Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Patients Who Present with Functional Limitations, Limited Range of Motion and Reduced Muscle Strength 6 Months after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Cross-Sectional Study* * Work developed at the Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate levels of pain, range of motion, hip isometric peak torque, and functional task performance in patients 6 months after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to compare them to asymptomatic control participants (CG).

Methods

We recruited participants with unilateral THA due to hip osteoarthritis (OA) within a median of 6 months who had not developed postoperative complications. We assessed the pain levels, hip range of motion, peak isometric torque, self-reported assessment (Harris Hip Score) and objectively measured function (Timed Up & Go Test [TUG]) of the patients. The THA group was compared with a group of asymptomatic participants ≥50 years old recruited in the community. Comparisons are presented as mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 23 participants were included in each group. Pain levels were low in the THA group (1.48 [1.60]), and 91.3% of the patients reported to be satisfied with the surgical procedure. Participants in the THA group reported significantly lower objectively measured (THA 12.2 [10.0–21.6]; CG 9.0 [6.7–12.2]) and self-reported function (THA 78.5 [43.8–93.9]; CG 100.0 [95.8–100.0]) compared with CG. The THA group also had significantly reduced range of motion for flexion (p< 0.001), internal (p< 0.001) and external rotation (p= 0.003) movements and reduced peak torque for flexion (p< 0.001), extension (p< 0.001), abduction (p< 0.001) and adduction (p= 0.024) movements compared with participants of the CG.

Conclusions

Despite reporting overall low pain scores and satisfaction with the surgery, the patients present with functional limitations, limited range of motion, and reduced muscle strength 6 months after THA.

Evidence Level 3b

Keywords
osteoarthritis; hip joint; arthroplasty

Resumo

Objetivo

Avaliar os níveis de intensidade da dor, amplitude de movimento, pico de torque isométrico do quadril e desempenho da tarefa funcional em pacientes 6 meses após a artroplastia total do quadril (ATQ), e comparar estes valores com os de participantes assintomáticos do grupo controle (GC).

Métodos

Recrutamos participantes com ATQ unilateral devida a osteoartrite (OA) do quadril, dentro de uma mediana de tempo de 6 meses, que não tinham desenvolvido complicações pós-operatórias. Os participantes foram avaliados quanto à intensidade da dor, à amplitude de movimento do quadril, ao pico de torque isométrico, à autoavaliação (questionário de avaliação do quadril Harris Hip Score [HHS, na sigla em inglês) e à função medida objetivamente por meio do teste Timed Up and Go (TUG, na sigla em inglês). O grupo ATQ foi comparado com um grupo de participantes assintomáticos com idade ≥ 50 anos recrutados na comunidade. As comparações são apresentadas como diferenças médias (DMs) e intervalos de confiança (ICs) de 95%.

Resultados

Cada grupo contou com 23 participantes. A intensidade da dor foi baixa no grupo ATQ (1,48 [1,60]), sendo que 91,3% dos pacientes relataram estar satisfeitos com o procedimento cirúrgico. Os participantes do grupo ATQ relataram uma função medida objetivamente significativamente menor (ATQ 12,2 [10,0-21,6]; GC 9,0 [6,7-12,2]) e a função autoavaliação (ATQ 78,5 [43,8-93,9]; GC 100,0 [95,8-100,0]), em comparação com o GC. O grupo ATQ também teve reduzida de forma significativa a amplitude de movimento para flexão (p< 0,001), os movimentos internos (p< 0,001) e de rotação externa (p= 0,003). O grupo ATQ também apresentou pico de torque reduzido para flexão (p< 0,001), extensão (p <0,001), movimentos de abdução (p< 0,001) e adução (p = 0,024) em comparação com os participantes do GC.

Conclusões

Apesar de informarem escores gerais de dor de baixa intensidade e satisfação com a cirurgia, os pacientes apresentaram limitações funcionais, amplitude de movimento limitada e redução da força muscular após 6 meses do procedimento cirúrgico de ATQ.

Nível de Evidência3B.

