Article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the recovery of muscle strength
and measure autonomy 3 yrs after hip replacement surgery in a sample of patients.
DESIGN: Seventy-eight female patients (70.7 +/- 6.3 yrs old) operated on for hip
replacement were evaluated. They underwent evaluation tests for hip abductor
muscle strength on the healthy and operated limb using strength curves obtained
with isometric assessments. Autonomy was evaluated with a rating scale Western
Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Harris and MOS 36-Item
Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and functional assessment (Timed 'Up and Go'
test). RESULTS: Three years after surgery, a muscle strength deficit was still
noticeable on the operated limb compared with the healthy limb ranging from 9% at
5 degrees of adduction to 12% at 0 degree of abduction. The strength curves
obtained on the operated side maintained the same descending trend as the healthy
side. The authors found no significant correlations between the patient-reported
functional measures and the hip abductor strength deficit. The Timed Up and Go
test was moderately correlated with the muscle strength deficit. The association
between the deficit and the Timed Up and Go test was statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of muscle strength and functional tests are more
useful than the rating scales in patients 3 yrs after surgery. The strength
curves are useful to have different levels of information and describe joint
function.

Langue : ANGLAIS