Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation Versus Traditional Treatment on Harris Hip Score in Cases of Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head After Kidney Transplantation

Purpose: Usually, about 25% of the patients treated with corticosteroids after kidney transplantation suffer from the complication of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. This study aims to compare the effect of Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation (NMES) and traditional treatment (infrared and decrease weight-bearing) on Harris hip score. Methods: Twenty patients who developed AVN of the femoral head after kidney transplantation were divided into two groups. The first group was treated by NMES and stretching and strengthening exercises 3 sessions a week for 3 months. The second group was treated by Traditional Treatment (TT) and stretching and strengthening exercises 3 sessions a week for 3 months. Results: Harris hip score component was measured before the intervention and then three months after the intervention using the t-test. After the intervention, significant differences were found between both groups in pain, support, distance walked, limping, putting on shoes and socks, climbing stairs, sitting, flexion (all P<0.001), external rotation (P=0.014), abduction (P=0.030), adduction (P<0.001), public transportation (P=0.010), and total hip score (P<0.001). Conclusion: TT exercises accompanied by NMES were more effective than TT alone for AVN of femoral head patients and could stop the progressive worsening of hip joint mobility.