Palavras-chave
osteoartrite; articulação do quadril; artroplastia

Introduction

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a last resort procedure for the treatment of advanced osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip, usually when outcomes of nonsurgical treatments have not been satisfactory.11 Skoffer B, Dalgas U, Mechlenburg I. Progressive resistance training before and after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review. Clin Rehabil 2015;29(01):14-29 More THAs are being performed every year worldwide. For example, from 2003 to 2013, the rate of THAs in Australia increased from 88 to 119 per 100,000 inhabitants.22 Wolford ML, Palso K, Bercovitz A. Hospitalization for total hip replacement among inpatients aged 45 and over: United States, 2000-2010. NCHS data brief, no 186 Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics; 2015 In the United States, rates of THA have increased from 142 in 2000 to 257 per 100,00 inhabitants in 2010, corresponding to 310,800 surgeries.33 Kurtz S, Ong K, Lau E, Mowat F, Halpern M. Projections of primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty in the United States from 2005 to 2030. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2007;89(04): 780-785 The THA rates are expected to increase even more by 2030; 175% in the United States and 208% in Australia.33 Kurtz S, Ong K, Lau E, Mowat F, Halpern M. Projections of primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty in the United States from 2005 to 2030. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2007;89(04): 780-785

The success rates of THA are high, reported as ranging from 84 to 97%.44 Shan L, Shan B, Graham D, Saxena A. Total hip replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis on mid-term quality of life. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2014;22(03):389-406 An important predictor of patient satisfaction with THA is postoperative function.55 Palazzo C, Jourdan C, Descamps S, et al. Determinants of satisfaction 1 year after total hip arthroplasty: the role of expectations fulfilment. BMC Musculoskelet Dirsord 2014;15:53-62 Previous studies have shown that patients post-THA display reduced function and ability to perform domestic and social activities,66 Sicard-Rosenbaum L, Light KE, Behrman AL. Gait, lower extremity strength, and self-assessed mobility after hip arthroplasty. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2002;57(01):M47-M51 as well as increased risk of falls.77 Husby VS, Helgerud J, Bjørgen S, Husby OS, Benum P, Hoff J. Early maximal strength training is an efficient treatment for patients operated with total hip arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2009;90(10):1658-1667 These studies, however, have many limitations. For example, some included patients within a broad age range (between 24 and 70 years old),88 Shih CH, Du YK, Lin YH, Wu CC. Muscular recovery around the hip joint after total hip arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1994; (302):115-120 with very different postoperative periods (ranging from 9 to 72 months),66 Sicard-Rosenbaum L, Light KE, Behrman AL. Gait, lower extremity strength, and self-assessed mobility after hip arthroplasty. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2002;57(01):M47-M51 with OS in other lower limb joints,99 Gadia JA, Marques AP, Miranda FG. Avaliação da dor, capacidade funcional e amplitude articular em pacientes submetidos a artroplastia total de quadril. Acta Ortop Bras 1999;7(04): 159-166 and patients who needed THA surgery due to trauma instead of to degenerative diseases.66 Sicard-Rosenbaum L, Light KE, Behrman AL. Gait, lower extremity strength, and self-assessed mobility after hip arthroplasty. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2002;57(01):M47-M51 Combining patients with such different characteristics ignores the fact that the prognosis of patients who undergo THA due to fracture or degenerative disease is different,1010 Lombardi B, Paci M, Nannetti L, Moretti S, Maritato M, Benelli G. Total hip arthroplasty after hip fracture or osteoarthritis: are there differences in characteristics and outcomes in the early rehabilitative stage? Orthop Nurs 2014;33(01):43-471111 Qin CD, Helfrich MM, Fitz DW, Hardt KD, Beal MD, Manning DW. Differences in postoperative outcomes between total hip arthroplasty for fracture vs osteoarthritis. J Arthroplasty 2017;32(9S): S3-S7 and so are the function levels in people with different postoperative times.1212 Judd DL, Dennis DA, Thomas AC, Wolfe P, Dayton MR, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Muscle strength and functional recovery during the first year after THA. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2014;472(02):654-664 Other studies did not have a control group (CG),88 Shih CH, Du YK, Lin YH, Wu CC. Muscular recovery around the hip joint after total hip arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1994; (302):115-1201313 Trudelle-Jackson E, Emerson R, Smith S. Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty: a study of patients one year postsurgery. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2002;32(06):260-267 which limits the understanding of differences between people with similar demographic characteristics with and without THA. Furthermore, because post-THA patients are at increased risk of falls due to muscle weakness, among other factors, and because the rate of falls among these patients is typically higher shortly after the surgery,1414 Lo CWT, Tsang WWN, Yan CH, Lord SR, Hill KD, Wong AYL. Risk factors for falls in patients with total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2019;27(07):979-993 early investigation of functional and strength deficits in post-THA patients could be helpful to obtain insights into potential strategies to prevent falls and other functional complications.

Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess a cohort of post-THA patients in terms of objectively-measured and self-reported function, pain levels, hip range of motion (ROM), and peak isometric torque, and to compare them with a group of participants with similar characteristics from the community. We hypothesized that post-THA patients would have low pain scores and high satisfaction rates, but would have decreased function, both in terms of objectively-measured and self-reported function when compared with control individuals.

Methods

Participants and Settings

The present cross-sectional study is reported according to the STROBE statement recommendations.1515 Statement STROBE. Available from: http://www.strobe-statement.org/index.php?id¼strobe-home2009 [Accessed 10 May 2019]
http://www.strobe-statement.org/index.ph...
The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee (approval number: 925.402). We registered the study retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03657680). All participants provided informed consent prior do data collection.

We examined electronic medical records from three hospitals to obtain from data collection a list of patients who had undergone primary unilateral THA (lateral and posterolateral approach) due to hip OA within 5 to 8 months (mean: 6 months [5 to 10]) and who did not develop postoperative complications (infections, deep vein thrombosis and/or dislocation of the prosthetic component). We excluded individuals who had previously undergone any type of surgery in the lower limbs, who had clinical signs of OA in other lower limb joints according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria,1616 Altman R, Alarcón G, Appelrouth D, et al. The American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification and reporting of osteoarthritis of the hip. Arthritis Rheum 1991;34(05): 505-514 and who presented with disabling neurological or cardiovascular conditions (such as cardiac insufficiency, stroke damage, and neurodegenerative diseases). To serve as a CG, we recruited participants ≥ 50 years old living in the community with an asymptomatic hip and who were not engaged in any form of physical activity.

Data Collection

The participants attended a single evaluation session with the same experienced and trained assessor.

Objectively-measured function was determined using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.1717 Mathias S, Nayak US, Isaacs B. Balance in elderly patients: the “getup and go” test. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1986;67(06):387-389 1818 Thrane G, Joakimsen RM, Thornquist E. The association between timed up and go test and history of falls: the Tromso study. BMC Geriatr 2007;7:1-8 To perform the TUG test, the participants were instructed to stand up from an armless chair and walk for three meters, at their usual speed, using their assistive devices if needed, to a mark drawn on the floor, then to turn around, return to the chair, and sit down.1717 Mathias S, Nayak US, Isaacs B. Balance in elderly patients: the “getup and go” test. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1986;67(06):387-389 1818 Thrane G, Joakimsen RM, Thornquist E. The association between timed up and go test and history of falls: the Tromso study. BMC Geriatr 2007;7:1-8 The test was first demonstrated by the evaluator and practiced by the participant once before it was officially recorded by the evaluator. We used range values reported in the population1919 Bohannon RW. Reference values for the timed up and go test: a descriptive meta-analysis. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2006;29(02):64-68 to dichotomize participants into those with and without objectively-measured functional impairment.

Self-reported function was measured with the Harris Hip Score (HHS) (with scores ranging from zero to 100, where 100 means perfect function).2020 Guimarães RP, Alves DPL, Silva GB, et al. Translation and cultural adaptation of the Harris Hip Score into portuguese. Acta Ortop Bras 2010;18(03):142-147 The HHS assesses multiple domains, including pain, function, deformity, and ROM. We classified the participants according to the following cutoffs: poor (< 70 points); normal (70–79); good (80–89); and excellent (90–100).2020 Guimarães RP, Alves DPL, Silva GB, et al. Translation and cultural adaptation of the Harris Hip Score into portuguese. Acta Ortop Bras 2010;18(03):142-147 2121 Patrizzi LJ, Vilaça KHC, Takata ET, Trigueiro G. Análise Pré e Pós-Operatória da Capacidade Funcional e Qualidade de Vida de Pacientes Portadores de Osteoartrose de Quadril Submetidos à Artroplastia Total. Rev Bras Reumatol 2004;44(03):185-191

