Klimek M, Büchele G, Rehm M, et al. - The Ulm Osteoarthritis Study, a prospective cohort study of patients with advanced OA of the hip or knee, was conducted to determine the risk of long-term mortality in the cohort in correlation with osteoarthritis (OA)–specific assessment values (ie Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) and generic pain and function (visual analog scale [VAS], Hanover Functionality Status Questionnaire [FFbH]) estimated prior to and 12 months following arthroplasty.

• In the 706 included patients, there appeared a clear reduction in pain and improved function throughout all assessments following arthroplasty.

• Baseline and follow-up joint-specific WOMAC assessments did not correlate with long-term mortality.

• However, generic function assessments showed an independent correlation with an increased risk of mortality.