Balance and functional disorders in geriatric patients after total hip prosthesis removal

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

One of the most difficult complications of total hip arthroplasty is an infection in the area of the implant with an incidence of 0.5% to 2.5% resulting in the most severe situation in prosthesis removal.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the study was to assess postural stability and functional disorders in patients after hip prosthesis removal.

METHODS:

A group of 15 patients after hip prosthesis removal was compared to a control group of 15 healthy persons who were age-matched without any symptoms of degenerative disorders in the lower spine and lower extremities. The static balance test was conducted on a bi-modular stabilometric platform, registering the movement of the centre of foot pressure. The functional state of the patients was assessed on the basis of the Harris Hip Score (HHS).

RESULTS:

Patients had poor functional result (HSS mean 62.29 $\pm$ 12.92 points). Obtained results of postural stability of patients showed huge difficulties maintaining stability and showed statistically significant differences in a majority of the analysed parameters.

CONCLUSIONS:

Several stability parameters showed significantly worse results in patients after hip prosthesis removal. Special attention should be paid and focused physiotherapy should be undertaken for patients with a stability disorder and functional status to prevent falls and improve functioning.