VISUAL ANALOG SCALE FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF TOTAL HIP-ARTHROPLASTY

The use of a visual analog scale (VAS) for the assessment of total hip prostheses was evaluated in 54 patients (58 hips), on average 3.4 yea rs following operation. The Harris hip scores were determined in each case and the patients were also asked to record their overall assessme nt of their new hips on a VAS. Five patients (6 hips) were unable to u nderstand and use the VAS. For the remaining 49 patients (52 hips), th e Harris hip score averaged 84 (41-100) and the VAS score 75 (2-100). There was a high correlation between the Harris hip scores and the VAS scores (+0.84). Use of a VAS provides a simple and reliable basis for the assessment of a coral hip arthroplasty.