The Particulars: Data are lacking on the long-term benefits and risks of total hip arthroplasty (THA) on overall health and healthcare spending in osteoarthritic patients.
Data Breakdown: For a study, researchers compared 7-year outcomes for patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent THA to those who did not undergo the procedure. Patients who underwent THA had lower mortality, heart failure, depression, and diabetes overall. However, the THA group had an increased risk for ischemic heart disease and atherosclerosis at 1 year after the procedure when compared with the non-THA group.
Take Home Pearl: Among patients with hip OA, those who undergo THA appear to have lower mortality and improved overall health, at a relatively low long-term incremental cost, when compared with those who do not undergo THA.
