Life expectancy after total hip arthroplasty.

A total of 3,807 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) between the years 1970 to 1995 were evaluated for mortality. Patient age groups were designated in 10-year intervals as follows: age <40; 41-50; 51-60; 61-70; 71-80; age >80. The life expectancy estimate of the patients with THA was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and that of the normal population was obtained from standard life-tables. Statistical significance was evaluated using 95% confidence limits. A significant difference in life expectancy was found in patient age groups >60 (61-70, 71-80, >80) demonstrating significantly higher survival rates among THA patients when compared with the normal population.