September 21, 2020

Getting a Hip Replacement? Choice of Hospital Can Be Crucial

FRIDAY, Sept. 18, 2020 -- The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a spotlight on disparities in the U.S. health care system. But the issues are longstanding, and -- as one large study illustrates -- extend into a common elective surgery.

Researchers found that when hip replacement surgery is done at a "safety net" hospital designed to serve the poor and uninsured, patients' risks are higher. Of more than 500,000 Americans who had the surgery, those at safety net hospitals were 11% more likely to have postoperative complications, like infections or heart problems.

August 3, 2020

Repeat Bone Density Tests Might Not Be Needed, Study Finds

TUESDAY, July 28, 2020 -- Bone density tests are often touted as a way to predict the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women, but a new study casts doubt on the value of repeating this commonly used test.

The research was led by Dr. Carolyn Crandall, of the division of general internal medicine and health services research at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. Her team collected data on more than 7,000 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years.

August 3, 2020

Less Smoking, Drinking Means Fewer Hip Fractures for Americans

TUESDAY, July 28, 2020 -- In a rare bit of good health news for Americans, a new government study finds that hip fracture rates have fallen substantially since the 1970s.

Between 1970 and 2010, broken hips dropped by two-thirds among Americans in a decades-long health study. The likely reason? Researchers say drops in both smoking and heavy drinking played a significant role.