Merle d'Aubigne and Postel developed a score for evaluating the functional outcome following a total hip arthroplasty. Any improvement associated with surgery can be determined by comparing pre- and post-operative scores.
Parameters:
(1) mobility
(2) pain
(3) ability to walk (walking aids)
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
mobility |
flexion > 90 degrees; abduction to 30 degrees |
6 |
|
flexion from 80 - 90 degrees; abduction at least 15 degrees |
5 |
|
flexion from 60 to 80 degrees; patient can reach foot (abduction less than 15 degrees) |
4 |
|
flexion from 40 to 60 degrees |
3 |
|
flexion < 40 degrees |
2 |
|
no movement; pain or slight deformity |
1 |
|
ankylosis of joint with hip in bad position |
0 |
pain |
none |
6 |
|
mild and inconsistent; normal activity |
5 |
|
mild when walking; disappears at rest |
4 |
|
tolerable with limited activity |
3 |
|
severe when walking; prevents walking activity |
2 |
|
severe, even at night |
1 |
|
intense and constant |
0 |
walking with aids |
normal |
6 |
|
without aid but with slight limp |
5 |
|
a long distance with a cane; only a short time without a cane; limp present |
4 |
|
less than 1 hour with 1 cane; very difficult without a cane |
3 |
|
only with canes |
2 |
|
only with crutches |
1 |
|
unable to walk |
0 |
total score =
= SUM(points for all 3 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 18
• The higher the score the better the function in the hip.
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic