODS: Data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey from 1992 to 2003 and merged Medicare claims data identified participants who received (n=131) or did not receive (n=257) THA. Outcomes were three measures of physical functioning: Nagi items, instrumental activities of daily living, and activities of daily living. Baseline and follow-up measures were obtained approximately 6 months apart. Logistic regression was used to predict the effects of THA on functioning, with a wide range of covariates controlled. RESULTS: Persons who received THA significantly improved in two of three levels of physical functioning; the no-treatment group experienced declines in physical functioning. CONCLUSION: Receipt of THA is associated with significant improvements in two levels of physical functioning. These benefits are broadly applicable in that a wide variety of covariates had minimal effects on THA receipt and outcome.