Influence of hip arthroplasty on sarcopenia and quality of life: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a progressive degenerative disorder of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength and physical function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact hip arthroplasty on sarcopenia and Quality of Life (QoL). Additionally, the influence of BMI, age, comorbid diseases, type of intervention, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class on QoL related to sarcopenia was also analyzed. METHODS: In this cohort prospective study, sarcopenia was assessed by handgrip strength and by total body DEXA; sarcopenia related QoL was assessed using the SarQoL questionnaire at the admission (SQ1) and after 1 year (SQ2). RESULTS: Sixty-four patients undergoing hip replacement for femoral fracture or osteoarthritis were prospectively observed. One year after surgery patients with hip osteoarthritis showed an increase (P<0.05) in SarQoL score, whereas patients with femoral fracture did not. Patients with total hip arthroplasty reported a better SQ2 than patients with emi-arthroplasty. Grip strength, SQ1 and Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI) were positively associated with SQ2, while age revealed a negative association. CONCLUSIONS: SarQoL and SMI can be considered as positive predictive factors of sarcopenia related QoL at one year after hip replacement, while BMI and age as negative predictors. The muscular condition compromised by hip osteoarthritis can be improved by arthroplasty with a consequent increase in the QoL related to sarcopenia.