Effect of Peri-operative Glucocorticoids on Short-term Functional Outcome After THA

Patients listed for a direct anterior total hip arthroplasty by a single surgeon will be recruited for this study and allocated to one of two groups: 1. intervention group: 25 grams of iv dexamethasone at induction followed by 10 mg of iv dexamethasone 12 hours later 2. control group: 5 grams of iv dexamethasone at induction followed by placebo 12 hours later Both patients and surgeons will be blinded. Primary outcome measure will be number of steps during the first 6 weeks as measured by a pedometer. Secondary outcome measures will be side effects, complications, Patient Reported Outcome Measures, pain, nausea, stiffness, achievement of clinical milestones and use of analgesia/anti-emetics. This data will be collected using a tailor made application for a smartphone or tablet and data collecting will start one week before surgery until 6 weeks after surgery. Based on a power analysis both groups will consist of 35 patients each.