BACKGROUND: We investigated the incidence and circumstances related to falls in patients before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA), and compared them with those in an age-matched control group.
METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study. A total of 140 women with severe hip osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent THA (OA group) and a control cohort of 319 age-matched healthy women were analyzed. We investigated the incidence and circumstances of falls before THA and during the first year after surgery. We assessed the Harris Hip Score and investigated hip pain and ambulatory ability using a self-administered questionnaire.
RESULTS: The incidence of at least one fall during the first year after THA in the OA group (30.0%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (13.5%) (P <.001), as were the rates of indoor falls (50.0%) and falls during daytime (66.2%). Although the incidence of fall-induced injuries after THA (37.8%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (62.5%), 5.9% of patients who experienced a fall developed a fracture. No significant differences were found in the number and circumstances of falls before and after THA, with 31.4% and 30.0% of the OA group reporting at least one fall in the 12 months before and after surgery, respectively. Self-reported pain, ambulation, and Harris Hip Score significantly improved after THA.
CONCLUSION: Women undergoing THA have an increased risk of falls during the first year after surgery. Clinicians should suggest preventive measures during rehabilitation to prevent falling in post-THA women.