The Effect of Femoral Stem Length on Inpatient Rehabilitation Outcomes

Thrust plate prosthesis (TPP) has load-transferring characteristics different from those of conventional intramedullary stemmed prostheses (ISP). We investigate whether prosthesis type (intramedullary or extramedullary application) can improve early functional activities in hospital patients with hip arthroplasty. Early postoperative functional activities of 30 patients with TPP were compared with 31 patients treated by ISP. Each group received same rehabilitation programmes: TPP patients with early full weight bearing and ISP patients with early full weight bearing. Patients were evaluated postoperatively (on the second, sixth and discharge days). Their functional activities were assessed with Iowa Level of Assistance Scale (ILAS), walking speed with Iowa Ambulation Velocity Scale (IAVS), hip functions with Harris Hip Scoring System, and hip motions with goniometer. TPP patients achieved higher scores for total functional activities on the second and sixth postoperative days and during discharge than did ISP patients (p<0.05). Comparison of the walking speed of the patients on the second and sixth postoperative days and during discharge showed that TPP patients walked faster than did ISP patients (p<0.05). TPP patients had higher Harris hip scores and a higher hip motion degree than did ISP patients during discharge (p<0.05). We conclude that patients with TPP gain their independence in functional activities earlier than do patients with ISP.