Hip precautions following hemiathroplasty: a UK study of occupational therapists

Jean McQueen, Catherine Nivison, Deborah Clyde, Fiona Ballance, Pamela Fairbairn, Elaine Murray

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aims
One intervention that occupational therapists may undertake with patients following hip fracture is the promotion of hip precautions. These hip precautions focus on advising patients to avoid certain movements and/or the provision of aids to independence, for up to 12 weeks post surgery. A systematic search of published literature identified limited evidence on which to base practice in this field. A national survey was therefore undertaken to establish whether hip precautions are used uniformly throughout the United Kingdom.

Methods
This study aimed to capture occupational therapy current practice in hip precautions following hemiarthroplasty surgery. Questionnaires were sent to members of the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Trauma and Orthopaedics, and to therapists who responded to an article in Occupational Therapy News. A total of 198 questionnaires were distributed.

Findings
100 questionnaires were returned. The majority of occupational therapists who responded encouraged their patients to adhere to hip precautions post surgery, however, there was concern at the lack of robust evidence to support practice. A small number of therapists who did not encourage their patients to adhere to hip precautions reported no detrimental consequences.

Conclusions
This study discusses concern that focusing on hip precautions following hemiarthroplasty surgery may unnecessarily impair function, and highlights the need for further research to investigate whether post surgery hip precautions are necessary.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)147-153
JournalInternational Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation
Volume16
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Mar 2009

Keywords

  • hip fracture
  • precautions
  • hemiarthroplasty
  • occupational therapy

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