Patients Who Present with Functional Limitations, Limited Range of Motion and Reduced Muscle Strength 6 Months after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective To evaluate levels of pain, range of motion, hip isometric peak torque, and functional task performance in patients 6 months after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to compare them to asymptomatic control participants (CG). Methods We recruited participants with unilateral THA due to hip osteoarthritis (OA) within a median of 6 months who had not developed postoperative complications. We assessed the pain levels, hip range of motion, peak isometric torque, self-reported assessment (Harris Hip Score) and objectively measured function (Timed Up & Go Test [TUG]) of the patients. The THA group was compared with a group of asymptomatic participants ≥50 years old recruited in the community. Comparisons are presented as mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 23 participants were included in each group. Pain levels were low in the THA group (1.48 [1.60]), and 91.3% of the patients reported to be satisfied with the surgical procedure. Participants in the THA group reported significantly lower objectively measured (THA 12.2 [10.0–21.6]; CG 9.0 [6.7–12.2]) and self-reported function (THA 78.5 [43.8–93.9]; CG 100.0 [95.8–100.0]) compared with CG. The THA group also had significantly reduced range of motion for flexion ( p < 0.001), internal ( p < 0.001) and external rotation ( p = 0.003) movements and reduced peak torque for flexion ( p < 0.001), extension ( p < 0.001), abduction ( p < 0.001) and adduction ( p = 0.024) movements compared with participants of the CG. Conclusions Despite reporting overall low pain scores and satisfaction with the surgery, the patients present with functional limitations, limited range of motion, and reduced muscle strength 6 months after THA. Evidence Level 3b