Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine and predict the time trend of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after total hip replacement (THR). A total of 383 patients receiving primary THR at two medical centers in Taiwan during 1997 to 2000 were enrolled for the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by using physician-rated Harris hip score and patient-reported short-form 36-item health survey (SF-36) immediately before the surgery and at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after surgery. Data analysed by piecewise linear regression revealed remarkable improvements in HRQoL dimensions at the third month after surgery and kept improving until the threshold level of from 39 months to 81 months, at which it reached a plateau. Role limitations due to physical and emotional problems and social functioning after surgery saw the most remarkable improvements, which appear to be related to improvements in functioning in many other dimensions of health. Such interdependence of the dimensions should be examined carefully to see if improvements in social roles can help improve the overall HRQoL in a more effective manner. The results should be applicable to other hospitals in Taiwan and in other countries with similar social and cultural practices.