Early clinical results of total hip arthroplasty assessed with the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale and muscle strength testing

Abstract Background We think that it is necessary to evaluate whether the patient after total hip arthroplasty has achieved age-appropriate locomotor ability by improvement in hip joint function. The 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) have been determined age-specific standard values for the general population. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative hip muscle strength and functional performance at 3 months after THA with preoperative levels, and to compare the outcomes at 3 months after THA with the function of age-matched adults without hip disease. Methods The GLFS-25 scores and muscle strength were investigated before THA and 3 months after surgery in 12 men and 75 women who underwent total hip arthroplasty. Results The mean preoperative and postoperative GLFS-25 score was 55.4 and 19.1, respectively. With regard to the influence of age, the mean scores before and after THA were respectively 52.0 versus 18.2 for patients aged 60–69 years and 61.2 versus 17.3 for those aged 70–79 years in the normal/mild OA group. When female patients from the normal/mild OA group and the implant group classified into levels 4–7 after THA were combined (n = 15), their mean preoperative and postoperative straight leg raising (SLR) strength was 0.56 Nm/kg and 0.75 Nm/kg, respectively. On the other hand, the mean preoperative and postoperative SLR strength was respectively 0.54 Nm/kg and 0.86 Nm/kg for patients classified into levels 1–3 after THA (n = 45). Conclusion Before THA, 90% of the patients who has severe hip disturbance were in need of nursing care (levels 4–7), while the percentage decreased to 30% after surgery. There was a difference of SLR muscle strength between the patients in levels 4–7 and those in levels 1–3 after THA, suggesting that achieving levels 1–3 postoperatively might depend on whether SLR muscle strength shows improvement.