Defining Patient Acceptable Symptom State for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors
Quesada-Jimenez R, Walsh EG, Schab AR, Cohen MF, Kahana-Rojkind AH, Domb BG.
Background
After hip replacement surgery, doctors measure improvement using scoring systems. However, improvement alone does not always mean patients feel satisfied. This study looked at what scores reflect a “good enough” or satisfactory outcome 10 years after surgery.
Methods
Patients who had hip replacement surgery were followed for about 10 years. Researchers analyzed standard hip function scores to identify cutoffs that matched patients who reported being satisfied with their results.
Key Findings
- Around 80/100 on most hip scores reflected patient satisfaction at 10 years
- These thresholds were consistent across multiple commonly used scoring systems
- The scores reliably separated satisfied from less satisfied patients
Conclusion
The study defines what level of function is typically associated with long-term satisfaction after hip replacement.
What Does This Mean For Patients
After hip replacement, success is not just improvement — it’s reaching a level where patients feel comfortable and satisfied in daily life. These numbers help doctors better explain what long-term success looks like.