Abstract
This study examined the effect of completely disregarding dislocation precautions on the incidence of dislocation, as well as the speed of patient rehabilitation after THJR
Since 1st March 2005, all uncomplicated primary THJR’s performed by one of the senior authors for OA have been told by their physiotherapist to do what they like, when they like, during the post-operative period. All patients were operated on through a modified direct lateral approach A representative sample of 30 patients were administered a questionnaire at their 6 week postoperative visit.
There were no dislocations. Of those patients in full-time employment, the majority had returned to work by 6 weeks. Most were able to drive between 3 and 4 weeks. Nearly all had regained their pre-operative range of movement and could put on their own shoes and socks. All claimed that being told to disregard dislocation precautions gave them more confidence in their THJR and helped with their achieving a speedy recovery from surgery.
Patients who are judged at the time of surgery to have a stable THJR articulation, benefit form being told to disregard the usual dislocation precautions, and are able to return to work and driving in a more timely manner.
The abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to NZOA at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
