Do lifestyle restrictions and precautions prevent dislocation after total hip arthroplasty? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

Six studies (3 randomized controlled trials, 1 retrospective match cohort, 1 retrospective, and 1 prospective cohort study), with data from 1122 procedures, were included in this meta-analysis and systematic review for the purpose of determining if less restricted postoperative protocol following total hip arthroplasty was associated with significantly altered hip prosthesis dislocation, patient function, pain, return to daily activities, and satisfaction. Results demonstrated that patients in the unrestricted group had similar dislocation rates and significantly improved WOMAC, VAS pain, and time required to return to daily activities when compared to standard restrictive protocol. More rigorous investigation with larger patient populations, similar outcome measures, and sound methodological quality is recommended for outcome validation.