Summary:
Previous studies report improved hip kinematics and functionality after
resurfacing total hip replacement (THRS), when compared to standard total hip
replacement (THR). Additionally, bone preserving procedures maintain the
advantage of greater femoral bone stock for future revisions. However, such
prostheses are restricted to younger and more active patients. On the other,
hip kinematics with standard THR are optimized with the use of large diameter
femoral heads (BFH-THR).
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the improved functional
outcome of THRS can be attributed to bone preservation or is just the result of
the use of large femoral heads or patients’ selection.
Thirty one patients, randomly selected for THRS and BFH-THR, were included in
this study. Gait speed, postural balance, proprioception and overall
performance were analyzed in clinical tests, at the first year follow up.
Our results demonstrated a non-statistically significant improvement in gait
analysis. Although postural balance and proprioception characteristics in the
THRs group were better. If THRS devices provide identical or superior outcomes
to traditional BFH-THR, physicians may prefer to perform the more bone
preserving procedure. Further investigation should be focused on outcomes of
THRS revisions in younger patients to confirm the advantage of bone preserving
procedures.
