Bilateral simultaneous hip arthroplasty shows comparable early outcome and complication rate as staged bilateral hip arthroplasty for patients scored ASA 1-3 if performed by a high-volume surgeon

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare early outcomes after simultaneous and staged hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with bilateral symptomatic pathology. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all patients scheduled for primary THA for bilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA, n = 290). Patients either received simultaneous (n = 152, 52.4%) or staged (n = 138, 47.6%) bilateral THA based on individual preference. All operations (n = 428) were performed by one single, high-volume surgeon. Demographic data (e.g., age, ASA score) as well as perioperative parameters (haemoglobin drop (Hb), red blood cell transfusion, length of stay (LOS), operation time, six week complication rate and achievement of inpatient rehabilitation key points) were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients in the simultaneous bilateral THA group were younger (62.8 ± 8.9 vs. 65 ± 9.7 years, p = 0.022) and had lower ASA scores (1.8, (34.2% ASA 1, 55.3% ASA 2, 37.2% ASA 3) vs. 2.0 (18.8% ASA 1, 61.6% ASA 2, 19.6% ASA 3)) than the staged group. While the average LOS was 7.1 ± 1.7 days for simultaneous bilateral THA, the combined LOS for the staged group was 12.9 ± 2.4 days (p < 0.001). The cumulative operation time in the simultaneous bilateral THA group was 61.1 ± 11.5 min and 57.6 ± 7.3 min in the staged group (p < 0.015). Cumulative Hb loss was significantly higher in the staged group (2.1 ± 7.2 g/dl vs. 3.7 ± 1.3 g/dl, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found concerning the complication rate or early inpatient rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous bilateral hip arthroplasty in patients with symptomatic bilateral hip osteoarthritis is as safe and successful as a staged procedure if performed by a high-volume surgeon.