For the vast majority of medical conditions, conservative treatment is preferred to operative care for a number of reasons. Not only is surgery more invasive, but surgery and recovery inherently carries more risks given the nature of the technique. When possible, surgeons prefer to rectify a problem without surgery if it can achieve the same or a similar level of physical improvement.
However, at some point in our quest to determine the right course of treatment, we reach a tipping point where it becomes clear that operative care truly is the best option for the patient. A new study has showcased that for patients with severe hip arthritis, surgery is much more likely to restore more function and lead to an increased quality of life compared to conservative treatment like physical therapy and resistance training. We compare these treatment techniques and explore why surgery can be so beneficial for patients with severe hip arthritis in today’s blog.
Surgery For Severe Hip Arthritis
For a better understanding of how to help patients achieve the best outcome for their severe hip arthritis, we turn to the latest results from a study in The New England Journal of Medicine. In that study, researchers tracked recovery outcomes for two groups of participants plagued by severe hip osteoarthritis. About half the patients managed their condition with a total hip replacement procedure, while the other group pursued weeks of resistance band training aimed at strengthening key tissues in the joint and restoring function and flexibility.
Patients were assigned a baseline and six months post-op score using the Oxford Hip Score, which ranges from 0-48, with a higher number indicating increased function and less pain.
- The average Oxford Hip Score increase from baseline to six months post-op in patients who underwent total hip replacement was 15.9 points.
- The average Oxford Hip Score increase from baseline to six months post-op in patients who pursued resistance training was 4.5 points.
- Six months into treatment, 21 percent of patients in the resistance treatment program had opted to instead pursue total hip replacement.
- The incidence of serious adverse events at six months was similar in both groups.
So while surgery does carry some risks that are not associated with conservative care, that’s not to say that patients with severe hip arthritis aren’t free from health risks that may arise as a result of putting off surgery. Moreover, hip replacement surgery was associated with a significant improvement in function and reduced pain, suggesting that for most individuals, joint replacement ended up being the best treatment for their needs.
At the end of the day, treatment should be determined by the patient after a thorough assessment and conversation with an orthopedic specialist, but know that for many patients with severe hip arthritis, surgery can prove most beneficial at reducing symptoms and restoring function. Get back to pursuing the physical activities you love most by consulting with a hip surgeon and determining the right course of care for your specific hip issue.
For more information, or for help with a different hip or knee issue, reach out to Dr. Botero and his team today at (865) 558-4444.
