Outcome of total hip replacement - A comparison of different measurement methods

During the past 40 years, improvements have been made in the technique, imp lant, and surgical environment for total hip replacement, which today is on e of the most cost-effective operations done. The aim of this study was to compare different outcome measurement methods and to develop recommendation s for optimal followup of total hip replacement. The study involved the out come of 2604 randomly selected patients in Sweden treated surgically with a modern technique. General questionnaires (the Medical Outcomes Study 36-It em Short-Form Health Survey and the Nottingham Health Profile) were compare d with disease-specific questionnaires (the Western Ontario and McMaster Un iversity Osteoarthritis Index and the Harris hip score). The study showed a good correlation between the studied questionnaires, and all questionnaire s used could be suitable for followup study after hip replacement surgery. In clinical practice and for research, a general and disease-specific self- administered score should be used. Some patients (older and low cerebral ca pacity) have difficulties answering questions on these questionnaires. A ne w short self-administered general and disease-specific questionnaire was de signed: the Total Hip Replacement score. The Total Hip Replacement score pr ovides information about the result of the hip arthroplasty, and the result s can be compared with results of other surgical interventions.