A comparison of gait symmetry and hip movements in the assessment of patients with monarticular hip arthritis.

Three parameters of hip function have been studied and compared in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. Clinical indices such as the Harris hip score are cheap and easy to perform but can be misleading. Ground reaction force asymmetries are useful in the assessment of disease severity and treatment outcome and are easy to perform and interpret. The loading rate asymmetries are the most sensitive indicators of this gait dysfunction. Measurement of joint movements using flexible electrogoniometers provides useful functional data but is of limited value if flat walking alone is measured. Whilst none of these tests is entirely reliable each provides valuable information to help with patient assessment.