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Hip osteoarthritis — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

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HardOsteoarthritis and Soft Tissue RheumatologyHip osteoarthritisSCE Rheumatology

A patient has severe hip osteoarthritis with night pain and major walking limitation despite core treatment and analgesia. How should referral for joint replacement be decided?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Refer based on clinical impact and failed non-surgical care

NICE recommends referral when pain, stiffness, reduced function or progressive deformity substantially affect quality of life and non-surgical management is ineffective or unsuitable. Decisions use clinical assessment rather than mandatory numerical thresholds.

Reference: NICE NG226: osteoarthritis in over 16s — recommendations (Published October 2022): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng226/chapter/Recommendations; NICE QS87: referral for consideration of joint surgery (Published June 2015; updated October 2022): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs87/chapter/quality-statement-8-referral-for-consideration-of-joint-surgery