Long-term effects of rehabilitation following hip replacement

Purpose: The intention of the study is to evaluate the long term effects of rehabilitation following hip replacement. Outcome-dimensions of interest were pain and mobility. We examined 338 patients after hip arthroplasty, admitted to inpatient postoperative rehabilitation between April and September 1997. Methods: Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used the day after admission and on the day of discharge. HHS-Items concerning activities of daily living were integrated in a questionnaire, sent out to patients 13 to 18 months after rehabilitation. The questionnaire also included questions regarding the claim to health services after discharge. Return rate was 79.5%. Results: Enduring effects of rehabilitation were found concerning "distance walked", "reduction of aids", "walking upstairs", "enter public transportation" and consequently "mobility". Follow-up status on these variables even is better then at discharge. Early rehabilitation following hip replacement had an effect an the change in mobility. The significant reduction of pain during rehabilitation, however, was found not to be stable. Conclusions: It is concluded from our data, that enduring effects of inpatient rehabilitation only were found in mobility and in contrast to direct outcome not in pain reduction. More research concerning factors of success is needed.