Year: 2025 | Month: January | Volume: 12 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 288-296
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20250137
Differences in Stride Length, Stance Width and Modified Harris Hip Score between Patients with Mild Limb Lengthening and Those Without Limb Lengthening at Three Months After Total Hip Arthroplasty at Prof. Dr. I G. N. G. Ngoerah General Hospital Denpasar
I Made Yudi Mahardika1, I Wayan Suryanto Dusak2, I Gede Eka Wiratnaya2
1Resident, Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Udayana/Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital, Denpasar, Indonesia.
2Orthopaedic and Traumatology Consultant, Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Udayana/Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital, Denpasar, Indonesia.
Corresponding Author: I Made Yudi Mahardika
ABSTRACT
Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a surgical intervention to alleviate pain, restore joint function, and improve quality of life for patients with hip joint degeneration, often caused by osteoarthritis (OA). A common complication after THA is limb length discrepancy (LLD), which affects biomechanics and gait, leading to potential discomfort and reduced functional ability. Mild limb lengthening (MLL), a subtype of LLD, can significantly impact stride length, stance width, and overall recovery. Evaluating these parameters provides insight into the biomechanical effects of LLD and informs rehabilitation strategies aimed at optimizing post-operative outcomes.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 40 patients who underwent THA at RSUP Prof. IGNG Ngoerah between November 2023 and May 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: those with MLL (≤2 cm) and those without LLD. Inclusion criteria included primary THA, three-month follow-up, and consent for participation. Patients with severe complications, such as polyethylene wear or muscle atrophy, were excluded. Gait parameters, including stride length and stance width, were measured, and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26.0. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed normality, while independent T-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests compared normally and non-normally distributed data, respectively.
Results: Significant differences were observed in stride length (p = 0.022) and stance width (p = 0.033) between patients with and without MLL. MHHS scores were lower in the MLL group (p = 0.033), indicating reduced functional recovery. However, no significant difference was found in the stride length of the non-THA limb (p = 0.482). These findings highlight the impact of MLL on gait and overall recovery.
Conclusion: Mild limb lengthening after THA significantly affects gait parameters and functional outcomes, as reflected in reduced stride length, altered stance width, and lower MHHS scores. Early identification and targeted rehabilitation strategies are critical for optimizing recovery. Future studies with larger cohorts and extended follow-up are recommended to explore long-term effects and refine intervention approaches.
Keywords: Total hip arthroplasty, limb length discrepancy, gait analysis, rehabilitation
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