After a total hip replacement with a posterior approach, which guideline should be followed during early rehab?

After a total hip replacement with a posterior approach, which guideline should be followed during early rehab?

• A. Engage in deep squats and plyometrics.
• B. No specific precautions; resume activities as tolerated.
• C. Perform high-impact activities immediately.
• D. Avoid hip flexion >90°; begin gentle isometrics and low-impact functional exercises.

Answer: (D)

After a posterior approach total hip arthroplasty, protecting the joint from dislocation is the priority in early rehab. The guiding principle is to limit movements that can push the femoral head out of the socket, especially hip flexion beyond about 90 degrees and internal rotation with adduction. Keeping the hip within a safe range gives the healing tissues time to knit while reducing the risk of dislocation. Starting with gentle isometric exercises, like quad sets and glute squeezes, helps maintain muscle tone and promote circulation without moving the joint through risky angles. Pair that with low-impact functional activities, such as careful ankle pumps and heel slides within the allowed ROM, to promote activity and joint health without overloading the hip. Engaging in deep squats, plyometrics, or high-impact activities would place the hip in flexion and dynamic positions that could compromise stability during the early healing phase, so those are avoided.

After a posterior approach total hip arthroplasty, protecting the joint from dislocation is the priority in early rehab. The guiding principle is to limit movements that can push the femoral head out of the socket, especially hip flexion beyond about 90 degrees and internal rotation with adduction. Keeping the hip within a safe range gives the healing tissues time to knit while reducing the risk of dislocation.

Starting with gentle isometric exercises, like quad sets and glute squeezes, helps maintain muscle tone and promote circulation without moving the joint through risky angles. Pair that with low-impact functional activities, such as careful ankle pumps and heel slides within the allowed ROM, to promote activity and joint health without overloading the hip.

Engaging in deep squats, plyometrics, or high-impact activities would place the hip in flexion and dynamic positions that could compromise stability during the early healing phase, so those are avoided.