Waiting time for primary hip replacement – a matter of priority

Abstract

Government reformers often allocate priority to patients based on the time spent on a waiting list. This may conflict with the surgeon's agenda of priority based upon clinical need. We reviewed 125 consecutive patients who were awaiting total hip replacement on one consultant's surgical waiting list. We assessed hip pain and function by using a modified Harris Hip Score, which was calculated at the time of addition to the surgical waiting list, at pre-operative assessment and at 6 months' follow-up. Analysis showed that although many patients (31.2%) deteriorate on a surgical waiting list, not all do so. Some stay clinically the same (53.8%) and some improve (15%) while awaiting surgery. Patients should not be prioritised solely on the length of time they have spent on a surgical waiting list. Waiting lists should be continually reviewed.