The effect of preexisting radiographic hip osteoarthritis on the functional recovery after surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the grade of preexisting radiographic hip osteoarthritis on the functional outcome of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated by intramedullary fixation.

METHODS: We retrospectively examined the impact of the grade of preexisting osteoarthritis on the functional outcome of 88 patients older than 60 years with intertrochanteric fractures treated by intramedullary fixation. The patients were divided into 2 groups accord ing to the grade of osteoarthritis: group 1, including 52 patients (32 females and 20 males) with Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1 and 2, and group 2, including 36 patients (24 females and 12 males) with Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 and 4. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Harris hip score, visual analog scale, EuroQoL general health questionnaire, and the Barthel index.

RESULTS: The mean age was 74.8 ± 5.5 (range=63-87) years in group 1 and 75.06 ± 5.3 (range=64-87) years in group 2. At the last follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was significantly higher in group 1 (71.3 ± 4.3) than that of group 2 (69.5 ± 3.5) (P=.047). There was no signifi cant difference between the groups in terms of the visual analog scale (P=.102), EuroQoL general health questionnaire (P=.144), and the Barthel index (P=.261) scores. The EuroQoL general health questionnaire and Barthel index scores were worse with increasing age.

CONCLUSION: As the grade of hip osteoarthritis increases, it may adversely affect the specific hip score, but this parameter alone may not be a poor prognostic factor that affects the quality of life and daily activity level.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Prognostic Study.