The complication rate and medium-term functional outcome after total hip replacement in smokers

We aimed to study the effect of smoking on the complication rate and medium-term functional outcome after total hip replacement. 1767 patients undergoing a cemented THR in one hospital were followed up prospectively at 6, 18, 36, and 60 months. Harris Hip scores, SF-36 scores and complications were recorded. there was no statistically significant difference in early complications and length of hospital stay between smokers and those patients who had never smoked. smokers were less likely to require a blood transfusion and showed a statistically lower Harris hip score at six months but there was no difference seen at the subsequent time-points to five years after surgery. smoking did not influence the complication rate or medium-term functional outcome at five years after total hip replacement. (Hip International 2009; 19: 47-51)