J Korean Hip Soc.  2008 Mar;20(1):35-41. 10.5371/jkhs.2008.20.1.35.

The Changes of Postural Balance in Patients with Total Hip Arthroplasty

• Kim JO
• Lee KB
• Jeong MS

• KMID: 1486716
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5371/jkhs.2008.20.1.35

Abstract

PURPOSE
To investigate the changes in postural balance before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using computerized dynamic posturography
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a prospective study of 18 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. We evaluated each patient's postural balance prior to, and at least 12 months after, total hip arthroplasty by using computerized dynamic posturography. We compared the preoperative equilibrium scores with the postoperative equilibrium scores. Clinical results were assessed for all patients preoperatively and postoperatively using the Harris hip scoring system. We investigated whether postural balance improves, and what factors were related to this parameter.
RESULTS
Patients showed significant improvement in postural balance by means of proprioception after total hip arthroplasty (p<0.05). We found, during intercepting visual compensation, that an increase in the Harris hip score was correlated with an improvement in balance (p<0.01, r = 0.649).
CONCLUSION
Patients with Total hip arthroplasty showed improvement in dynamic postural balance through proprioceptive recovery, and balance improved as the Harris hip score increased. This resulted in decreased pain, recovery of articular function, enhancement of physical activity, and ultimately improvement in postural balance by means of total hip arthroplasty.

Keyword

Total hip arthroplasty; Proprioception; Postural balance; Posturography

MeSH Terms

Arthroplasty
Compensation and Redress
Hip
Humans
Motor Activity
Postural Balance
Proprioception
Prospective Studies