After hip replacement surgery, patients may have to restrict certain activities to prevent problems with the hip replacement implant. The concern is that in some cases, the replaced hip is not as stable as a normal hip joint. This means that it is possible for the ball of the ball-and-socket hip replacement to dislocate.
There are some newer methods of performing a hip replacement, including anterior hip replacement, as well as some newer styles of implants that may lower the chance of dislocation. Your healthcare provider can let you know what type of precautions are needed to prevent hip dislocation after your specific type of surgery.
Two Positions to Avoid
Most hip replacements are performed with what is called a posterior approach. In order to prevent the chance of a hip replacement dislocation after a posterior approach, certain positions should be avoided. These positions place the hip in a position where dislocation is more likely after surgery. These restrictions are known as posterior hip precautions.
Crossing Your Legs
You should not cross your legs after hip replacement surgery. When putting on socks and shoes, you should not cross your legs to bring your foot towards your body. Your therapist will instruct you on how to safely get dressed.
Forward Bending
It is important not to bend your hip up more than 90 degrees while recovering from a total hip replacement. In general, if your knee is below your hip joint, you are in a safe position. Problems can occur with deep-cushioned seats or low seats such as a toilet.
There are devices you can rent to temporarily raise a toilet seat, thereby reducing the forward flexion of the hip. You should also use pillows or cushions to elevate a seat so that you are always seated with your knees lower than your hips.
It is important to work with your physical therapist and occupational therapist to learn the proper ways to get dressed, sit down, walk, and perform other routine activities while adhering to these precautions.
Considerations
A hip with a replacement implant may not be as stable as a normal hip joint. If a dislocation of the hip replacement occurs, the hip implant must be put back in place. This can usually be done in the emergency room but may require additional surgery.
Furthermore, hip replacement dislocations can damage the implant and decrease the chances of success after hip replacement surgery.
As hip replacement implants have changed over time, and as surgical procedures have been developed and refined, the precautions after hip replacement surgery have also changed. Not every surgeon uses the same precautions, as they are tailored to the specific techniques that they use.
It is important that you discuss with your surgeon the specific recommendations for your situation as there may be reasons why you need more (or less) restrictive precautions.
A Word From Verywell
Complications from hip replacement surgery can occur, and a dislocation is one of the most concerning complications. There are often steps that can be taken to prevent these from occurring. Typically, a hip is more likely to dislocate in certain positions. Learning to avoid these positions can help to prevent complications.
Fortunately, surgeons today are able to minimize this risk, but it can’t be eliminated. Every patient should discuss precautions with their surgeon after having a hip replacement.
