Harris Hip Score

What is the Harris Hip Score?

The Harris Hip Score (HHS) is a widely used evaluation tool designed to assess hip function and pain levels in patients with hip disorders, particularly those who have undergone hip replacement surgery. Developed by William H. Harris in 1969, this scoring system helps clinicians determine the effectiveness of hip treatments, particularly in patients who have undergone total hip replacement surgery or those who have traumatic arthritis following dislocation and acetabular fractures (Harris, 1969).

The HHS is one of several hip scores used to measure patient outcomes post-surgery. It is precious for assessing patients experiencing hip pain and functional limitations. It is often used for individuals who have undergone hip arthroplasty, hip fracture repair, or other surgical interventions to restore hip function. By providing a comprehensive assessment of various factors affecting hip health, the HHS aids in monitoring patient recovery and guiding subsequent treatment plans.

Furthermore, significant orthopedic studies and journals, such as those found in bone joint surgery, emphasize the importance of these scoring systems in evaluating surgical outcomes. For more information on assessing hip pain, refer to our Hip Pain Location Diagram.

What is included in the Harris Hip Score system?

The HHS system includes several domains to evaluate hip pain assessment, function domains, and pain thoroughly. These domains encompass pain, function, absence of deformity, and range of motion. Each domain is meticulously scored to capture the patient’s overall hip health, with a higher total score indicating better function and less pain (Harris, 1969).

The pain domain assesses pain severity, including the intensity and frequency of pain, which significantly impacts the patient’s quality of life. The function domain evaluates daily activities, such as walking, sitting, and stair climbing, which are crucial for independent living. Additionally, the system includes assessments of deformity and range of motion to identify structural or functional limitations affecting the hip joint. Hip flexion is a key aspect evaluated within this domain. These sections offer a comprehensive picture of the patient’s hip condition and recovery progress.

How does our Harris Hip Score template work?

Our Harris Hip Score template is designed to streamline the hip function evaluation process for healthcare professionals, ensuring a consistent and comprehensive evaluation of hip function.

Step 1: Download the template

Start by downloading our Harris Hip Score template, which includes all necessary sections for a complete evaluation.

Step 2: Gather patient information

Collect and record the patient's information, including name, age, gender, and the examination date.

Step 3: Assess pain and physical function

Evaluate the patient’s pain levels by assessing pain severity, its impact on daily activities, and the need for pain medication.

Step 4: Evaluate function

Assess the patient’s physical function in daily activities such as walking, sitting, and stair climbing. Mark the corresponding options that best describe the patient’s performance.

Step 5: Record deformity and range of motion

Examine the patient for any deformities and measure their range of motion. Note the findings in the appropriate sections of the template.

Scoring and results

The HHS is calculated by summing the scores from each domain, with a maximum score of 100. Higher scores indicate better hip function and less pain. The total HHS provides a quantitative outcome measure of the patient’s hip health, which can be used to track progress over time and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and clinical outcomes (Marchetti et al., 2005).

Interpretation and next steps after total hip replacement

Interpreting the Harris Hip Score involves comparing the total score to established benchmarks: < 70 = poor result, 70–80 = fair, 80–90 = good, and 90–100 = excellent. The HHS is particularly useful in interpreting outcomes in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. These benchmarks help clinicians determine the severity of the patient’s condition and guide subsequent treatment decisions (Marchetti et al., 2005).

In cases where the HHS indicates a hip disability with poor or fair outcomes, further diagnostic evaluations and potentially more intensive treatments may be necessary. Conversely, good or excellent scores suggest that the patient’s hip function is satisfactory, and maintenance therapies or routine monitoring may be sufficient.

Benefits of using our template

Our Harris Hip Score template offers numerous advantages for healthcare professionals. It simplifies the assessment process, ensures consistent evaluations, and aids in making informed clinical decisions to improve hip health.

Comprehensive assessment

Our template covers all essential domains of hip function and pain, providing a thorough evaluation that captures every aspect of the patient’s hip health. This comprehensive assessment is comparable to other tools like the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), which strongly correlates with the Harris Hip Score in measuring osteoarthritis outcomes.

Easy to use

Designed for simplicity and efficiency, the template allows healthcare professionals to quickly and accurately assess patients without extensive training or preparation.

Consistent results

Using a standardized template, clinicians can ensure that all assessments are consistent and reliable, facilitating better patient progress and tracking of treatment outcomes.

References

Harris, W. H. (1969). Traumatic arthritis of the hip after dislocation and acetabular fractures: Treatment by mold arthroplasty. an end-result study using a new method of result evaluation. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume, 51(4), 737–755. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5783851/

Marchetti, P., Binazzi, R., Vaccari, V., Girolami, M., Morici, F., Impallomeni, C., Commessatti, M., & Silvello, L. (2005). Long-term results with cementless fitek (or fitmore) cups. The Journal of Arthroplasty, 20(6), 730–737.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2004.11.019