Gait Analysis Reveals that Total Hip Arthroplasty Increases Power Production in the Hip During Level Walking and Stair Climbing

摘要

total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with decreased pain and improved function, including increased walking speed, but it does not always improve overall joint mechanics during activities of daily living such as level walking and stair climbing. The hip’s ability to generate power to move and allow for smooth and efficient forward motion is critical to success after surgery. Although osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip limits the power of the affected joint, it is not known whether other joints in the affected limb or in the contralateral limb need to produce more power to compensate. Additionally, it is not known whether alterations in the production of power before and after surgery are gender-specific.