Influence of frailty on postoperative outcomes following primary and revision total hip arthroplasty.

Abstract

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) effectively treats advanced hip disorders, yet outcomes vary among patients. Frailty has become a crucial factor influencing these results. Several studies explored multiple preoperative factors affecting THA outcomes, highlighting the significance of age, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and central sensitization index scores in predicting post-operative recovery, emphasizing comprehensive preoperative assessments. Subsequent research has shown that frailty, measured by tools like the hospital frailty risk score and frailty deficit index, is significantly associated with adverse outcomes such as higher 30-day readmission rates, longer hospital stays, increased costs, and elevated mortality and complication risks in both primary and revision THA. Additionally, frailty related to short-term adverse events but stressed the need for standardized frailty measurement. Currently, there is no unified standard for assessing frailty before THA, which hinders cross-study comparison and evidence-based guideline development. Future research should focus on establishing a universal frailty assessment standard considering physical function, comorbidities, cognitive and psychological status. Prospective studies are also needed to clarify the causal relationship between frailty and long-term THA outcomes and identify modifiable factors for preoperative interventions. Overall, understanding the impact of frailty on THA outcomes is essential for improving patient care and resource utilization, especially in an aging population with a rising prevalence of hip disorders.