When evaluating candidacy for total hip arthroplasty, which factor may be considered alongside radiographic OA?

When evaluating candidacy for total hip arthroplasty, which factor may be considered alongside radiographic OA?

• A. Age alone determines candidacy.
• B. Age and comorbidity may be considered.
• C. Gender determines candidacy.
• D. Imaging findings alone determine candidacy.

Answer: (B)

Candidacy for total hip arthroplasty is guided by how much pain and functional limitation the patient has, combined with overall medical risk, not by imaging alone. Radiographic OA confirms joint degeneration, but it doesn’t capture how much the patient is suffering or how well they can tolerate surgery and anesthesia. Age and comorbidity may be considered because they influence perioperative risk, recovery potential, and the likely benefit from the procedure. Age alone isn’t a strict barrier, and imaging findings alone don’t decide eligibility. Gender isn’t a determining factor either.

Candidacy for total hip arthroplasty is guided by how much pain and functional limitation the patient has, combined with overall medical risk, not by imaging alone. Radiographic OA confirms joint degeneration, but it doesn’t capture how much the patient is suffering or how well they can tolerate surgery and anesthesia. Age and comorbidity may be considered because they influence perioperative risk, recovery potential, and the likely benefit from the procedure. Age alone isn’t a strict barrier, and imaging findings alone don’t decide eligibility. Gender isn’t a determining factor either.