Rohit Singh, Howard Stringer, Teya Drew, Christopher Evans and Richard Spencer Jones
There are approximately 80,000 total hip replacements (THR) carried out annually in the UK. Patients are encouraged to carry out low-impact activities to strengthen muscles and improve bone quality. Swimming is a low impact activity and is frequently encouraged as part of a post-operative regime. However, swimming breast stroke is generally not encouraged. The aim of this study is to explore the information given to patients regarding swimming (especially breaststroke) following THR. Additionally to review the literature/surgeon experience on dislocation rates following swimming breaststroke. We conducted a survey of 640 health care professionals and 215 THR patients to see the desires, capabilities and advice given regarding swimming following THR. We also reviewed the literature on dislocated THR following swimming breaststroke. 100% of hip arthroplasty consultants would advise patients to swim breaststroke, compared to 18% of other health care professionals. No healthcare professionals have seen a case of dislocated THR following swimming breaststroke, and there are no reported cases in the literature. Conflicting information is given to patients on swimming following THR. With no reported cases in the literature, we recommend patients to swim breaststroke following THR, in order to help rehabilitate soft tissue tension and function, therefore improving hip stability.
