The Assessment of Static Balance in Patients after Total Hip Replacement in the Period of 2-3 Years after Surgery

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess static balance of patients after Total Hip Replacement (THR) compared with the age-matched, asymptomatic control group, considering the subject's gender and the time since the surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Total Hip Replacement (THR) group consisted of 55 subjects (mean age: 56.3 ± 8.7 years) and the control group consisted of 48 subjects (mean age: 58 ± 6.2 years). For the assessment of static balance, a stabilometric force platform was used. All subjects performed two 30-second trials in the double-leg stance position with eyes opened and closed. In the study group, the stabilometric assessment was performed once within the period of 24 to 36 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Subjects from the study group had significantly increased mediolateral COP velocity in the test with eyes opened, as well as the values of most of the COP parameters (excluding COP path area) in the test with eyes closed, compared to the control group. Higher values of the selected COP parameters were observed in the male subjects from the study group. CONCLUSION: In contrast to a number of papers, our study revealed some deficits in static balance in patients after THR up to 2-3 years after surgery.