Healio reports that according to published results, patients who traveled 40 miles or more to undergo total hip arthroplasty had similar 90-day outcomes and complication rates compared with patients who traveled fewer than 40 miles for surgery.

According to Matthew S. Austin, MD, hip and knee surgeon at HSS, “This was an interesting retrospective study that examined the effect of traveling a distance of greater than (“travelers”) or less than (“locals”) 40 miles for total hip arthroplasty and/or follow-up on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and 90-day complications at a center of excellence. The two cohorts did not differ significantly in terms of preoperative demographics, with the exception of travelers having had lower average Harris Hip Scores. There were no differences in postoperative PROs, complications, readmissions or reoperations. Locals did visit the ED significantly more than travelers.”

Read the full article at healio.com.