Published Sep 25, 2013

Calgary, AB, Canada - Advanced hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic condition causing severe joint pain and loss of joint function. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is recognized as one of the most effective interventions to relieve pain and improve function, but with increasing life expectancy, people are now expected to outlive a primary THA, and require revision surgery. Therefore, other surgical approaches, like hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), have been considered, particularly for younger, active patients. Researchers at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Canada compared the benefits and costs of HRA versus THA. A decision analytic model was constructed to estimate the expected cost-effectiveness of HRA compared to THA as measured by cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The absolute differences between THA and HRA were small, with substantial uncertainty around the estimate of cost effectiveness. For younger patients (less than 50 years old) and male patients, however, HRA cost less and was associated with more QALYs. Total hip arthroplasty was a better option only in older patients (over 60 years old) and female patients. The results show that, on average, HRA was preferred above THA for younger and male patients, but THA is still a reasonable option if the patient or clinician prefers. The full study, “Cost-Utility of Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing Compared to Conventional Total Hip Replacement in Young Active Patients with Osteoarthritis,” is published in Value in Health.

---