Does physiotherapy contribute to the improvement of functional results and of quality of life after primary total hip arthroplasty?

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION This paper aims to determine whether physiotherapy succeeds in improving the functional results (expressed by the Harris hip score) and the quality of life after primary total hip arthroplasty, especially in very elderly persons. MATERIAL AND METHOD A prospective study has followed up 100 patients with coxarthrosis, who underwent a primary total hip arthroplasty and who were subject to an early initiation of a recovery treatment, adapted to each individual, focused on regaining functionality and independence and continued at home after discharge from hospital. After 3 months, the Harris hip score was compared with the preoperative one and the quality of life was assessed according to a simplified questionnaire derived from SF-36. RESULTS The average preoperative Harris hip score was significantly lower in patients aged over 75 years, as compared to the other 3 age groups (under 40 years, between 41 and 60 years and between 61 and 75 years). After 3 months, the average Harris hip score was significantly improved, in comparison to the preoperative one (85.89 as compared to 40.06) and there were no statistically significant differences between the average Harris hip score in all 4 age groups. The quality of life was regarded by patients as being good on average, in all 4 age groups. CONCLUSION Very elderly people benefit equally with the other age groups from a functional recovery after primary total hip arthroplasty, even if this recovery is initially more difficult and more cautious.