Abstract
Objective To date, apart from groin and thigh pain, there is a paucity
of data regarding the association between transobturator tape (TOT)
surgery and lower extremity function. We have aimed to evaluate the
association between TOT and various indices of hip joint pain and
function. Design Prospective cohort study Settings and Population 37
patients who underwent TOT surgery for the treatments of stress urinary
incontinence (SUI). Methods Various tests and questionnaires aimed to
assess hip function and surgery outcomes were completed before and after
the TOT surgery, at the post-operative clinic. Paired data were compared
using the paired sample t-test, after testing for normal distribution.
Main Outcome Measures Hip range of motion (ROM), joint function and
muscle strength, walking functions, leg length, subjective effect of
surgery on patients’ quality of life and the impact of urinary
incontinence on daily activities, mental and physical quality of life.
Results Decrease in ROM was observed in most cardinal movements of the
hip. An increase in leg length following TOT was observed (mean
difference in centimeters for both legs 0.87-0.88; p<0.001).
An overall trend of decreased strength was noticed, significant for hip
adduction. The IIQ-7 and UDI-6 questionnaires demonstrated a significant
improvement in urinary function (31.95- and 25.27-point reduction
respectively; p<0.05 for both). No significant change was
noted in gait function following surgery. Results of the FJS assessment
revealed no difference in patient’s awareness of their hip joint.
Conclusion Our findings provide support for a yet underestimated
association between TOT surgery and hip dysfunction.