Postoperative weight-bearing guidelines after cemented hip and knee arthroplasty typically include which statement?

• A. Hip: weight-bearing as tolerated if fixation is stable; knee: weight-bearing as tolerated per surgeon and fixation; early weight-bearing is common when fixation is secure.
• B. Hip: non-weight bearing until radiographic union; knee: non-weight bearing until exam.
• C. Hip: partial weight bearing; knee: partial weight bearing.
• D. Weight-bearing guidelines have no relation to fixation stability.

Answer: (C)

When thinking about postoperative weight-bearing after cemented hip and knee arthroplasty, the guiding idea is to protect the fixation while allowing early mobilization to promote function and reduce complications. Cemented components provide immediate mechanical stability, so many rehabilitation protocols start with a cautious progression rather than full loading right away. The idea of partial weight bearing for both the hip and the knee reflects a common, conservative approach: you support the limb with crutches or a walker and gradually increase loading as tolerated, typically over the first several weeks. This balances protecting the cement-bone interface and soft tissues with the benefits of early movement.

Some surgeons may allow weight bearing as tolerated or even full weight bearing sooner, depending on intraoperative fixation quality, bone health, and patient factors, but partial weight bearing for both joints is a widely used, safe default in many standard postoperative programs. Non-weight bearing or restricting weight bearing to症仅 exams are not typical defaults with cemented implants.