Hip function in patients > 55 years old - Population reference values

The purpose of this study was to establish population values for hip functi on for patients of different ages using the validated WOMAC scoring system and the traditional Harris hip scoring system. A random sample of 184 indiv iduals who had no prior history of hip or knee pain or pathology was evalua ted. The average WOMAC scores for pain, function, and stiffness were 0.01, 1.8, and 0.4. The average Harris hip score was 94 +/- 8.2. No significant c orrelation was noted between the summary WOMAC score, the WOMAC stiffness o r pain subscales, or the overall Harris hip score for any of the 3 age grou ps studied. Patients with complaints in other joints, such as the back and neck, had lower WOMAC and Harris hip scores. Adults who are healthy and do not have a prior history of hip or knee pathology do not show a significant decline in hip function as they grow older. A deterioration in the functio n of a total hip arthroplasty over time cannot be attributed solely to the aging process.