The aim of this systematic review was to find evidence-based support in the literature to allow immediate unrestricted weight
bearing after primary uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA). Accelerated rehabilitation programs for THA are becoming increasingly
popular to shorten hospital stay and to facilitate rapid restoration of function. The goals of these rehabilitation programs
could be more easily achieved if immediate unrestricted weight bearing (UWB) could be allowed after a THA. So far, however,
immediate weight bearing is frequently contraindicated in widely accepted protocols for uncemented THA due to fear for subsidence
and absence of osseous integration of the femoral stem. Thus, frequently protected weight bearing and restricted activities
are still advocated for at least 6 weeks after surgery. In addition, we analyzed the literature to come to a recommendation
on gait pattern and walking aid. From a systematic search in several electronic databases 13 studies met the inclusion criteria.
These studies were reviewed according to the Cochrane methodology. We found moderate to strong evidence that no adverse effects
on subsidence and osseous integration of the femoral stem after uncemented THA occur after immediate UWB. Based on this literature
review, we recommend early rehabilitation after uncemented THA with a reciprocally gait pattern using crutches, one cane for
independency in ADL in case patients walk limp-free and walking without crutches as soon as possible. During the first weeks
after surgery only stair climbing should be performed with protected weight bearing because of high torsion loads on the hip.
Keywords Hip arthroplasty - Weight bearing - Gait pattern