Postoperative Hip Precautions After Total Hip Arthroplasty Via the Posterior Approach: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Are Postoperative Hip Precautions Necessary After a Total Hip Arthroplasty Via the Posterior Approach: A Prospective Randomized Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine if hip precautions, which are instructions that limit functional use of a hip replacement after surgery, affect the rate of dislocation in the first six weeks after primary total hip replacement surgery. The impact of hip precautions on a patient's return to activities of daily living and overall patient satisfaction will also be investigated. The overall cost effectiveness of hip precautions will be determined.

This study examines the necessity of postoperative hip precautions in patients after primary total hip arthroplasty via the posterior approach. Precautions are instructions that limit the functional use of the hip and are given for the first six weeks after surgery, with the goal of preventing an instability event resulting in dislocation. The hip precautions that will be investigated in this study are: no hip flexion past 90º, no crossing the legs, and no twisting at the waist.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing a primary total hip arthroplasty via the posterior approach by participating attending surgeons at this institution
• Index diagnosis of noninflammatory arthritis
• Patients must be able to understand and comply with study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy or intolerance to the study materials
• History of previous surgeries on the affected joint other than arthroscopy; i.e. revision THA or open surgeries