Gait analysis and WOMAC are complementary in assessing functional outcome in total hip replacement.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the correlation between objective and subjective evaluation of patients with total hip replacement.


METHODS
Prospective preliminary trial comparing the Western Ontario and McMaster University questionnaire (WOMAC) and gait analysis preoperatively and three months postoperatively.


METHODS
A German academic orthopaedic centre specializing in total hip replacement surgery.


METHODS
Seventeen patients (median age 70 years) with hip osteoarthritis.


METHODS
All patients had had a primary unilateral total hip replacement.


METHODS
WOMAC questionnaire to assess self-perceived health status and gait analysis to determine objective gait parameters.


RESULTS
Performance of walking as well as subjective judgement of health status improved following surgery (gait speed P = 0.0222; stride length P = 0.038; stance phase ratio P = 0.0466; WOMAC P < 0.0001). However, the correlation between gait parameters and WOMAC was poor (r = -0.27 or less). Correlation between changes of walking parameters and WOMAC was bad to good (r = 0.01 to r = -0.72).


CONCLUSIONS
The WOMAC questionnaire might not reflect walking performance. The addition of gait analysis is recommended to gain objective information about the quality of gait.
Lindemann
U
U
Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Stuttgart, Germany. ulrich.lindemann@rbk.de
Becker
C
C
Unnewehr
I
I
Muche
R
R
Aminin
K
K
Dejnabadi
H
H
Nikolaus
T
T
Puhl
W
W
Huch
K
K
Dreinhöfer
K E
KE
D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012647:Self-Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome