Quantitative Gait Analysis Before and After Total Hip Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION: Quantified gait analysis is essential for assessing joint function, detecting deficits surrounding arthroplasty, and ensuring recovery of normal walking patterns.

OBJECTIVE: Assess hip functional deficits after total hip arthroplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: we conducted a prospective longitudinal observational cohort study on a series of 10 patients who underwent THA, evaluated preoperatively and then at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively using AQM, in collaboration with Orthopedic Traumatology, Physical Medicine, and Gait Analysis Laboratory, Mohamed VI University Hospital, Marrakech

RESULTS: Patients averaged 37.8 years, 70% male; 60% had primary coxarthrosis. All followed a standardized rehabilitation starting 24 hours post-surgery with assisted weight-bearing. No immediate complications occurred. Data from the quantified gait analysis reveal a gradual evolution of spatiotemporal parameters towards normal reference values, A significant improvement in speed (0.708 to 0.875 m/s), cadence (93.1 to 101.7 steps/min), and stride length (0.93 to 1.036 m). In addition, joint amplitudes are approaching the normal range, indicating a significant improvement in joint function in patients after surgery.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that, after adequate care and an appropriate rehabilitation protocol, patients who have undergone total hip replacement are able to regain an almost normal gait.