Range of motion and muscle strength deficits of patients with total hip arthroplasty after surgery

Background: The aim of this study was to compare muscle strength and range of motion of the operated and unoperated side and to determine the relationship between the functional status and muscle strength and range of motion in patients with Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) 1-3 years after surgery. Material and methods: 50 patients with THA were assessed after surgery in this study. A universal goniometer was used to measure the range of motion (ROM). Muscle strength was measured by a hand-held dynamometer. The patients' functional status was determined with the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Results: The difference in hip abduction and knee extension muscle strength between operated and unoperated side was statistically significant (p<0.05). Also, there was a difference between the operated and unoperated side in the hip ROM in favor of the unoperated side in all ROM except adduction (p<0.05). There was a moderate correlation between OHS and muscle strength. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance that these patients need physiotherapy programs in the long term and should be followed up regularly by healthcare professionals in the rehabilitation area. Finally, restoring muscle strength and range of motion is recommended to improve the functional state in daily life activities.