The influence of total hip replacement on the quality of life of patients suffering from coxarthrosis.

Introduction. The main purpose of this study was to determine the influence of surgical procedures (total hip replacement) concerning patients suffering from coxarthrosis on the quality of life of these patients. The quality of life was analysed before as well as after the arthroplasty. Material and methods. The study was conducted by means of the Medical Qutcome Study 36- item Short Form (SF-36). The following parameters were used to evaluate the quality of life: physical functioning, social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, role limitations due to emotional problem, mental health, energy/viataliity, body pain, general health perception. The Questionnaire was completed by patients from the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical Academy and Orthopedyand Traumatology Ward in Wojewodzki Szpital im. Dr J. Biziela in Bydgoszcz, suffering from coxarthrosis The results were compared with the control group. Results. The study revealed that quality of life of the surveyed is considerably lower in comparison with the control group in all domains apart from general health perception. The most significant differences were seen in terms of bodily pain, physical functioning and role limitations due to physical problems. Slightly less important differences were observed in vitality, mental health, social functioning and role limitations due to emotional problems. As a results of surgical treatment (total hip replacement), the quality of life self-assessment considerably increased in terms of lessening of bodily pain, physical functioning improvement and vitality. Conclusions. The following conclusions have been drawn: quality of life concerning patients suffering from coxarthrosis is significantly lower in comparison with the control group. The surgical treatment caused improvement in functioning but quality of life in particular components was considerably lower than in the control group.