Depending on the surgeon’s preference and surgical technique, the patient may be given "hip precautions" to prevent the implant from dislocating. These "precautions" include: avoiding crossing the legs, as well as excessive bending or rotating of the hip. Special pillows will be put between the legs to help avoid those positions and to keep the patient comfortable.
Within 24 hours after surgery, most patients can sit at the side of the bed and stand, and most will be encouraged to walk with help. For those patients with "hip precautions" they must continue to avoid crossing the legs and deep hip bends for a minimum of 6 weeks.
Within 24 hours after surgery, most patients can sit at the side of the bed and stand, and most will be encouraged to walk with help. For those patients with "hip precautions" they must continue to avoid crossing the legs and deep hip bends for a minimum of 6 weeks.
Anterior Approach
With an anterior approach there are typically no "hip precautions", although the patient should be taught to be careful with their daily activities. Help them understand that pain should be their guide. If something is uncomfortable, perhaps they could do things differently. Teach them ways to help reduce the chances of a dislocation (crossing legs, externally rotating leg, squatting, etc) If there are any concerns consult the physician for specific restrictions.
With an anterior approach there are typically no "hip precautions", although the patient should be taught to be careful with their daily activities. Help them understand that pain should be their guide. If something is uncomfortable, perhaps they could do things differently. Teach them ways to help reduce the chances of a dislocation (crossing legs, externally rotating leg, squatting, etc) If there are any concerns consult the physician for specific restrictions.
Posterior Approach
With the posterior approach hip precautions are usually followed. Depending on the exact method these restrictions may be altered. It is important for the patient to understand that because of the tissue damage they are at a higher risk of dislocating their new hip. These precautions should be emphasized prior to surgery and following surgery. Make sure to assist the patient with turns and getting up. Placing a pillow between the patients legs will ensure they do not cross them.
With the posterior approach hip precautions are usually followed. Depending on the exact method these restrictions may be altered. It is important for the patient to understand that because of the tissue damage they are at a higher risk of dislocating their new hip. These precautions should be emphasized prior to surgery and following surgery. Make sure to assist the patient with turns and getting up. Placing a pillow between the patients legs will ensure they do not cross them.
Hip Precautions to teach patients
The Don'ts
- Don't cross your legs at the knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
- Don't bring your knee up higher than your hip.
- Don't lean forward while sitting or as you sit down.
- Don't try to pick up something on the floor while you are sitting.
- Don't turn your feet excessively inward or outward when you bend down.
- Don't reach down to pull up blankets when lying in bed.
- Don't bend at the waist beyond 90 degrees.
References
- https://www.hipreplacement.com/about/about_surgery/anterior_surgery
- http://www.aaos.org/news/acadnews/2013/AAOS8_3_20.asp
- Images retrieved from google search
- http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00356
- http://www.aahks.org/care-for-hips-and-knees/do-i-need-a-joint-replacement/total-hip-replacement/
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000171.htm