Postoperative 6-month and 1-year evaluation of health-related quality of life in total hip replacement patients

Background and purpose: During the last decade, health-related quality of l ife (HRQOL) has been recognized as a principal outcome measure for total hi p replacement (THR). However, most THR outcome studies in Taiwan have limit ed their assessments to the areas of pain relief and physical function. Thi s study examined the effects of THR on quality of life. Methods: A longitudinal prospective study design was adopted. A total of 76 THR patients were enrolled. Disease specific (Harris Hip Score) and generi c measures (SF-36) were determined before and after surgery. Postoperative evaluations were completed at 6 months and I year. Patient characteristics and related medical information were derived from chart data. Results: Significant improvement was found in HRQOL. This improvement was m aintained at both 6-month and 1-year follow-up. Specifically, the mean Harr is Hip Score improved from 44.7 to 88.9 at the 6-month postoperative evalua tion, and further improved to 91.3 at the 1-year evaluation. In the SF-36, each domain of health status showed a significant improvement at 6-month an d 1-year evaluations (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results of the Harris Hip Score and the SF-36 showed that THR not only relieved physical pain but also enhanced all aspects of qualit y of life. In addition to pain relief and improved physical function, impro vements in role limitations due to physical or emotional problems were also significant. These findings indicate that a general health survey should b e combined with a disease-specific scoring system to assess THR outcome.