[Rehabilitation and sport following total hip replacement]

The number of total hip replacement (THR) surgeries has increased significantly over the last few years and patients undergoing surgery are of decreasing age. In consequence the question of the influencing factors for the survival of artificial hip joints becomes more and more urgent. The expected survival time of an implant is nowadays 15-20 years and it seems that factors for a shorter lifetime are female gender, overweight, younger age and certain indications which led to surgery, such as rheumatoid arthritis or fractures. In the early phase of rehabilitation, measures against dislocation including training of the abductor muscles are most important. Starting rehabilitation programs early after surgery has positive effects on outcome, especially when strengthening programs are included. There are different opinions concerning the question how the lifetime of a THR is influenced by sports activities. However, it seems to have been demonstrated that suitable sports activities have a positive effect and do not necessarily correlate with higher loosening rates after THR. In general, high-impact sports should be avoided. Recommended activities are cycling, swimming, aquajogging, hiking, rowing and dancing.