TOTAL HIP-REPLACEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE HIP - IMPROVEMENT IN PAIN AND FUNCTIONAL STATUS

A simple, self-rating questionnaire was developed to assess the clinic al outcome related to pain and function after total hip replacement su rgery followed by physical therapy. Twenty-two patients, 57 to 86 year s of age, with osteoarthritis of the hip who underwent total hip repla cement surgery and received physical therapy following surgery, partic ipated in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 11 items was develo ped to ascertain the level of pain, functional ability and the assisti ve ambulatory device used to perform selected activities of daily livi ng. A maximum cumulative score of 55 points was possible. The function al categories monitored included: sitting, standing, sleeping, functio nal 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 r esults showed an overall improvement of 56% at 3 months and 64% at 6 m onths after surgery. Twenty of 22 patients obtained ''excellent'' resu lts with total hip replacement surgery and follow-up physical therapy. Results of this study indicated that total hip replacement followed b y physical therapy decreases joint pain and improves function in patie nts with osteoarthritis of the hip.