Evaluation of functional capacity, pain level and quality of life in patients following hip arthroplasty due to degenerative changes depending on the type of implanted endoprosthesis

Patients with osteoarthritis of the hip, due to severe, long-term pain and joint disability, have difficulties with functional activities and therefore a reduced quality of life. When patients decide to undergo hip arthroplasty, in addition to pain reduction, improved dexterity and quality of life, they also want the opportunity to participate in various physical and social activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional capacity, pain level and quality of life of patients following hip arthroplasty, depending on the type of implanted endoprosthesis.The study included 100 patients between 1 and 5 years after hip arthroplasty for degenerative changes. Patients were divided into two groups of 50 patients each according to the type of implanted endoprosthesis (Group 1 - hip endoprosthesis, Group 2 - conventional endoprosthesis).The Harris scale, ‘Up and Go’ test, VAS scale and RAND SF-36 were used in the study.In the assessment of functional performance with the ‘Up and Go’ test, Group 1 (7.23 sec.) scored better (p<0.0001) than Group 2 (8.07 sec.), equally here in the analysis by gender. In the assessment of pain level and functional capacity, Group 1 also scored better than Group 2 in all parameters assessed, but the results were not statistically significant. No differences were observed between the groups in the assessment of other parameters. Correlation analysis of the Harris scale scores showed a significant association with the Up and Go test scores (r -0.36; p=0.0003) and the RAND SF-36 questionnaire scores.In the assessment of functional performance assessed by the ‘Up and Go’ test, patients with a short stem scored better. No differences were observed between the groups in the assessment of functional capacity assessed by the Harris scale, in the assessment of pain and in the assessment of quality of life. A correlation was observed between the Harris scale and specific categories on the RAND SF-36 quality of life questionnaire (physical limitations, limitations due to physical health, limitations due to emotional problems and complaints of pain).