Following a posterolateral total hip arthroplasty, which movement is typically postponed for about 5-6 weeks post-op?

Following a posterolateral total hip arthroplasty, which movement is typically postponed for about 5-6 weeks post-op?

• A. Hip abduction
• B. Hip flexion
• C. Bed mobility
• D. Ambulation with a walker

Answer: (A)

After a posterolateral total hip arthroplasty, protecting the posterior repair is the guiding idea for early rehab. The movement that is typically postponed for about 5-6 weeks is hip abduction. Waiting on abduction movements allows the soft tissues around the posterior capsule and the repair to heal sufficiently and reduces the risk of instability as the joint returns to function. In the immediate postoperative period, priorities are often maintaining safe positions and controlling pain while gradual progression of other activities like bed mobility and ambulation with a walker occurs under precautions. Hip flexion is usually restricted early to limit stress on the joint, and abduction is then introduced later once healing is more advanced.

After a posterolateral total hip arthroplasty, protecting the posterior repair is the guiding idea for early rehab. The movement that is typically postponed for about 5-6 weeks is hip abduction. Waiting on abduction movements allows the soft tissues around the posterior capsule and the repair to heal sufficiently and reduces the risk of instability as the joint returns to function. In the immediate postoperative period, priorities are often maintaining safe positions and controlling pain while gradual progression of other activities like bed mobility and ambulation with a walker occurs under precautions. Hip flexion is usually restricted early to limit stress on the joint, and abduction is then introduced later once healing is more advanced.