A prospective study of sixty-four men was conducted before they
underwent a total hip arthroplasty to try to identify the factors that are
predictive of postoperative urinary retention. Although neither the
urological history nor the physical examination provided information that
was helpful in accurately identifying the patients who were at risk, those
whose peak urinary flow rate was less than seventeen milliliters per second
did have a statistically significant likelihood of the development of
urinary retention. A system of management that we hope will reduce the
incidence of this complication is proposed.