Active hip flexion, extension, abduction, external and internal rotation ROM were measured on both limbs in the THA group and in the dominant limb in participants in the CG by a single examiner using a fleximeter (FL6010 model, Sanny, Brazil). Prior to collecting data, we conducted a test-retest reliability assessment of hip ROM measurements using the fleximeter. The reliability assessment consisted of 2 ROM measurements supervised by the same examiner performed with a 20-minute interval between them in 15 patients with unilateral THA for hip flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Our reliability for the measures was considered excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient – ICC = 0.935–0.994; p= 0.02–0.001) for all movements. Movements were assessed in the following positions: hip flexion, lying in supine, starting with the knee extended and ending with it flexed; hip extension and abduction, in standing position; and hip internal and external rotation, with the patient sitting on the edge of the table, with the hip and the knee flexed at 90° (Fig. 1). The participants performed every movement once. One of the evaluators observed if any compensation occurred, such as inclination of the pelvis and/or of the trunk. If compensations were observed, the test was interrupted and performed again (Fig. 1). Hip adduction ROM was not tested to respect postoperative precautions.

Fig. 1
Range of motion and muscle torque assessment positions. A. Assessment of left hip extension; B. Assessment of left hip abduction; C. Assessment of left hip internal rotation; D. Assessment of left hip external rotation; E. Assessment of left hip flexion; F. Assessment of left lower limb hip flexors and extensors muscle torque; G. Assessment of left lower limb hip abductors and adductors muscle torque.

We assessed peak isometric torque of the hip muscles using the BiodexTM Multi Joint System 4 Pro isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems, New York, NY, USA).1212 Judd DL, Dennis DA, Thomas AC, Wolfe P, Dayton MR, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Muscle strength and functional recovery during the first year after THA. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2014;472(02):654-664 2222 Biodex System 3 Pro. 2002. Manual - Aplications/Operations. Disponível em: www.biodex.com
www.biodex.com...
2323 Jan MH, Hung JY, Lin JC, Wang SF, Liu TK, Tang PF. Effects of a home program on strength, walking speed, and function after total hip replacement. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85(12):1943-1951 Participants in the THA group had both limbs assessed, whereas participants in the CG had the dominant limb assessed.

For hip flexor and extensor torque assessment, the chair was set with 0° inclination and the greater trochanter was used as reference for alignment of the rotation axis of the dynamometer.2424 Bertocci GE, Munin MC, Frost KL, Burdett R, Wassinger CA, Fitzgerald SG. Isokinetic performance after total hip replacement. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83(01):1-9 Both hip flexors and extensors were evaluated with the participant in the supine position, the tested limb in 45° of hip flexion, and the contralateral limb in extension (Fig. 1). The resistance pad of the lever arm was set ∼ 3 centimeters above the patella. For hip abductor and adductor torque assessment, the chair was set with 0° inclination and the greater trochanter was used as reference for alignment of the rotation axis of the dynamometer.2424 Bertocci GE, Munin MC, Frost KL, Burdett R, Wassinger CA, Fitzgerald SG. Isokinetic performance after total hip replacement. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83(01):1-9 Both hip abductors and adductors assessments were performed in the side-lying position (Fig. 1), with the tested limb placed in 15° of hip abduction with the resistance pad of the lever arm lateral to the thigh, while the contralateral limb remained in flexion.

The position of the participants was maintained using stabilizing straps around the trunk, the pelvis and the contralateral limb.1111 Qin CD, Helfrich MM, Fitz DW, Hardt KD, Beal MD, Manning DW. Differences in postoperative outcomes between total hip arthroplasty for fracture vs osteoarthritis. J Arthroplasty 2017;32(9S): S3-S7 The positions considered the posoperative limitations of THA and were base on the studies of Bertocci et al2424 Bertocci GE, Munin MC, Frost KL, Burdett R, Wassinger CA, Fitzgerald SG. Isokinetic performance after total hip replacement. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83(01):1-9. and Bijur et al.2525 Bijur PE, Silver W, Gallagher EJ. Reliability of the visual analog scale for measurement of acute pain. Acad Emerg Med 2001;8 (12):1153-1157. Each muscle group evaluation was preceded by an explanation of the test, as well as three submaximal muscle contractions for familiarization and warm-up.2424 Bertocci GE, Munin MC, Frost KL, Burdett R, Wassinger CA, Fitzgerald SG. Isokinetic performance after total hip replacement. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83(01):1-9 Three attempts with a duration of 5 seconds were performed for each muscle group, with a 90 seconds interval between each attempt. The participants were encouraged to exert their maximum strength during each attempt through verbal incentive by the examiner. The peak hip torque was normalized according to body weight, using the equation: normalized peak torque = peak torque (Nm)/ body weight (kg) x 100.

Sample-size estimation calculations were based on detecting a 7.5Nm/kg difference on hip abductors muscle torque,2424 Bertocci GE, Munin MC, Frost KL, Burdett R, Wassinger CA, Fitzgerald SG. Isokinetic performance after total hip replacement. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83(01):1-9 assuming a standard deviation (SD) of 5.4 for the THA group and of 11.3 for the CG, two-tailed, an alpha level of 0.05, an effect size of 0.93, and a 95% power. A sample size of 42 subjects, 21 per group, was determined.

We assessed the intensity of hip pain in the operated limb from participants in the THA group, and in the dominant limb from participants in the CG. A 10-centimeter visual analog scale (VAS) was used.2525 Bijur PE, Silver W, Gallagher EJ. Reliability of the visual analog scale for measurement of acute pain. Acad Emerg Med 2001;8 (12):1153-1157 The participants were instructed to consider the worst pain they felt in the last week. The satisfaction of the patients with the procedure was assessed through direct questions, with “yes” or “no” answers.

Data normality was determined by means of the Shapiro-Wilk test. We used means (SD) or medians (95%CI) or median (min-max) to describe continuous variables when appropriate, and frequencies and proportions to describe categorical variables. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare THA and control participants in terms of objectively-measured function (TUG test), self-reported function (HHS), and pain. Hip ROM and peak isometric torque were compared within participants in the THA group (operated versus nonoperated limb) and between groups (operated versus dominant limb in the CG). For that, we used a 2 × 3 analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) followed by the Sidak post-hoc test. We adjusted between-group comparisons by body mass index (BMI) and age. A significance level of 0.05 was adopted, and the analyses were completed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

From June 2015 to January 2016, 55 potential participants were contacted. Six declined to participate and one did not attend the assessment session. Of these, 23 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the THA group, and another 23 asymptomatic participants were included in the CG (Fig. 2). The characteristics of the participants are shown in Table 1.

Table 1
Total hip arthroplasty group (THA) and control group (CG) characterization

Fig. 2
Sample flowchart.

The THA group showed higher values of age and BMI than the CG. Only 9 (39.13%) of the 23 patients in the THA group participated in rehabilitation programs, which were unrelated to the present study. The other patients were still waiting for a vacancy in the public health system for physical therapy sessions. Out of the 23 participants in the THA group, 9 (39.13%) were using assistive devices (one crutch) for walking. Most patients (91.3%) in the THA group reported to be satisfied with surgical procedure and underwent surgery with a posterolateral approach (70%) and implementation of cemented prosthesis (65%). Regardless of how the prosthesis was fixed, all patients had an early weight-bearing release on the operated limb.

Objectively-measured Function

Compared with control participants, the THA group demonstrated significantly reduced performance on the TUG test (THA 12.2 [10.0–21.6] versus CG 9.0 [6.7–12.2]; p= 0.001) (Table 1).

Self-reported Function

Participants in the THA group had significantly lower self-reported function compared with the CG (THA 78.5 [43.8–93.9] versus CG 100.0 [95.8–100.0]; p= 0.001) (Table 1).

Pain

Participants in the THA group had slightly more pain (1.48 [1.60]) compared with participants in the CG (0.28 [0.51]). The difference between groups was statistically significant (1.20 [0.49–1.92]; p< 0.001), but of questionable clinical importance (Table 1).

