Sexual quality-of-life after hip surgery

To study the effect of reconstructive hip surgery on the quality of sexual relations in women, we made a retrospective review of 224 women who underwent reconstructive hip surgery at a mean age of 44.5 years. Evaluation was with a standardized questionnaire regarding sexual activity and an orthopaedic examination. Consenting partners of these women completed a limited questionnaire. There was a marked decrease in hip pain and definite improvement in hip mobility. The quality of sex for many of the women and their partners was enhanced. Eighty percent of women and their partners felt the information received regarding sexual activities and pregnancy postoperatively was woefully inadequate. Physicians must not overlook the benefit that reconstructive hip surgery and, particularly, total hip arthroplasty conveys to the sexual life of the younger woman afflicted with hip disease. In addition, physicians must strive to provide better information to these women and their respective partners.