Evaluation of rehabilitation of patients with total hip replacement

A qualitative-quantitative evaluation approach was applied to 56 patients with total hip replacement (THR). This consisted of passive range of movement, clinical gait observation and measurement of 3-D electrogoniometric system. A ground reaction force shoe system and instant velocity system were applied and tested. The data before and one year after operation were compared. This approach offers a complete and detailed picture of the beneficial effects of THR. Patients were divided into four groups based on cemented and noncemented type of the implants, and standard rehabilitation and rehabilitation which included functional electrical simulation. Analysis of variance showed that there was no difference in the change observed in the analyzed gait parameters between these groups of patients. All groups improved, but not one group improved more than another. A simple gait evaluation method suitable for routine clinical use consisting of a two-page FORM and gait velocity measurement by stop watch is proposed.