Changes in hip and knee muscle strength in patients following total hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in hip and knee muscle strength in patients before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in comparison with that in healthy adults.

METHODS

The study included 21 women who underwent unilateral THA (THA group) and 21 age-matched healthy women (healthy group). Maximal isometric strengths of hip flexors, extensors, and abductors, and knee extensors and flexors were measured before surgery and at 4 weeks and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Before surgery, muscle strength on both sides, except for hip flexors on the uninvolved side, was significantly lower in the THA group than the corresponding muscle strength in the healthy group. Up to 6 months after THA, strength of all muscle groups on both sides was significantly improved compared with their preoperative status, although the knee extensor strength on the involved side temporarily worsened at 4 weeks. However, the strength of hip extensors and knee extensors on the involved side, and hip abductors on both sides in the THA group remained below that in the healthy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that rehabilitation specialists should consider increasing the focus on the uninvolved side and encourage patients to continue strength training beyond 6 months after surgery.