Hip Arthroscopy

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

50% WB with crutches (foot flat) for 4 weeks; wean crutches starting week 4; FWB when comfortable with no gait deviations

Key Restrictions

Hip flexion <90° Phase 1; hip flexion <105°, ER <20° Phase 2; naproxen 500 mg twice daily x30 days to prevent heterotopic ossification; aspirin/DVT prophylaxis x2 weeks; no driving 4-6 weeks; ice hip 20-30 min 5-6x/day; sleep with pillow between knees

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): 50% WB foot-flat, hip flex <90°, no excessive IR/ER, stationary bike high seat no resistance, quad/glute/HS sets, adductor/abductor isometrics, double-leg bridges, heel slides; Phase 2 (2-6 wks): wean crutches from wk 4, hip flex <105°, ER <20°, clam shells, single-leg bridges, leg press, mini squats, 4-way hip, aqua therapy once portals healed; Phase 3 (6-12 wks): FWB, full ROM symmetry, clam shells with band, side-lying planks, physioball HS, side-stepping with resistance, lunges, NM control/single-leg balance, elliptical/treadmill; Phase 4 (12-16 wks): full ROM, low-impact plyometrics, swimming, sport-specific agility, running progression, traditional weight training

Notes

Naproxen 500 mg 2x daily x30 days post-op to prevent heterotopic ossification (do not combine with other NSAIDs); 50% WB maintained foot-flat to reduce hip joint force; crutch weaning begins week 4; RTS criteria: full pain-free ROM symmetric to opposite side, symmetric hip strength, stable pelvis, sport-specific drills at full speed without pain; 4 phases

Published

12/2024