One-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty in patients > or = 75 years.

Since 1991, 43 one-stage sequential bilateral total hip arthroplasties (THAs) inpatients > or = 75 years have been performed by the authors. The results were assessed to determine whether thiss procedure can be performed safely and with good outcome in this subset of patients. These results were compared to those of 1 36 patients < 75 years who underwent the same procedure. The one-stage bilateral procedure was performed in all patients who had signiificant arthritic disease of both hips. There was no diffference in length of surgery or length of hospital stay. Patients > or = 75 years were more likely to experience minor postoperative morbidity such as ileus and urinary tract infections. The incidence of myocardial ischemia was 2.3% in the elderly group With a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, 90% of the elderly patients lived independently, 80% walked without assistive devices, and 90% were pain free. Therefore, one-stage sequential bilateral THA is a safe and effective option for patients > or = 75 years when pain and functional limitations affect quality of life.