Hip Arthroplasty or Medical Management: A Challenging Treatment Decision for Younger Patients
Authors
Stake CE, Talbert PY, Hopkinson WJ, Daley RJ, Alden KJ, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2015.01.032
Purpose
To investigate factors influencing treatment decisions between total hip arthroplasty (THA) and medical management in younger patients (≤50 years) with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods
A comparative study of 71 patients who chose either surgical intervention (THA) or medical management. Patient variables including pain, activity restrictions, and WOMAC scores were analyzed to identify predictors influencing treatment choice.
Key Findings
- Pain level was the strongest predictor of opting for surgery (P < .05).
- Activity restrictions correlated closely with pain and influenced decision-making.
- No significant difference in quality of life was found between groups.
Conclusion
Pain severity primarily guides younger patients’ decisions to undergo hip arthroplasty over medical management, with activity limitations also playing a significant role.
What This Means for Patients
Younger patients with hip OA facing the choice between surgery and non-surgical treatment should consider pain severity and lifestyle impact when making decisions, with individualized discussions on risks and benefits.