Therapy

Reduction is the most important measure in hip luxation after TEP to avoid permanent damage caused by vascular or nerve compression. Reduction is defined as the repositioning of the joint partners involved (in this case the femoral head and the bouncing cup) into the physiological position. In the case of dislocation in an artificial hip joint, this means that the artificial femoral head, which is located in the femur, is to be repositioned in the artificial acetabulum.

A distinction is made between a closed and an open or surgical reduction. In the case of the closed reduction, Böhler reduction is often used, in which the femoral head is brought back into the correct position after the patient has been fixed in place with targeted pulling and rotating movements. Due to the usually strong hip muscles, this is sometimes done under anesthesia.

If a closed reduction is not possible or if there are concomitant injuries such as a fracture, the reduction is performed openly, i.e. surgically. Accompanying injuries can be treated at the same time. In addition, a detailed assessment of the prosthesis is possible here, which can be adjusted or replaced in the same session if necessary. After each reduction following a hip luxation, the result must be checked by means of X-ray or CT images.

Aftercare

The acute therapy of a hip luxation after a TEP is followed by a follow-up treatment. This is dependent on the measures previously carried out. If a simple reduction was carried out without complications, strengthening exercises are mainly used for post-treatment as part of physiotherapy or occupational therapy.

If, on the other hand, it is not the first but the second or third hip dislocation in an artificial hip joint, the prosthesis must usually be replaced and the result of the operation corrected. In the case of a hip luxation of the TEP, it is important to check the position of the inserted parts at regular intervals, especially immediately after the event. In addition, patient training can be used to remind the patient of the correct handling of the prosthesis and thus prevent the risk of another dislocation. After another operation, the post-operative treatment consists of slowly approaching the maximum possible load within the framework of a controlled rehabilitation treatment.