THR Precautions

[jwpt2010]

How about strength testing and hip precautions? Can you test flex, add, and IR??

[kempo1981]

You can test the muscle strength in flex, add and internal rotation. although I would advise against it. However the patient will be restricted by pain in the early stages and to the patient it may feel as though the hip is going to dislocate and they will stop resisting the test. I would recommend testing in standing for hip extension, abduction and flexion. I also suggest functional testing rather than physical resistance testing. For example to look for Trendelemburg gait as an indication of Gluteus medius weakness and to follow strengthening guidlines for Hip extension, Abduction and flexion. As the patient progresses you will be more able to test for strength using a resistance method although you may find that this still provokes a pain response. In addition i would just reitterate that you will find functional testing easier and more suitable to these patients as the majority of them want to regain function you can also have the patient perform the Hip extension, abduction and flexion exercises in standing and test using a resistance method while they attempt the exercises. this will give a great indication to thier strength and stage of rehabilitation.