The outcome of total hip arthroplasty in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: The optimal rehabilitation program for patients with post-total hip arthroplasty (THA) after developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes, to define a postoperative rehabilitation program, and to report the complication rate of THA in patients with DDH.

METHODS: DDH hips (n= 89) were recruited. The transverse proximal femoral shortening osteotomy was applied to all patients. The rehabilitation program was performed on the first day immediately after operation to the 6th week. Pain was assessed via Visual Analogue Scale, and the function was evaluated by the Harris Hip Score at the end of the 3rd month and the first year. The weakness of hip abduction was assessed via the Trendelenburg test before the operation and at one year.

RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were seen for pain (p< 0.001) and function (p< 0.001) in the third month. This improvement continued for pain from three months to one year (p< 0.001). However, the function did not increase from month three to one year (p= 0.47). The Trendelenburg test was positive in all cases in the first assessment; it decreased to 24.7% at one year. The complication rate was 11.23%.

CONCLUSIONS: The pain and function of patients who performed exercise following THA due to DDH might improve, especially in the first three months.