Range of Motion

There was a significant group-by-limb interaction for flexion (F = 36.2; p< 0.001), abduction (F = 15.1; p< 0.001), internal rotation (F = 25.5; p< 0.001), external rotation (F = 27.8; p< 0.001), but not for extension (F = 2.1; p= 0.098). Compared with the unaffected limb, the affected limb of participants with THA had significantly reduced flexion, internal, and external rotations. Compared with control participants, participants in the THA group showed significantly reduced flexion, internal, and external rotations in both the affected and unaffected limbs. The magnitude of differences was more pronounced in the comparisons between the operated limb and the dominant limb in participants of the CG (Table 2).

Table 2
Total hip arthroplasty group (THAG) and control group (CG) range of motion (ROM) (degrees)

Peak Torque

There was a significant group-by-limb interaction for flexion (F = 8.7; p< 0.001), extension (F = 4.0; p= 0.009), abduction (F = 20.9; p< 0.001), and adduction (F = 4.3; p= 0.016). Participants in the THA group showed significant reduced torque values in the affected limb for flexion and abduction when compared with the unaffected limb. Compared with control participants, the THA group showed significantly reduced peak torque values for all movements (flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction). The magnitude of differences was more pronounced in the comparisons between the operated limb and the dominant limb in participants of the CG (Table 3).

Table 3
Total hip arthroplasty group (THAG) and control group (CG) normalized peak torque (Nm/kg)

Discussion

Six months after THA, the participants in our study reported minimal levels of pain and high satisfaction with the procedure. However, these participants had significant objectively and subjectively measured functional limitations, reduced ROM and hip torque. These findings were observed in both the affected and unaffected limbs when compared with healthy controls.

Differently from previous studies,66 Sicard-Rosenbaum L, Light KE, Behrman AL. Gait, lower extremity strength, and self-assessed mobility after hip arthroplasty. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2002;57(01):M47-M5188 Shih CH, Du YK, Lin YH, Wu CC. Muscular recovery around the hip joint after total hip arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1994; (302):115-12099 Gadia JA, Marques AP, Miranda FG. Avaliação da dor, capacidade funcional e amplitude articular em pacientes submetidos a artroplastia total de quadril. Acta Ortop Bras 1999;7(04): 159-1661313 Trudelle-Jackson E, Emerson R, Smith S. Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty: a study of patients one year postsurgery. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2002;32(06):260-267 our sample was more homogeneous and included patients submitted to THA only as a result of hip OA, within a similar age range and with a similar postoperative period. We also compared post-THA patients with a CG, which allowed us to ascertain the magnitude of differences in function, ROM, and muscle torque between post-THA patients and healthy matched individuals.

The main purpose of THA surgery is to reduce pain, but also to improve function early after the surgery.1212 Judd DL, Dennis DA, Thomas AC, Wolfe P, Dayton MR, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Muscle strength and functional recovery during the first year after THA. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2014;472(02):654-6642626 Frost KL, Bertocci GE, Wassinger CA, Munin MC, Burdett RG, Fitzgerald SG. Isometric performance following total hip arthroplasty and rehabilitation. J Rehabil Res Dev 2006;43(04): 435-444 In our study, pain levels 6 months post-THA were indeed mild, and most patients were satisfied with the procedure. However, upon closer examination of the functional status of the patients, we showed that the patients present with significant functional deficits.

The functional deficits we showed in our study can be minimized through several different strategies; for example, with surgery planning and rehabilitation programs. Different rehabilitation protocols (for example, functional exercises, walking, muscle strengthening)11 Skoffer B, Dalgas U, Mechlenburg I. Progressive resistance training before and after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review. Clin Rehabil 2015;29(01):14-2977 Husby VS, Helgerud J, Bjørgen S, Husby OS, Benum P, Hoff J. Early maximal strength training is an efficient treatment for patients operated with total hip arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2009;90(10):1658-16671313 Trudelle-Jackson E, Emerson R, Smith S. Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty: a study of patients one year postsurgery. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2002;32(06):260-2672323 Jan MH, Hung JY, Lin JC, Wang SF, Liu TK, Tang PF. Effects of a home program on strength, walking speed, and function after total hip replacement. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85(12):1943-19512727 Loizeau J, Allard P, Duhaime M, Landjerit B. Bilateral gait patterns in subjects fitted with a total hip prosthesis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1995;76(06):552-5572828 Unlu E, Eksioglu E, Aydog E, Aydog ST, Atay G. The effect of exercise on hip muscle strength, gait speed and cadence in patients with total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled study. Clin Rehabil 2007;21(08):706-7112929 Monaghan B, Grant T, Hing W, Cusack T. Functional exercise after total hip replacement (FEATHER): a randomised control trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2012;13(01):237-243 are described in the literature and have shown to be beneficial for this population in increasing function and muscle strength.

