Are changes in pain associated with changes in quality of life and hip function 2 years after periacetabular osteotomy? A follow-up study of 321 patients

Symptomatic hip dysplasia is primarily treated surgically with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). It is unclear whether changes in quality of life (QoL) and changes in hip function follow the same pattern of improvement as pain following PAO. The aim of the study is to investigate whether changes in pain were associated with changes in QoL and hip function 2 years after PAO. Furthermore, to examine patient satisfaction 2 years after PAO. This is a follow-up study with data from Aarhus University Hospital Denmark. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale, QoL with Short-Form 36 and hip function with Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score both preoperatively and 2 years after PAO in 321 patients. Multiple linear regressions were applied. Significant mean improvements in pain, QoL and hip function were found (P < 0.05). Significant associations between changes in pain and changes in physically related QoL and changes in hip function, respectively were found (P < 0.05). A non-significant association between changes in pain and changes in mentally-related QoL was found (P = 0.13). The majority of patients (84%) reported satisfaction with the result of PAO and would undergo PAO again if they had known the results in advance. The study had a loss to follow-up of 26%. Decreased pain was significantly associated with increased physically related QoL and improved hip function 2 years after PAO. A nonsignificant association between decreased pain and increased mentally related QoL was found. Patients were in general satisfied with treatment and results 2 years after PAO.