Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a very successful orthopedic operation with high long-term survival rates, some failures may occur and considerably influence the final outcome. Early dislocation following primary THA is a rare but challenging complication, which may affect functional recovery and patient satisfaction, especially in case of recurrence. Moreover, it is one of the most common reasons for revision, and is associated with substantial social, health, and economic costs. The aim is to critically review the current evidence on the management of early dislocation after primary THA, with particular focus on post-reduction treatment strategies and the role of immobilization techniques. Particular attention was given to the evidence base supporting various clinical approaches. The review highlights a lack of consensus regarding optimal post-reduction management. Several methods have been proposed, but most are supported by limited data and small case series. Comparative studies are scarce, and clinical outcomes are inconsistent. Based on current findings, the recommended post-reduction management practice remains controversial, but the effectiveness of immobilization in preventing recurrence is not supported by clinical evidence, and therefore should be avoided. Further high-quality studies are needed to establish standardized, evidence-based protocols that can improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Regis et al. (Wed,) studied this question.