Short term evaluation of total hip arthroplasty; our experience at tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty is a common and successful treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip. Demographic trends in Pakistan suggest a significant increase in the demand for total hip replacement surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The current study was planned to assess the outcome of THA at our centre in terms of pain relief and functional improvement by using pre and postoperative HHS. It was observed in this study that the functional outcomes were highly encouraging. Patients were handicapped because of pain, loss of movements and inability to carry out day-to-day activities due to arthritis of the hip joint. The same functional improvements were noted from examination of the patients according to Harris Hip Score.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The descriptive case series was conducted at Punjab Medical College and affiliated hospitals from July 2013 to July 2014, and comprised patients of either gender 25 years or more of age with primary or secondary OA of hip. Severe complications in total hip replacement comprise dislocation, aseptic loosening, infection, peri-prosthetic fracture and limping. Time period of this study was short so a longer period of follow-up is suggested for better evaluation.

RESULTS: Mean pre-operative HHS was 31.88+7.43 and post-operatively it was 81.23+9.56 which meant good results with marked improvement.

CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that total hip arthroplasty is a secure procedure with tremendous benefits.