In AS, Total Hip Replacement Can Influence Sexual Function

Men with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) have higher International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores after surgery compared with before surgery, according to findings from a retrospective study.

“Successful THA may improve sexual activity in male AS patients with hip involvement,” the researchers wrote.

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No prior studies have examined sexual activity before and after THA among men with AS. 

Among 31 men with AS, the researchers reviewed and compared data on IIEF score, Harris Hip Score (HHS), and other clinical parameters before surgery and 2 years after surgery. 

Results indicated significantly higher domain and total scores for IIEF, except erectile function, after surgery compared with before surgery.

In addition, the researchers observed a positive correlation between changes on the IIEF and improvement in flexion-extension range of motion (ROM), adduction-abduction ROM, and HHS. 

“Changes in hip ROM show the most significant correlation with improvement in sexual activity,” the researchers wrote.

A majority of patients (83.9%) resumed sexual activity 5 to 12 weeks after surgery. 

There was no difference found in pre- and postoperative distributions of the most commonly reported and comfortable sexual position.

—Melinda Stevens

Reference:
Fu J, Li X, Liu K, et al. Changes in sexual activity of male patients with ankylosing spondylitis undergoing total hip arthroplasty [Published online September 10, 2018]. HIP Int. https://doi.org/10.1177/1120700018796378.