Association between hip joint function and urinary incontinence for patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the correlation between hip joint muscle strength and symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI) among patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis (OA) before undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Materials and methods: A total of 32 patients with end-stage hip OA, preparing for THA, were included in this research. We assessed hip muscle strength, including hip extension, hip adduction, and hip external rotation, along with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip score. Patients were categorized into either an incontinence or nonincontinence group based on results from the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. Incontinence was indicated by a score of ≥1 for the question, “How often do you leak urine?” Results: Of the 32 patients, 16 (50%) in the pre-THA stage were identified with UI (incontinence group), whereas the remaining 16 (50%) patients showed no UI symptoms (nonincontinence group). Significantly better hip adduction muscle strength and Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip total score were shown in the nonincontinence group compared with the incontinence group (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, no substantial difference in muscle strength during hip extension or external rotation was detected between the 2 groups. Conclusion: This study revealed a connection between pelvic floor function and hip joint function. The findings suggest a potential association between the strength of the hip adductor muscle and UI symptoms. As a part of preparing patients with end-stage hip OA for THA, physical therapists should consider incorporating exercises to enhance hip adductor muscle strength, which could assist in identifying and addressing UI symptoms.