Functional Improvement of the Patients with Inpatient Rehabilitation after Total Hip Replacement

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the functional outcomes of the patients with total hip replacement and to evaluate the variables associated with the functional recovery. METHOD: Subjects were 188 patients, who had undertaken total hip replacement between March 1, 1997 and July 31, 1999 at Asan Medial Center. The four functional milestones including sitting, standing, 50 m walking, and climbing stairs were evaluated. RESULTS: The average duration of treatment was 8.3 +/- 7.0 days, and the days required for sitting were 1.9 +/- 1.0; standing 2.4 +/- 1.8; walking 50 m 6.4 +/- 4.3; climbing stairs 7.9 +/- 4.5 days. In results of analysis of each variable, male patients showed faster functional improvement than female patients in standing and climbing stairs. The patients of age 60 years and over had slower recovery in sitting and standing. The patients with sequelae of septic hip or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease had slower recovery than the others in standing. The patient with the use of cement showed rapid improvement in sitting and standing. Those who could bear full weight had rapid recovery than those with partial weight. CONCLUSION: We would like to suggest that careful consideration on characteristics of each patient should be given in determining the duration of rehabilitation management of the patients who had total hip replacement.