Total Joint Replacement — Total Hip Arthroplasty (Anterior Approach)

Massachusetts General Hospital · MGH Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

Commonly WBAT; varies per surgeon

Key Restrictions

Approach-specific precautions (see protocol); no torque/twisting; no weights/resistance other than body weight initially

Timeline & Phases

4 phases: Phase I (0-3 days, immediate post-op, ambulate 100 ft and stairs before discharge), Phase II (1-3 wks early motion and 3-6 wks late motion, some precautions lifted between wks 3-6 per surgical team), Phase III (6-12 wks, restore strength to >=80% of non-operative limb, avoid high impact), Phase IV (12-16+ wks, advanced strengthening and return to activity, LSI >=95%)

Notes

Covers anterior, posterior, direct anterior, lateral, and global precautions; includes appendices and references.

Surgeon / Author

MGH Sports Medicine

Published

June 2025