What activities cause hip dislocation? A review of 100 total hip replacement dislocations*

Abstract

Aims: This study determined what activities are associated with total hip replacement (THR) dislocation to better inform patients about “at risk” activities. Methodology: All patients who attended our institution from December 2007 to May 2011 with a first-time dislocation following primary THR were retrospectively reviewed. This consisted of 100 patients, 31 males and 69 females, with a mean age at dislocation of 75 years. Major findings: Activities including getting into or out of bed, twisting or turning in bed, getting onto or up from a toilet and putting shoes, socks or stockings on were most frequently associated with THR dislocation. There was no difference in the activities associated with THR dislocation between the different age groups, surgical approach (anterolateral vs. posterior) or duration since primary THR. There was no difference in activities associated with dislocation between males and females except for putting socks/shoes/stockings on from a sitting position, where females reported a higher incidence of dislocation (14%) compared to males (0%). Principal conclusions: This study identified that patients should be specifically counselled to avoid picking objects up off the floor, to be vigilant when getting in or out of bed, and when getting off the toilet.