Total Hip Replacement (THR) is a valuable treatment for severe osteoarthritis of the hip. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of THR on Health-Related Quality of Life of patients with osteoarthritis of the hip.
A group of 24 patients undergoing THR were evaluated (21 women and 3 men). The indication for THR was osteoarthritis. As a control group 21 subjects from the average population were chosen. SF-36 Health Status Questionaire was used to measure Quality of Life of both groups. The initial survey was administered one day before operation. The second survey was completed three months after the operation.
The results three months after THR were significantly better comparing with the period before the operation for 7 of 8 domains of SF-36: physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional and mental health. There was no statistical improvement for general health. Quality of life of the examined group three months after THR and QOL of the control group were similar.
Osteoarthritis decreased QOL severely. Total Hip Replacement improved Quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis significantly three months after the operation, and closed it to QOL of the average population. It is critical to be able to measure the patient's perception of functional status and well being, to assess the benefit of health care interventions.