The Influence of Leg Length Discrepancy After Total Hip Arthroplasty on Function and Quality of Life

Completed

• Conditions: Hip Arthroplasty; Osteoarthritis; Leg Length Difference
• Interventions: Procedure: Total hip arthroplasty

• Registration Number: NCT02275494
• Lead Sponsor: Sundsvall Hospital

Brief Summary

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a complication of THA and may result in patient dissatisfaction, gait disorder, greater trochanter pain, low back pain. In the literature, LLD is reported to vary widely among studies e.g. 6 to 35 mm. However, the threshold at which a LLD is clinically important is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of non-corrected LLD after THA on patients' reported hip function and quality of life. This prospective cohort study was conducted at Sundsvall Teaching Hospital in Sweden after it was approved by the regional ethics committee at Umeå University (No. 07-052M and No. 12-287-32M). Between September 2010 and April 2013, all patients with unilateral primary osteoarthritis (OA) treated with THA were considered for inclusion. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. Patients with secondary OA, previous spinal, pelvic, or lower limb injuries or fractures were excluded.

The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index that measures functional outcome (ref). The secondary outcome measure was the EQ-5D and visual analogue scale (VAS) scale. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at follow-up at 1 year postoperatively. The posterolateral approach was used in all operations. LLD was measured on the postoperative x-rays. patients were divided into three groups: shortening group where the operated leg was more than 5mm shorter compared with the contralateral side, the restoration control group where the operated leg was within 5mm shortening and 9mm lengthening compared with the contralateral side, and the lengthening group where the operated leg became more than 9mm longer compared with the contralateral side.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2010-09
• Primary Completion: 2013-04
• Study Completion: 2013-04
• Study First Submitted: 2014-10-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-10-24
• Study First Posted: 2014-10-27
• Status Verified: 2015-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-10-28
• Last Update Posted: 2015-10-29

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 174

Inclusion Criteria

• Unilateral primary osteoarthritis (OA) treated with THA were considered for inclusion.

Exclusion Criteria

• Secondary OA.
• Previous spinal, pelvic, or lower limb injuries or fractures.
• Bilateral coxarthrosis.

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
shortening group	Total hip arthroplasty	Shortening group where the operated leg was more than 5mm shorter compared with the contralateral side
Lengthening group	Total hip arthroplasty	The lengthening group where the operated leg became more than 9mm longer compared with the contralateral side.
Restoration group	Total hip arthroplasty	the restoration control group where the operated leg was within 5mm shortening and 9mm lengthening compared with the contralateral side

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
WOMAC	12-15 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Visual analogue scale	12-15 months
EQ-5D	12-15 months