After a hip replacement surgery, a patient experiences recurrent posterior dislocation. What is the primary goal of a hip abduction orthosis?

The primary goal of a hip abduction orthosis is to block hip flexion during the rehabilitation process following a hip replacement surgery. The design of the orthosis helps to maintain the hip in a stable position, which is particularly important for preventing dislocation, especially in patients who are at risk due to a history of recurrent dislocation. By controlling the range of motion around the hip joint, the orthosis aims to keep the hip in a safe alignment, minimizing the chance of the femoral head dislocating posteriorly.

While options such as allowing full range of motion, facilitating hip extension, and providing hip support are important aspects of post-operative rehabilitation, they do not specifically address the prevention of dislocation as effectively as blocking hip flexion does. The focus in this context is to ensure that the hip remains stable during the healing process, making the blocking of hip flexion the most relevant function of the orthosis.