Comparing Outcomes in Sexual Function After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.
Sai Yaswanth Pendyala, Nimra Akram, Vipin Asopa et al.
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In 30 seconds
This Level III systematic review compared sexual-function outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), including return to sexual activity, activity frequency, and satisfaction or fulfillment of expectations. It included 27 studies and 9,267 patients. Return to sexual activity tended to occur earlier after TKA, while exploratory pooled results showed higher satisfaction after THA (75.4%, 703 of 932) than after TKA (69.3%, 843 of 1,216; P = 0.0013), with greater increases in activity frequency after THA (P < 0.001).
Key findings
- Return to sexual activity tended to occur earlier after TKA than after THA.
- Sexual satisfaction was higher after THA than TKA: 75.4% (703 of 932) versus 69.3% (843 of 1,216; P = 0.0013).
- THA patients demonstrated greater increases in sexual activity frequency than TKA patients (P < 0.001).
Why it matters
Sexual function is a quality-of-life outcome that may be overlooked in arthroplasty care. The review suggests that recovery differs by joint and by outcome: earlier return to activity after TKA does not necessarily mean greater satisfaction or frequency gains. Discussing these distinctions may help frame expectations, while inconsistent measurement limits certainty about comparisons.
What to keep in mind
Study quality was variable, with marked heterogeneity in methods and outcome measures; the pooled comparisons were exploratory.