Are Hip Precautions Necessary Post Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review
Lara Barnsley1, Leslie Barnsley2, Richard Page1
1Orthopaedic Department Geelong Hospital Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation
|September 2, 2015
Summary
Hip precautions after total hip arthroplasty (THA) do not reduce dislocation risk for anterolateral approaches. These restrictions may slow recovery and decrease patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Total hip arthroplasty (THA) effectively treats hip osteoarthritis.
- Post-operative hip precautions are standard practice to prevent dislocation and promote healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if hip precautions reduce prosthetic dislocation risk compared to unrestricted activity after THA.
- Focus on anterolateral approaches due to study limitations.
Main Methods:
- Literature search for randomized controlled trials or cohort studies with comparative groups and minimum 6-month follow-up.
- Two reviewers assessed titles and extracted data from eligible studies.
Main Results:
- Two studies met eligibility criteria, both concerning anterolateral approaches.
- Neither study demonstrated a benefit of hip precautions in preventing dislocation.
Conclusions:
- Dislocation rates are low after anterolateral THA and are not improved by hip precautions.
- Hip precautions may negatively impact return to activity, patient satisfaction, and incur costs.
- Further definitive studies may be limited by sample size and cost.
