The Effects of Total Hip Arthroplasty on Physical Functioning in the Older Population

  1. Linda K. George PhD,
  2. David Ruiz Jr. BS,
  3. Frank A. Sloan PhD

Article first published online: 1 APR 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.01685.x

Issue

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Volume 56, Issue 6, pages 1057–1062, June 2008

Additional Information

How to Cite

George, L. K., Ruiz, D. and Sloan, F. A. (2008), The Effects of Total Hip Arthroplasty on Physical Functioning in the Older Population. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 56: 1057–1062. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.01685.x

Author Information

  1. From the *Department of Sociology, †Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, ‡Center for Health Policy, and §Department of Economics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina

*Address correspondence to Linda K. George, Box 90088, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0088. E-mail: lkg@geri.duke.edu

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 1 APR 2008
  2. Article first published online: 1 APR 2008

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Keywords:

  • hip replacement;
  • functional status;
  • disability transitions

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.

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