Resumption of employment after hip replacement surgery: What to measure, and how

Relief of pain and restoration of function are the primary indications for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Recent advances in implant design and surgical techniques have resulted in increased use in persons less than 65 years of age—a group whose functional goals often include the resumption of occupational activities. The effectiveness of THA in reducing work disability is not well known, due primarily to the absence of an acceptable and measurable concept of work, and the subsequent lack of a specific psychometric tool. To fulfill this need and facilitate further investigation into this aspect of THA, a questionnaire was developed and validated.; A measurable concept of work, and a list of factors that might confound or modify the relationship between THA and work were developed using a combination of techniques—patient interviews, discussions with experts, and a review of the relevant literature. A questionnaire was then assembled using a combination of pre-existing and newly developed scales. Content and construct validity were assessed by using an expert panel, a small test group, and a mail out to 69 patients who had undergone THA at less than 65 years of age. Reliability testing was done via a second mail out to 59 patients. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...