Posterior Total Hip Replacement

Surgical insertion of metal and plastic artificial joint in which the incision is made in the back of the hip. Gluteal and piriformis muscles are cut; recovery is slower. Give the surgery three months to heal. The basic restrictions are on flexion, adduction and internal rotation, which can be remembered as “FAIR.” These limitations will continue for all of life, although some increase of each of these ranges is possible: mild to moderate flexion (enough to sit comfortably) and some adduction (not quite up to the full Gomukhasana or Garudasana), and some adduction (caution re: Ardha Matsyendrasana III or Marichyasana). Full Paschimottanasana should be approached very carefully and slowly, and in some cases leads to malfunctioning of the prosthetic hip, even requiring replacement of it.