Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
14:52
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
11.9K
Postural stability and functional disorders in patients with loosened hip prosthesis
Justyna Drzał-Grabiec1, Aleksandra Truszczyńska-Baszak2,3, Adam Tarnowski4
1Institute of Physiotherapy, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland.
Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics
|April 21, 2020
Summary
Aseptic loosening of hip replacements significantly impairs balance, increasing fall risk. Balance tests can help physiotherapists diagnose this complication early.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Biomechanics
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Aseptic loosening of hip prostheses is a growing complication following hip arthroplasty.
- Impaired balance and increased fall risk are significant concerns for patients with loosened hip prostheses.
- There is a need for simple diagnostic tools to assess balance in these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional status and static balance in patients with loosened hip prostheses.
- To identify potential fall risk factors associated with hip prosthesis loosening.
- To explore the utility of balance assessment as a diagnostic tool.
Main Methods:
- Thirty patients with loosened hip prostheses were compared to 30 age-, height-, and weight-matched healthy controls.
- Patient function was assessed using the Harris Hip score.
- Static balance was measured using a stabilometric platform (CQStab2P) recording center of foot pressure (COP) movement.
Main Results:
- Patients with loosened hip prostheses exhibited significantly worse balance compared to controls, particularly with eyes closed.
- Load distribution was uneven, with a greater load on the healthy limb in both patient and control groups.
- Longer statokinesiogram paths and increased COP sway were observed in patients with loosened prostheses.
Conclusions:
- Loosening of hip replacements leads to substantial deterioration in balance parameters.
- Balance assessment can serve as a valuable supplementary diagnostic method for physiotherapists to identify hip replacement loosening.
