How many patients with the cemented design needed a second operation, if 600 received that design? (Passage: Hip replacement trial)

A trial compared two types of hip replacement in 1,200 patients. After ten years, 4 per cent of patients with the cemented design needed a second operation, compared with 6 per cent of those with the uncemented design. The difference was not large enough to rule out chance. The surgeons also noted that uncemented implants allow a quicker return to walking, which some younger patients value. They concluded that neither design could be recommended for everyone and that the choice should reflect the patient's age and priorities.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 24

  1. Step 1: Take 4 per cent of 600. Step 2. 0.04 x 600 = 24. Answer: 24. Why not the others: 36 is 6 per cent of 600; 48 and 60 correspond to 8 and 10 per cent.

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