Total hip arthroplasty: the relationship between posterolateral reconstruction, abductor muscle strength, and femoral offset

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between posterolateral reconstruction, abductor muscle strength, and femoral offset following total hip arthroplasty.

Methods: Of 28 patients (56 limbs) we assessed, 12 underwent posterolateral reconstruction (reconstruction group) and 16 did not (non-reconstruction group). Isometric abductor muscle strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Each patient's muscle strength was converted into a force to body weight ratio, and this ratio was used in the comparisons.

Results: The reconstruction group showed a higher value in abductor muscle strength than the non-reconstruction group (p<0.05). Significant correlation between abductor muscle strength and femoral offset was found in the reconstruction group (p=0.016; r=0.674).

Conclusion: Posterolateral reconstruction and appropriate reconstruction of femoral offset following total hip arthroplasty are important to improve the abductor muscle strength.