Which of the following is a typical management approach for early dislocation after hip arthroplasty?

• A. Immediate one-stage revision for all dislocations
• B. Closed reduction or revision if recurrent
• C. Antibiotics and bed rest
• D. Observation and physical therapy

Answer: (B)

When a hip arthroplasty dislocates early, the priority is to restore proper joint alignment quickly. The typical first step is closed reduction under anesthesia to put the ball back into the socket and then assess stability. If the hip remains stable after reduction, the plan usually includes immobilization and restrictions to allow soft tissues to heal. If the dislocation happens again after a successful reduction, that persistent instability suggests an underlying issue—such as malposition of components, impingement, or lax soft tissues—and revision surgery is then considered to correct the problem and restore stability. Antibiotics and bed rest don’t address a mechanical instability, and simply observing or doing physical therapy alone won’t resolve an acute dislocation. Immediate one-stage revision for every dislocation isn’t typical because many can be managed with reduction and conservative measures unless instability recurs or a mechanical fault is identified.