Abstract
Introduction
Surgical experience has been shown to improve the clinical outcomes in Total hip arthroplasty. The objective of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes between Consultants and NCHDs grade surgeons for the Exeter total hip replacement taken from the Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital Joint Register.
Methods & Materials
Between 2005 and 2008, 2749 primary total hip replacements were done, 433(15.78%) were Exeter total hip system. 380(86%) out of 433 were included in the study, 227(59%) were females and 154(41%) were males. A consultant was the primary surgeon for 193(51%) patients and an NCHD was the primary surgeon for 187(49%) patients. Mean age, at time of operation was 68 years. Clinical outcome was assessed with WOMAC and SF36 scoring system. Patients were invited to fill in the WOMAC and SF36 questionnaire, pre-operatively, at 6 months and at 2 years after the operation. Radiographs were evaluated for radiolucency with a standardized technique.
Results
Mean WOMAC scores for consultant grade surgeons were: 61(pre op), 23.34(6 months post op) and 22.96(at 2 years post op) with standard deviations of 15.61(pre-op), 17.9(at 6 months) and 17.19(at 2 years). Average SF36 scores were 42.40(pre-op), 70.15(at 6 months) and 71.30(at 2 years) with standard deviations of 17.94(pre op), 18.02(6 months) and 22.59(2 years).
NCHD grade surgeons had average WOMAC scores: 62.55(pre op), 22.36(6 months) and 25.35(2 years). Average SF36 scores were: 41.1(pre-op), 67.47(6 months) and 66.63(2 years). The difference in the mean WOMAC scores between consultants grade and NCHD grade surgeons were 1.55(pre-op), 0.98(6months) and 2.39(2 years), while the difference between the mean SF36 were 1.3(pre-op), 2.68(6 months) and 4.67(2 years). Student T Test was used to correlate differences between the 2 groups. The difference in outcomes between the 2 groups was not significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion
We found out that both groups had similar outcome and survival, with no significant difference when using an Exeter Total Hip Arthroplasty.
