Hip abductor function in adults treated for Perthes disease.

This study investigated hip abductor function by isokinetic dynamometry and gait analysis in adults treated for Perthes disease and its relationship with clinical results. Eighteen patients were divided into two groups on the basis of good versus poor clinical results (IOWA hip-rating scale above or below 90 points). We found that patients with poor clinical results had a lower peak abduction moment (P=0.01) when tested on a dynamometer, and a higher hip abductor moment during gait, as percentage of peak abduction, at the affected hip than at the unaffected hip (P=0.047). Inefficient hip abductor function at the affected hip seems to be associated with poor clinical results.