Total hip arthroplasty in patients 80 years of age and older.

One hundred fifty-seven consecutive patients (162 total hip arthroplasties) 80 years of age and older were observed for one year after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Clinical results and complications were recorded. The indication for surgery was degenerative joint disease (DJD) in one half of the patients and complications to proximal femoral fractures in the other half. The mean age was 83 years old in both groups. In 80% of the patients, no complications were recorded during the first year. Three patients died during the first three months. Two deep infections occurred (1.2%). The dislocation rate was 9.2% (15/162). There was a lower dislocation rate (4/84) in the DJD group compared to the fracture group (11/78). All nine recurrent dislocations occurred in the fracture group and were treated with either trochanteric osteotomy (five) or removal of the prosthesis (four). In the patients operated on with trochanteric osteotomy, no further dislocations occurred. The mean hospital stay was 13 days. After one year, 88% (112/127) of the patients who could be observed had good or excellent results. Total hip arthroplasty in the elderly is a reasonably safe method and yields good functional results. Dislocations, however, were common in patients operated on for complications from proximal femoral fractures, and the risk for recurrent dislocation was high (9/11). In these patients, trochanteric osteotomy is recommended.