The improvement of gait parameters in patients after total hip arthroplasty

This study examined postoperative gait improvement. The gait parameters in six female patients with unilateral osteoarthritic hip joint were analyzed by the three-dimensional gait analysis system using multiple landmarks before and 1 year after total hip arthroplasty: Kinematic and kinetic data were calculated. Joint angular displacement of hip flexion-extension were significantly improved postoperatively (p<0.001) and step length was increased (p<0.05). Cadence was not increased, and so the factor related to improvement of gait speed was the increase of step length. Displacement width of the center of gravity (COG) decreased. We consider gait analysis is an important and objective evaluation of the effects of surgery and exercise.