Abstract
Aim
To assess whether the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), is reflective of objectively assessed functional performance (timed up and go (TUG), 30 sec sit to stand (ST), 6 minute walk test (6MWT), stair climb performance (SCP), and gait speed (GS)) in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Methods
50 patients undergoing THA were prospectively recruited after ethical approval. Demographics and objective physical performance were assessed (TUG, ST, 6MWT, SCP, GS), as was the OHS preoperatively, and at 6 weeks, 6 months and 9 to 12 months postoperatively. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess relationships, with p<0.05 statistically significant.
Results
Average age of the cohort was (mean (SD)) 67.8 (9.4) years in males (n=21) and 64.2 (10.2) years in females (n=29). Due to loss to follow up, 32 patients were assessed at 6 weeks, 29 at 6 months and 26 at 9 to 12 months. Preoperatively OHS correlated weakly with TUG (r = − 0.327, p=0.022), ST (r = 0.345, p=0.015) and SCP (r = − 0.330, p=0.022). At 6 months, OHS correlated moderately with all the objective measures assessed; TUG (r = − 0.480, p=0.006), ST (r = 0.454, p=0.010), 6MWT (r=0.507, p = 0.004) and SCP (r = 0.534, p=0.002), with the relationships less evident at 6 weeks (no significant correlations) and 9 to 12 months (moderate correlation with 6MWT only (r = 0.512, p=0.009).
Conclusions
The OHS most accurately reflects objective functional performance at 6 months postoperatively, perhaps indicating this time point may be optimal in terms of postoperative recovery.
