Original Article
Immediate unrestricted versus graduated weight bearing following primary cementless total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Background: Few guidelines indicate immediate unrestricted weight bearing (UWB) following cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Stability and ingrowth may be jeopardized by immediate loading of the implant while functional recovery may be promoted.
Methods: Twenty patients were managed with cementless THA and then randomized into immediate unrestricted group and graduated weight-bearing group. Clinical assessments used Harris hip score (HHS) and short physical performance battery (SPPB) immediately after surgery (initial assessment) and then 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Radiographs were evaluated for vertical migration of femoral stem.
Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the HHS and SPPB measured at different times of assessment in the two studied groups. In unrestricted weight-bearing group, no statistically significant difference in radiological vertical micromotion of femoral stem between different assessment times was found; while in graduated weight bearing (GWB), there was statistically significant increase in the radiological vertical micromotion of femoral stem measured at 6 and 12 weeks when compared to initial assessment.
Conclusions: No adverse effect of immediate UWB with cementless THA was found.
Methods: Twenty patients were managed with cementless THA and then randomized into immediate unrestricted group and graduated weight-bearing group. Clinical assessments used Harris hip score (HHS) and short physical performance battery (SPPB) immediately after surgery (initial assessment) and then 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Radiographs were evaluated for vertical migration of femoral stem.
Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the HHS and SPPB measured at different times of assessment in the two studied groups. In unrestricted weight-bearing group, no statistically significant difference in radiological vertical micromotion of femoral stem between different assessment times was found; while in graduated weight bearing (GWB), there was statistically significant increase in the radiological vertical micromotion of femoral stem measured at 6 and 12 weeks when compared to initial assessment.
Conclusions: No adverse effect of immediate UWB with cementless THA was found.