The greatest deficits in muscle torque were for rotational movements, particularly external rotation. This indicates that greater emphasis should be placed on strengthening external hip rotators. Interestingly, we observed deficits in both legs in patients when compared with the CG. This finding points out not only to the need to address muscle impairments on the operated side, but also to consider the nonoperated leg as a target for strengthening exercises.

Due to the differences we found in terms of ROM and hip muscle torque, future prospective studies should investigate whether these aspects constitute risk factors for falls in post-THA patients. Previous systematic reviews examining risk factors for falls in patients with THA are limited in their conclusions due to the sample heterogeneity within studies (for example, studies with mixed populations of primary and revision THA).

Study Limitations

The present study also has limitations, which include the inability to stratify the sample according to prosthesis type or to surgical approach due to the small sample size. We also did not have information on the postoperative rehabilitation protocols participants were submitted to, and a large percentage of the included patients were still waiting for a vacancy in the public health system for physical therapy sessions, which may limit the interpretation of the results of the present paper. Our matched CG was slightly younger and had a lower BMI. Nevertheless, those differences were accounted for in the statistical analysis.

Conclusions

Post-THA patients still present with reduced functional capacity, as well as decreased joint ROM and active strength of hip muscle groups in both lower limbs 6 months postoperatively. Rotational movements demonstrated greater restriction in ROM, while hip flexors and abductors showed larger strength deficits. The unaffected limb of participants undergoing THA also showed limitations compared with asymptomatic individuals. Attention should be paid to both the affected and unaffected limbs during rehabilitation of post-THA patients, and the contralateral limb should not be used as a parameter when assessing muscle strength and ROM in these patients.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the professionals of the orthopedic and traumatology services of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil), of the Hospital Santa Clara da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre (Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil), and of the Hospital Cristo Redentor do Grupo Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil), as well as to the Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil) for their collaboration. The authors would also like to thank Mauricio Scholl Schell for his advice on the statistical analyses. The present study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brazil (CAPES, in the Portuguese acronym) – Finance Code 001.

