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Early Recovery Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Contemporary Posterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty: Each Week
Francesca R Coxe1, Cynthia A Kahlenberg1, Matthew Garvey1
1Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
HSS Journal : the Musculoskeletal Journal of Hospital for Special Surgery
|September 16, 2024
Summary
Patients undergoing posterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) typically recover significantly within 6 weeks. Most patients report less pain and improved function, with many returning to work and driving by week 4.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Limited understanding of week-by-week recovery after posterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA).
- Need to define pain, function, work, and driving trajectories post-THA.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate recovery trajectory in a large cohort of posterior approach THA patients.
- Assess progress with modified posterior hip precautions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of patients undergoing primary posterior approach THA.
- Weekly evaluation of functional status and recovery milestones for 6 weeks post-surgery.
- Utilized Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement and Lower Extremity Functional Scale.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in functional scores compared to preoperative baseline.
- Progressive decrease in pain and use of assistive devices weekly.
- By 6 weeks post-surgery, 57% returned to work, 77% to driving, and 25% used pain medication.
Conclusions:
- Established recovery pathway for posterior THA with optimized protocols.
- Most patients achieve normal function around 4 weeks post-surgery.
- Defining recovery timelines aids surgeon counseling and patient guidance.
