Return to sport after hip resurfacing or total hip arthroplasty: A randomized study

Purpose of the study. - Since component wear of the prosthetic metal-polyethylene bearing is directly related to the level of patient activity, it would be logical, for patients with a total hip arthroplasty, to advise against long-term participation in activities with repeated movements The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to compare the type, intensity and frequency of sports activities performed after resurfacing hip arthroplasty (RH) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a metal-on-metal bearing. Material and methods. - This study concerned 205 hips, including 152 with a unilateral hip arthroplasty (71 THA and 81 RH). Three clinical scores were used: an overall activity score, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score and the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, as well as patient satisfaction, return to sports activities (using a visual analog scale [VAS]) and frequency of factors Limiting activity. Patients completed a questionnaire to determine the type, intensity and frequency of sports activities practiced pre-and postoperatively. Results. - The mean overall activity score immediately before surgery was not statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.111). One year after surgery, the score was 17.9 in the RH group and 12.4 in the THA group (p = 0.001). At Last follow-up, the mean WOMAC score was 8.1 (range 0-73, S.D. 13.1) in the RH group and 9.8 (range 0-41, S.D. 10.9) in the THA group (p = 0.409). The mean UCLA score was 7.17 in the RH goup (range 2-10, S.D. 1.90) and 6.75 in the THA group (range 2-10, S.D. 1.71) (p = 0.174). The mean satisfaction with return to sports activities as assessed on the VAS was 7.78 in the RH group and 7.43 in the THA group (p = 0.313). Discusssion. - The results of this study demonstrate that the degree and intensity of postoperative sports activities are greater in the RH group than in the THA group, although this difference was less pronounced than expected. The excellent joint stability after RH (big head effect) could be one of the main factors favoring a high activity level compared to conventional THA, by limiting the episodes of dislocation and increasing the suction effect between the joint components. It is nevertheless difficult to ascertain the Long-term effect of intense sports activity on the fixation of osteo-integrated implants (cups) and cemented components (femoral. stem). (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.