BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to assess and quantify hip abductor muscle strength deficits after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to determine associations with external factors.

METHODS

Studies reporting on hip abductor muscle strength before and/or after THA performed for osteoarthritis or atraumatic osteonecrosis of the hip were considered for inclusion. Data sources were Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Muscle strength on the affected side was compared with the healthy contralateral side or with control subjects. Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies reporting on 875 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Patients scheduled for THA had a mean strength deficit of 18.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) [-33.9, -3.2%]) compared with control subjects. Abductor muscle strength then increased by 20.2% (CI [5.6, 34.8%]) at 4-6 months, 29.6% (CI [4.7, 54.4%]) at 9-12 months, and 49.8% (CI [-31.0, 130.6%]) at 18-24 months postoperatively compared with preoperative values. For unilateral THA, the mean torque ratio was 86.3% (CI [75.4, 97.2%]) and 93.4% (CI [75.1, 111.6%]) before and >24 months after THA, respectively. Study quality was low to moderate.

CONCLUSION

Hip abductor muscle strength deficits may gradually improve during 24 months after THA possibly without complete recovery. Cautious interpretation of these findings is warranted because high-quality evidence is largely missing.