INFLUENCE OF FEMORAL OFFSET ON FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF PATIENTS WITH TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

To correlate vertical (VFO) and horizontal (HFO) femoral offset with hip range of motion (ROM), peak muscle torque (PT), functional, capacity, and lower limb length in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA).

A cross-sectional case control study, in which 22 individuals (10 men and 12 women) - aged 61 (41-72), and within 23 (10-40) postoperative days - were evaluated for active hip ROM (fleximetry); Isometric PT (portable dynamometer); functional capacity (Timed up and Go test (TUG) and Harris Hip Score questionnaire); lower limb length (measuring tape); and VFO and HFO (radiographs).

The operated limb showed a reduction in length (p = 0.006), ROM for abduction (p = 0.001), flexion (p = 0.003), and external rotation (p = 0.003), as well as in all PT (p < 0.05) when compared with the contralateral limb. Moderate correlations were observed between VFO and external rotators (r = 0.487; p = 0.021); HFO and external rotators PT (r = -0.508; p = 0.016); and the difference between the VFO (operated and non-operated limb) and the TUG (r = -0.570; p = 0.006).

Changes to the femoral offset seem to influence functional capacity, as well as the movement and external rotators PT of the hips in patients with THA, considering the postoperative period evaluated.