Factors Associated with the Recovery of Walking Ability Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify the factors related to the recovery of walking ability at the early stage after total hip arthroplasty (THA). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 99 patients who had undergone unilateral THA. The hip abductor and knee extensor strengths were measured and the timed up and go (TUG) test was performed prior to THA. The number of days to achieve gait with a cane, an index of earlyphase improvement in walking after THA, was retrospectively examined.[Results] A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed with the number of days to achieve gait with a cane as the dependent variable, and other measurements as independent variables. The preoperative physical functions correlated with the number of days to achieve gait with a cane following THA. The stepwise multiple regression analysis selected three factors (preoperative TUG test, surgical approach, and mobility at the beginning of transfer training) as the significant variables affecting the number of days to achieve gait with a cane following THA.[Conclusion] The results of the present study suggest that preoperative TUG, surgical approach and mobility at the start of transfer training are useful indicators for predicting ambulation ability in the early stage after THA.