Hip Dislocations

Foster (2005) implemented a randomized control study that examined whether removing particular postoperative function restrictions (PFR) reduced the incidence of hip dislocations. Foster (2005) followed 265 patients that received an uncemented THA and divided the patients into two evenly distributed groups: patients who had PFR and patients who were not PFR. The criteria for PFR was that the patients were to use an abduction pillow while in bed, restrict the patient from driving an automobile, patients were not allowed to sleep on patient’s side, and patients were required to use elevated toilets and chairs. He followed up with patients after a 6-month period to collect data. Throughout the 6 months, only one hip dislocation occurred (which was in the PFR group). Although the rate of hip dislocations after uncemented THA were too low to discover the effects of removing PFR, the patients who did not have PFR reported much higher satisfaction. The patients who had PFR were unsatisfied with the rate of their recovery and inability to return to daily functions (Foster,
From a patients’ standpoint, one of the more difficult aspects of restrictions is that it can inhibit the patient from performing daily functions such as driving an automobile, sleeping on patient’s side, and returning to regular work (Foster, 2005). The use of restriction measures is usually determined by the discretion of the physician, but further research on hip dislocations can inform physicians on the efficacy of restrictions. Restrepo (2011) suggests that patient education is critical in the reduction of hip dislocations within the first 6 months. With proper patient education, the patient can learn the best and safest methods to perform regular activities of daily living that will not compromise the