Effect of Marital Status on Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Matched Analysis With Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

Effect of Marital Status on Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Matched Analysis With Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

Authors

Lall AC, Schwarzman GR, Battaglia MR, Chen SL, Maldonado DR, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/1120700019864015

Background

Social support and mental health are known to affect recovery after surgeries like total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study investigates how marital status influences recovery outcomes following THA.

Methods

Data were reviewed from patients who underwent THA between 2008 and 2016, comparing the outcomes of married versus non-married (divorced or never married) patients. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed at least two years after surgery.

Key Findings

Married patients had significantly better PROs in measures such as the modified Harris Hip Score, Forgotten Joint Score, and physical health assessments compared to non-married patients.

Conclusions

Non-married patients tend to report worse outcomes after THA. This highlights the importance of social support in recovery, and physicians should assess this aspect before surgery.

What Does This Mean for Patients

If you're planning hip replacement surgery, having strong social support may improve your recovery. Non-married individuals may need additional support to achieve the best outcomes.