The changes in health-related quality of life and related factors during the process of total hip arthroplasty.

Montin L, Suominen T, Haaranen E, Katajisto J, Lepistö J, Leino-Kilpi H. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; : 19-26 This study was carried out to measure changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients ( n = 100) undergoing total hip arthoplasty. The Sickness Impact Profile was used to measure patients' dysfunctions in 12 different categories post surgery. Improvement was observed in each category and dimension already at 3 months and at 6 months. Preoperative pain showed a statistically significant although declining correlation both with total, and with Physical and the Psychosocial dimensions of HRQOL. The greatest improvements were found in the categories Body Care and Movement, Ambulation, Alertness Behaviour, Social Interaction, Recreation and Pastimes and in Sleep and Rest. Patients' pain decreased, and 72% reported no pain at 6 months post the surgery. Patients' perceptions of their pain should be gathered carefully when deciding the need and timing for the surgery in order to minimize impairments into HRQOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]