https://doi.org/10.15344/2455-7498/2016/120
Abstract
Background: The purpose of the study was to investigate the longitudinal time course of quality of life (QOL) in patients under conservative care and patients who received total hip arthroplasty (THA) by comparing their QOL scores along with the rehabilitation and life style parameters. Methods: Sixty-three female patients (age 58.7±7.1 years) of hip osteoarthritis under continuous conservative treatment were surveyed 4 times in two years by SF-36v2 (a modified version of rating scale SF-36) and an additional questionnaire developed by us. Results: Six patients that received THA during period of survey were designated as the THA group. Among the remaining 57 patients, 37 patients answered all four subsequent questionnaires were designated as non-THA group. The non-THA group was further divided into the rehabilitation continuing group in the hospital (RC group; n=8) and the discontinuing group (non-RC group; n=29) from the results of the questionnaire. The scores of physical functioning at the time of the first survey were significantly lower in the THA group compared to the non-THA group (p<0.05). The scores of elements of physical activity were significantly higher in the RC group when compared to the non-RC group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: “Physical functioning” of SF-36v2 is an important factor which helps hip OA patients to decide on receiving THA. The continued rehabilitation is important for improving “physical functioning” score and may help patients to avoid THA.