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Approach: anterior, cementless fixation, unless otherwise indicated.

Weight bearing status:

  • Most hip replacements are weight bearing as tolerated, unless otherwise indicated. Progression to cane and then to unassisted ambulation at therapist’s discretion.

Exercises:

  • Active/Active Assisted/Passive range of motion: yes, avoid hip extension behind torso, and external rotation of hip beyond 45 degrees.
  • Hip abduction: yes, to 45 degrees.
  • Isometric: yes, hip abductors, quadriceps, and hamstrings.
  • Resistive: yes, beginning at 2 weeks. 15 pound weight limit, work on hip abductors, quadriceps, and hamstrings.
  • Stationary Bike: yes.
  • Prone lying to promote hip flexion: as indicated.
  • Standing hip range of motion activities: yes.

Additional information:

  • Rolling: as tolerated to operative and non-operative side.
  • Pillow between legs: as indicated.
  • Shower: OK to wash incision at 2 weeks, no tub or pool until 6 weeks.
  • Pool therapy: OK to begin at 6 – 8 weeks.
  • E-stim: yes, at 3 – 4 weeks, as needed.
  • Scar massage and desensitization: yes, beginning at 4 weeks.
  • Anterior hip precautions: apply for 3 months from surgery.
  • No abduction pillow.

Recreational activities:

  • Swimming: 6 – 8 weeks, provided scab is gone and scar has developed.
  • Golf: 3 – 4 weeks (chip/putt/short irons), 6 – 8 weeks (long irons/woods).
  • Bicycling: 8 weeks.
  • Bowling: 12 weeks.
  • Driving: 3 – 4 weeks, discuss in clinic.

Total Hip Replacement Therapy Guidelines

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  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Alpha Omega Alpha
  • Gold Foundation
  • Steward Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center
  • UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE