Visual analog scale for the assessment of total hip arthroplasty.

The use of a visual analog scale (VAS) for the assessment of total hip prostheses was evaluated in 54 patients (58 hips), on average 3.4 years following operation. The Harris hip scores were determined in each case and the patients were also asked to record their overall assessment of their new hips on a VAS. Five patients (6 hips) were unable to understand and use the VAS. For the remaining 49 patients (52 hips), the Harris hip score averaged 84 (41-100) and the VAS score 75 (2-100). There was a high correlation between the Harris hip scores and the VAS scores (+0.84). Use of a VAS provides a simple and reliable basis for the assessment of a total hip arthroplasty.