Total hip replacement in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip: improvement in pain and functional status

Orthopedics. 1994 Feb;17(2):145-50. doi: 10.3928/0147-7447-19940201-10.

Abstract

A simple, self-rating questionnaire was developed to assess the clinical outcome related to pain and function after total hip replacement surgery followed by physical therapy. Twenty-two patients, 57 to 86 years of age, with osteoarthritis of the hip who underwent total hip replacement surgery and received physical therapy following surgery, participated in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 11 items was developed to ascertain the level of pain, functional ability and the assistive ambulatory device used to perform selected activities of daily living. A maximum cumulative score of 55 points was possible. The functional categories monitored included: sitting, standing, sleeping, functional walking, distance walking, stair climbing, sitting/standing from a toilet seat, driving, and sexual activities. The questionnaires were completed preoperatively, and postoperatively at 3 and 6 months. The results showed an overall improvement of 56% at 3 months and 64% at 6 months after surgery. Twenty of 22 patients obtained "excellent" results with total hip replacement surgery and follow-up physical therapy. Results of this study indicated that total hip replacement followed by physical therapy decreases joint pain and improves function in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hip Prosthesis / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / physiopathology
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / rehabilitation*
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / therapy
  • Pain / physiopathology*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome