Here - American Geriatrics Society

P OSTER
A BSTRACTS
D160
Outcome of Older Patients Undergoing Total Hip or Total Knee
Arthroplasty.
R. V. Samala, 1 J. O. Ciocon, 2 P. Patel, 3 D. Galindo, 2 J. Loquias. 2 1. The
Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Cleveland Clinic,
Cleveland, OH; 2. Geriatrics, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL; 3.
Orthopedics, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL.
Background: In spite of the proven benefits of total joint arthroplasty,
doubts about pain relief, progression of ambulation, and maintenance
or improvement of functional capacity pervade. The present
study aimed to determine the outcome of older patients undergoing
primary elective total hip (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA)
for osteoarthritis
Methods: A cross-sectional study was done at Cleveland Clinic
Florida which included adults 65 years and older who underwent
THA or TKA between July 1, 2010 and February 28, 2011. Patients
with other inflammatory joint diseases, acute fracture, or revision surgery
were excluded. Medical records were reviewed and telephone
interviews were conducted at 6 and 12 weeks post-surgery. Outcome
measures were pain level, living condition, ambulation status, and
functional status.
Results: Fifty three participants completed the study; mean age
was 73 years, 49% were female, and 43% had THA. There were significantly
more patients who were pain-free, neither bound to wheelchair
nor bed, and independently functional at home by 12 weeks.
There were significantly more THA patients who ambulated independently
than those who required an aid (p