A comparison of total hip replacement in patients aged 69 years or less and 70 years or over.

This paper examines the significance of age as a criterion to be used when assessing the suitability of a person for total hip replacement. In a group of 49 patients undergoing total hip replacement, those aged 70 years or over did not benefit significantly less than younger patients in terms of pain relief, improving range of motion in the joint, improved mobility, or in regaining independence in the activities of daily life. Despite having more complications than the younger patients, and requiring on average longer hospital stays, it is argued that age should not be a major consideration when assessing a patient for total hip replacement.