The effect of posterolateral reconstruction on range of motion and muscle strength in total hip arthroplasty.

Posterolateral reconstruction of the posterior capsule, piriformis tendon, and external rotators in total hip arthroplasty improves the stability of the hip joint. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of this reconstruction on range of motion (ROM) and circumferential muscle strength. We selected 58 limbs of 29 patients. Posterolateral reconstruction was performed in 13 patients (reconstruction group). Posterolateral reconstruction was not performed in 16 patients (nonreconstruction group). No significant differences were seen in preoperative and postoperative ROM between the 2 groups. The reconstruction group had significantly higher abduction muscle strength (P<.0001) and external rotation muscle strength (P<.01) than the nonreconstruction group. Posterolateral reconstruction may be effective in promoting the recovery of abduction and external rotator muscle strength, and it can improve joint stability without limiting ROM. Copyright 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.