Outcome of total hip replacement: a comparison of different measurement methods

During the past 40 years, improvements have been made in the technique, implant, and surgical environment for total hip replacement, which today is one of the most cost-effective operations done. The aim of this study was to compare different outcome measurement methods and to develop recommendations for optimal followup of total hip replacement. The study involved the outcome of 2604 randomly selected patients in Sweden treated surgically with a modern technique. General questionnaires (the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Nottingham Health Profile) were compared with disease-specific questionnaires (the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index and the Harris hip score). The study showed a good correlation between the studied questionnaires, and all questionnaires used could be suitable for followup study after hip replacement surgery. In clinical practice and for research, a general and disease-specific self-administered score should be used. Some patients (older and low cerebral capacity) have difficulties answering questions on these questionnaires. A new short self-administered general and disease-specific questionnaire was designed: the Total Hip Replacement score. The Total Hip Replacement score provides information about the result of the hip arthroplasty, and the results can be compared with results of other surgical interventions.