Long-term quality of life evaluation of patients with total hip arthroplasty

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and psychological situation of total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients before and one year and five years after surgery. Data of 101 patients were available for the one-year and of 69 patients for the five-year follow-up. Quality of Life (QoL) data were collected using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), functional capacity comprised patient’s self-assessment (Functional Outcome Questionnaire Hannover, FFbH) and surgeon’s assessment (Harris Hip Score, HHS).

While all dimensions of QoL and functional capacity except social isolation showed significant improvement at the one-year follow-up, only pain scores showed further improvement at the five-year evaluation. Implantation of THA is accompanied by significant increases in QoL and functional capacity. Stabilised scores were found at the five-year evaluation while significant increases could be observed after one year.