Time-related improvement in the range of motion of the hip after total replacement

We studied the progression of improvement in the range of motion of the hip after total hip replacement as it was related to time postoperatively. One hundred and eight hip replacements performed by members of the Stanford University Division of Orthopaedic Surgery in ninety-two patients were included in the analysis. The hips had no major postoperative complications, and the range of motion was examined preoperatively; at six months, one year, and two years, postoperatively; and at a last follow-up examination at a minimum of 4.5 years. There was no statistically significant improvement in the flexion and abduction of the hip after the one-year follow-up visit, but adduction and internal and external rotation were improved significantly at the last follow-up (average, 7.5 years). Of multiple variables that were studied, including those related to the patient, to the size and design of the prosthesis, and to the orientation of the total hip components, only the preoperative range of motion of the hip and a history of previous surgical treatment were major determining factors in the postoperative improvement of the range of motion.