References

  • 1
    Skoffer B, Dalgas U, Mechlenburg I. Progressive resistance training before and after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review. Clin Rehabil 2015;29(01):14-29
  • 2
    Wolford ML, Palso K, Bercovitz A. Hospitalization for total hip replacement among inpatients aged 45 and over: United States, 2000-2010. NCHS data brief, no 186 Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics; 2015
  • 3
    Kurtz S, Ong K, Lau E, Mowat F, Halpern M. Projections of primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty in the United States from 2005 to 2030. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2007;89(04): 780-785
  • 4
    Shan L, Shan B, Graham D, Saxena A. Total hip replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis on mid-term quality of life. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2014;22(03):389-406
  • 5
    Palazzo C, Jourdan C, Descamps S, et al. Determinants of satisfaction 1 year after total hip arthroplasty: the role of expectations fulfilment. BMC Musculoskelet Dirsord 2014;15:53-62
  • 6
    Sicard-Rosenbaum L, Light KE, Behrman AL. Gait, lower extremity strength, and self-assessed mobility after hip arthroplasty. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2002;57(01):M47-M51
  • 7
    Husby VS, Helgerud J, Bjørgen S, Husby OS, Benum P, Hoff J. Early maximal strength training is an efficient treatment for patients operated with total hip arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2009;90(10):1658-1667
  • 8
    Shih CH, Du YK, Lin YH, Wu CC. Muscular recovery around the hip joint after total hip arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1994; (302):115-120
  • 9
    Gadia JA, Marques AP, Miranda FG. Avaliação da dor, capacidade funcional e amplitude articular em pacientes submetidos a artroplastia total de quadril. Acta Ortop Bras 1999;7(04): 159-166
  • 10
    Lombardi B, Paci M, Nannetti L, Moretti S, Maritato M, Benelli G. Total hip arthroplasty after hip fracture or osteoarthritis: are there differences in characteristics and outcomes in the early rehabilitative stage? Orthop Nurs 2014;33(01):43-47
  • 11
    Qin CD, Helfrich MM, Fitz DW, Hardt KD, Beal MD, Manning DW. Differences in postoperative outcomes between total hip arthroplasty for fracture vs osteoarthritis. J Arthroplasty 2017;32(9S): S3-S7
  • 12
    Judd DL, Dennis DA, Thomas AC, Wolfe P, Dayton MR, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Muscle strength and functional recovery during the first year after THA. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2014;472(02):654-664
  • 13
    Trudelle-Jackson E, Emerson R, Smith S. Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty: a study of patients one year postsurgery. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2002;32(06):260-267
  • 14
    Lo CWT, Tsang WWN, Yan CH, Lord SR, Hill KD, Wong AYL. Risk factors for falls in patients with total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2019;27(07):979-993
  • 15
    Statement STROBE. Available from: http://www.strobe-statement.org/index.php?id¼strobe-home2009 [Accessed 10 May 2019]
    » http://www.strobe-statement.org/index.php?id¼strobe-home2009
  • 16
    Altman R, Alarcón G, Appelrouth D, et al. The American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification and reporting of osteoarthritis of the hip. Arthritis Rheum 1991;34(05): 505-514
  • 17
    Mathias S, Nayak US, Isaacs B. Balance in elderly patients: the “getup and go” test. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1986;67(06):387-389
  • 18
    Thrane G, Joakimsen RM, Thornquist E. The association between timed up and go test and history of falls: the Tromso study. BMC Geriatr 2007;7:1-8
  • 19
    Bohannon RW. Reference values for the timed up and go test: a descriptive meta-analysis. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2006;29(02):64-68
  • 20
    Guimarães RP, Alves DPL, Silva GB, et al. Translation and cultural adaptation of the Harris Hip Score into portuguese. Acta Ortop Bras 2010;18(03):142-147
  • 21
    Patrizzi LJ, Vilaça KHC, Takata ET, Trigueiro G. Análise Pré e Pós-Operatória da Capacidade Funcional e Qualidade de Vida de Pacientes Portadores de Osteoartrose de Quadril Submetidos à Artroplastia Total. Rev Bras Reumatol 2004;44(03):185-191
  • 22
    Biodex System 3 Pro. 2002. Manual - Aplications/Operations. Disponível em: www.biodex.com
    » www.biodex.com
  • 23
    Jan MH, Hung JY, Lin JC, Wang SF, Liu TK, Tang PF. Effects of a home program on strength, walking speed, and function after total hip replacement. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85(12):1943-1951
  • 24
    Bertocci GE, Munin MC, Frost KL, Burdett R, Wassinger CA, Fitzgerald SG. Isokinetic performance after total hip replacement. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83(01):1-9
  • 25
    Bijur PE, Silver W, Gallagher EJ. Reliability of the visual analog scale for measurement of acute pain. Acad Emerg Med 2001;8 (12):1153-1157
  • 26
    Frost KL, Bertocci GE, Wassinger CA, Munin MC, Burdett RG, Fitzgerald SG. Isometric performance following total hip arthroplasty and rehabilitation. J Rehabil Res Dev 2006;43(04): 435-444
  • 27
    Loizeau J, Allard P, Duhaime M, Landjerit B. Bilateral gait patterns in subjects fitted with a total hip prosthesis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1995;76(06):552-557
  • 28
    Unlu E, Eksioglu E, Aydog E, Aydog ST, Atay G. The effect of exercise on hip muscle strength, gait speed and cadence in patients with total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled study. Clin Rehabil 2007;21(08):706-711
  • 29
    Monaghan B, Grant T, Hing W, Cusack T. Functional exercise after total hip replacement (FEATHER): a randomised control trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2012;13(01):237-243

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    13 Jan 2023
  • Date of issue
    Nov-Dec 2022

History

  • Received
    17 Oct 2020
  • Accepted
    19 Feb 2021
Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Al. Lorena, 427 14º andar, 01424-000 São Paulo - SP - Brasil, Tel.: 55 11 2137-5400 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: rbo@sbot.org.br