Harris Hip Score Overview
The Harris Hip Score (HHS) is a premier, widely utilized clinical instrument designed to assess the outcomes of hip surgery, particularly total hip arthroplasty (THA) and interventions for femoral neck fractures. Developed in 1969, it provides a standardized method to evaluate a patient's pain level and functional capacity before and after surgery.
Domains of Evaluation
The HHS has a maximum possible score of 100 points, broken down into four distinct domains:
- Pain (44 points): The most heavily weighted section, reflecting the primary reason most patients seek hip surgery.
- Function (47 points): Assesses activities of daily living (stairs, public transportation, sitting) and gait (limp, need for support devices, walking distance).
- Absence of Deformity (4 points): Checks for leg length discrepancy, fixed contractures, and range of motion limitations.
- Range of Motion (5 points): Measures the degrees of flexion, abduction, adduction, and rotation.
Scoring Interpretation
- 90-100: Excellent result; minimal to no pain and full function.
- 80-89: Good result; mild pain or slight functional limitations.
- 70-79: Fair result; moderate pain or noticeable functional deficits.
- <70: Poor result; significant ongoing pain and disability.
Total Score = Pain + Function + Absence of Deformity + Range of Motion