Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Abstract

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has developed the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hip. Evidence-based information, in conjunction with the clinical expertise of physicians, was used to develop the criteria to improve patient care and obtain best outcomes while considering the subtleties and distinctions necessary in making clinical decisions. The Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hip AUC clinical patient scenarios were derived from indications typical of patients presenting with osteoarthritis of the hip in clinical practice. The 270 patient scenarios and 9 treatments were developed by the Writing Panel, a group of clinicians who are specialists in this AUC topic. Next, a separate multidisciplinary, Voting Panel (made up of specialists and nonspecialists) rated the appropriateness of treatment of each patient scenario using a 9-point scale to designate a treatment as Appropriate (median rating, 7 to 9), May Be Appropriate (median rating, 4 to 6), or Rarely Appropriate (median rating, 1 to 3).