Hip Replacement Surgery:

Knowing what to avoid following hip replacement surgery is crucial. Some patients want to resume their regular jobs as soon as possible after having hip replacement surgery, but others are hesitant to move and put off the process because they are worried about hurting themselves or causing a dislocation. The only thing the patient needs to be concerned about when going back to work is taking the necessary precautions to avoid any complications. After surgery, the patient doesn’t need to be afraid to use the affected limb.

It takes months to fully recover from hip replacement surgery. To keep the balance between rest and activity, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor such as an orthopedic/Sports surgeon or physiotherapist.  the technique of maintaining balance will alter with time, as the hip joint stabilizes and so performs better over time. Today, we’ll go over some crucial safety precautions you should take after having a hip replacement:

Postoperative Guidelines for complete hip replacement surgery:

Patients are instructed to avoid making these moves in order to prevent prosthesis displacement.

• Bringing the legs together or crossing the legs (adduction).
• Too-close contact between the knee and the chest (extreme hip flexion).
• Inverting the foot so that it faces the other leg (internal rotation).
• Sit with your knees comfortably spaced apart.
• Avoid sitting in low seats, especially ones that are packed with cushions.
• Until the doctor gives the all-clear, avoid lying on the affected side.
• Always place a big pillow or two little pillows between your knees when you’re laying on your unaffected side, and keep your knees slightly bent.
• Continue using the higher toilet seat.

6-10wk

• Avoid walking with your legs crossed, especially when turning.
• Avoid bending past an angle of 80 degrees when picking up objects off the floor, touching your feet, or pulling up blankets while in bed.
• Avoid leaning forward when using the restroom by sitting slightly reclined. When sitting or standing, keep your shoulders behind your hips.
• When sitting on a chair, try not to raise your knee higher than your hip.
• When climbing stairs, start with the unaffected leg and bring both crutches onto the step when both feet have reached the step above.
• Place crutches on the step below as you down the steps. Step down first with the affected leg, then with the other.
• Use crutches or a walker until you can visit the doctor again.
• You can resume driving six weeks following surgery, but only if you have adequate control over the affected limb and can easily switch it from the accelerator to the brake.
• Put the nightstand on the side of the bed opposite the affected leg to prevent twisting the trunk toward the side that is involved, which would be equivalent to turning the leg inward.
• To avoid tightness in the front of the hip, try to lie flat in bed for at least 15 to 30 minutes each day.
• Try putting the foot up, if the affected leg’s edema has grown.

Following hip replacement surgery, patients are recommended to adopt preventative measures that will aid them in the long run. These measures aid in a speedy and comprehensive recovery while preventing the new hip from dislocating.

For further guidance visit Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre. We are the leading physiotherapy clinic in Delhi, NCR for the treatment of Post hip replacement surgery.