Comparing gait analysis and functional outcomes of short femoral metaphyseal stem and high functional hip arthroplasty (resurfacing and big femoral head): A pilot study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare short term results (2 years post-operative), complications and functional outcomes (gait analysis) between short-metaphyseal hip arthroplasty and high functional total hip arthroplasties (resurfacing and big femoral head arthroplasties). Our patients were enrolled in three different groups, one comparing short-metaphyseal arthroplasties group and two high functional control groups. The first control group of resurfacing arthroplasties and a second of big femoral head arthroplasties. Each patient experienced a clinical examination and evaluated with Harris Hip Score, WOMAC, Sf-36, UCLA activity score, antero-posterior and lateral hip radiographies and were followed as outpatients for two years. At the last follow up all the patients perform a gait and static balance analysis. Statistical analysis have not revealed a significant difference between the three comparative groups regarding their demographic data nor a significant difference at the preoperative and the postoperative scores of each group. The radiographic evaluation revealed no differences and no complications. No one presented with cup or femoral loosening and no heterotopic ossification was observed. Also the comparing data of the three groups at the final 2 years postoperative control did not reveal any significant difference regarding their clinical scores and gait analysis results. The overall outcome of all three groups was similar and all the patients satisfied. We arrive at the conclusion that high functional resurfacing and big femoral head arthroplasties, present similar gait characteristics and functional outcome to the bone and soft preserving short-metaphyseal hip arthroplasties.