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Published on: September 7, 2022
Preoperative Hip Abductor Muscle Strength Predicts Patient-Reported Functional Outcomes Following Total Hip
Andrew Huffman1, Alexander Burbelo1, Trace Clark1
1Marshall University, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, 1600 Medical Center Dr, Huntington, WV 25701, USA.
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Preoperative hip abductor strength predicts better functional recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Stronger abductor muscles are linked to improved patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction 12 months post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure for hip osteoarthritis.
- Postoperative functional recovery after THA varies significantly among patients.
- Hip abductor weakness is linked to poor outcomes, including impaired gait and balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of preoperative hip abductor muscle strength on 12-month functional recovery after THA.
- To assess the association between hip abductor strength and patient-reported outcome measures (HOOS-JR, VR-12).
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of 163 patients undergoing primary THA.
- Preoperative hip abductor muscle strength was measured.
- Adjusted linear mixed-effects models analyzed the association with 12-month HOOS-JR and VR-12 scores.
Main Results:
- Greater preoperative hip abductor strength independently predicted higher HOOS-JR scores (P=0.024) and VR-12 scores (P=0.006) at 12 months.
- Stronger abductor muscles increased the odds of achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) (OR 9.0, P=0.044).
- Higher preoperative strength was associated with lower odds of failing to reach patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) (OR 0.79, P=0.048).
Conclusions:
- Preoperative hip abductor muscle strength is an independent predictor of functional recovery following THA.
- Abductor muscle strength can serve as a clinically relevant marker for risk stratification in THA patients.
- Further research is needed to explore if targeted strengthening interventions can enhance postoperative outcomes.