Abductor Muscle Strength Deficit in Patients After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to assess and quantify hip abductor muscle strength deficits after total arthroplasty (THA) determine associations with external factors.MethodsStudies reporting on before and/or THA performed for osteoarthritis or atraumatic osteonecrosis the considered inclusion. Data sources Embase, Medline, Cochrane Central Register Controlled Trials. Muscle affected side was compared healthy contralateral control subjects. Study quality assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsNineteen studies 875 subjects met inclusion criteria. Patients scheduled had mean deficit 18.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) [−33.9, −3.2%]) Abductor then increased by 20.2% (CI [5.6, 34.8%]) at 4-6 months, 29.6% [4.7, 54.4%]) 9-12 49.8% [−31.0, 130.6%]) 18-24 months postoperatively preoperative values. For unilateral THA, torque ratio 86.3% [75.4, 97.2%]) 93.4% [75.1, 111.6%]) >24 respectively. low moderate.ConclusionHip may gradually improve during 24 possibly without complete recovery. Cautious interpretation these findings is warranted because high-quality evidence largely missing.