Quantitative indices for assessing mobility in patients during the acute postoperative period following total hip and knee arthroplasties

Objective: This study evaluated new indices for quantitative assessment of mobility in orthopedic patients who underwent total hip and knee arthroplasties. Methods: This observational study evaluated three new indices, the 5-m walker gait, sitting-rising, and supine-to-sitting and sitting-to-supine times, for assessing the ambulatory function of 33 orthopedic patients after total hip and knee arthroplasties in the immediate postoperative period. The validity of these indices was verified using the functional independence measure, and their effectiveness was examined by comparing them with previously reported indices. Results: The 5-m walker gait time had the highest sensitivity, and Youden's index was the most valid model fit. These new indices demonstrate greater sensitivities and specificities than previously reported indices. Conclusions: The 5-m walker gait time is a clinically valid and effective index of independent mobility.