The ability and factors related with floor sitting after total hip arthroplasty with a posterolateral approach

Prosthesis dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one complication that affects treatment outcome and increases the cost of treatment. Currently, many surgeons prohibit patients from performing floor-based activities; however, these prohibitions might affect the lifestyle of a number of patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of floor sitting after THA, and factors associated with this ability.

This study was a retrospective cohort study, evaluating 240 patients who underwent THA with a posterolateral approach, in a single tertiary hospital. Patient demographic data, preoperative clinical data, prostheses type, and postoperative radiographic were extracted from the electronic medical records. Postoperative ability to perform floor sitting was evaluated at 6 months postoperatively.

There were 52 patients (21.66%) who were able to sit on the floor postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed independent association between three factors with ability to sit on the floor after surgery: pre-operative external rotation range of motion (OR 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06; P = 0.01), pre-operative Harris Hip Scores (OR 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10; P = < 0.01), pre-operative ability to sit on the floor (OR 10.2; 95% CI, 3.65-28.5; P = < 0.01).

There were a number of patients who could sit on the floor after THA. However, there were factors which were associated with this ability. Hence, these results could be useful for adjusted patient preoperative expectations, and did not preclude all patients to perform floor activities.