Andrea, who is also a physical therapist and athlete, first contacted us in late 2019 with the idea of comparing different surgical approaches for hip prosthesis implantation with regards to the patients’ capability to walk physiologically post-op. We thought this envisioned research which was to use our OpenGo sensor insoles for gait analysis had the potential to make a clinical impact for future patients. So we decided to support her work right from the start.
Today we are happy to express our congratulations on earning her doctorate earlier this year from the Medicine Faculty of the University of Giessen, Germany, and her continued work on getting more insights published in scientific journals!
Read more about Andrea’s work in the abstract below, which is referred to under the title “Possible load after initial implantation of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) – Comparison of minimal invasive anterolateral approach with direct lateral transgluteal approach according to Bauer”
Background
Partial or full loading after total hip arthroplasty (THA) poses a challenge for many patients. It is difficult to determine the extent to which prescripted loads are maintained in everyday life when walking freely. In this study, the possible exertion of operated patients after initial total arthroplasty (THA) was investigated at the beginning and end of their postoperative early rehabilitation, depending on the surgical approach. The minimally invasive anterolateral approach (MIS) was compared to the direct lateral transgluteal approach (TGL).
Methods
The study included 37 patients after total hip arthroplasty, with 14 undergoing the TGL approach and 23 the MIS approach. The data were compared with a control group of 50 non-operated adults. Besides measuring walking speed, cadence, stance and swing phase duration, the main focus was on assessing the average ground reaction force at different walking speeds. These parameters were measured using sensor insoles on a 30-meter walking path. Demographic information and pre-rehabilitation status were collected through questionnaires. The above parameters were measured both in the preliminary study and in the main study using sensor insoles (Insole 3) on a walking distance of 30 m.
Results
In comparison to the TGL group, the MIS group exhibited slight postoperative advantages in terms of functionality, activities of daily living, and pain burden. Significant differences in symmetry of ground reaction forces were observed both within and between the groups at the beginning and end of rehabilitation. Particularly at the beginning of rehabilitation, the MIS patients demonstrated advantages in terms of symmetry of ground reaction force, speed, stance duration, and the ability to walk freely.
The early functional advantages of MIS surgeries compared to TGL procedures in terms of movement parameters were confirmed. The difference between TGL-patients and non-operated individuals is larger than between MIS-operated patients and non-operated subjects.
Conclusion
Individual rehabilitation concepts specific to the surgical approach with the inclusion of modern visual biofeedback systems have long been called for. And in light of such clear results they should be developed as quickly as possible.
