Does incision placement after hip replacement change positioning guidelines?

• A. No
• B. Yes, for anterior only
• C. Yes, for posterior only
• D. Yes, incision placement changes guidelines for all approaches

Answer: (D)

Positioning guidelines after hip replacement depend on the surgical approach because each incision alters which tissues were disrupted and which joint positions are most risky for dislocation. A posterior approach leaves the posterior structures vulnerable, so precautions focus on avoiding movements that place the hip into flexion with adduction and internal rotation. An anterior approach changes the risk pattern so that different movements—often involving extension and external rotation—are limited. Because the risk profile shifts with the incision, the protective positions are tailored to the approach rather than being the same for all hip replacements. Therefore, incision placement changes guidelines for all approaches.