Does Capsulectomy, Performed in Total Hip Arthroplasty With a Direct Anterior Approach Cause Knee Extension Strength Loss?

Overview

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been successful in relieving pain and restoring function in patients with advanced arthritis of the hip joint. Increased focus on earlier recovery and decreased postoperative pain has improved overall satisfaction. However, there is still a gap between the clinical scores in objective surveys and patient satisfaction. Direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty has a low dislocation rate, abductor strength restoration, acceleration, and cosmetic advantages. In this method, capsulotomy with repair or capsulectomy is applied as the preferences of surgeons. Therefore, this can cause both a decrease in hip flexion strength and a loss in knee extension strength. Our aim in this study is to reveal how much muscle loss was caused by comparing both methods with the intact side.

Published data assessing biomechanical performance after THR are sparse. The majority of studies assessing post-THR hip function using robotic dynamometry have focused on evaluating surgical outcomes and prosthetic selection. These studies provide insight regarding the strength deficits of older adults after THR. However, the data are not consistent, making it difficult to assess the nature of the deficit.

Conditions