Optimizing Gait After Hip Arthroplasty
Presented by John O’Halloran
While total hip replacement is often considered the ”operation of the century” due to its high success rates, many patients continue to experience persistent altered gait patterns and decreased walking speeds for a year or more after surgery. This course addresses the clinical challenge of moving beyond simple pain relief to achieve superior functional outcomes through evidence-based gait analysis and corrective exercise. Participants will evaluate the biomechanical advantages and disadvantages of contemporary surgical approaches, including the reemergence of the posterior approach and the specialized “bikini incision.” The curriculum focuses on identifying key determinants of recovery, such as gluteus medius strength and terminal hip extension, while providing a framework for managing complications like leg length discrepancies. Designed for physical therapists in outpatient and home health settings, this course provides actionable strategies to minimize fall risks and safely return high-activity patients to demanding sports and recreational activities.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze historical and contemporary hip arthroplasty procedures to identify key differences in surgical approaches and techniques
- Examine statistical data related to hip arthroplasty to interpret trends and clinical implications
- Categorize the advantages and disadvantages of various surgical approaches—including the reemergent posterior approach—based on current levels of evidence
- Organize the phases of postoperative rehabilitation with emphasis on promoting a quicker and safer return to normal gait
- Determine appropriate strategies for managing leg length discrepancies at different stages of patient recovery
Meet your instructor
John O’Halloran
John O’Halloran, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC (retired), CSCS (retired), Cert MDT, Certified SCTM-1 Practitioner, is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association with over 30 years of experience in the field of orthopedics. He earned his postprofessional Doctor of Physical Therapy from…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Approaches to Hip Replacement
This chapter compares historical hip arthroplasty procedures with modern surgical techniques, examining the current level of evidence regarding anterior, lateral, and posterior approaches. Clinicians will analyze the impact of different incisions on early recovery and learn how surgical marketing—including robotics and minimally invasive options—shapes contemporary patient expectations.
2. Rehabilitation of the Hip
Clinicians will examine the phases of postoperative rehabilitation with a focus on establishing a normal gait cycle faster and safer than traditional benchmarks. This section highlights the critical role of prehabilitation in improving postoperative quality of life and addresses the controversy surrounding hip precautions, citing research that shows unrestricted groups may have similar dislocation rates to restricted groups.
3. Therapeutic Tips
This chapter provides practical, high-level clinical tips for facilitating voluntary muscle activation and regaining operative leg hip extension to optimize stride length. Participants will learn to identify pelvic asymmetries and manage leg length discrepancies while following evidence-based timelines for a safe return to sports such as golf, running, and tennis.
More courses in this series
Optimizing Outcomes After Total Joint Arthroplasty
John O’Halloran
Optimizing Function After Shoulder Arthroplasty
John O’Halloran
Optimizing Gait After Hip Arthroplasty
John O’Halloran
Optimizing Recovery After Knee Arthroplasty
John O’Halloran
Optimizing Complex Cases in Joint Arthroplasty
John O’Halloran
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