Hip Replacement Precautions “I had a hip implant to treat my hip fracture. I recovered well and was glad to finally be home. One day I was watching television when I dropped the remote control. I bent down to pick it up and I felt a sharp pain in my hip. The doctor told me I had overstrained on my muscles, incision and healing tissues. He reminded me on the hip precaution. Luckily, my operated hip is still intact. Now, I use a long-handled reacher to pick up items from the floor and try to avoid sudden or big movements. I also pay more attention to how I sit and stand.”
What does it mean? Hip precautions are some dos and don’ts to help you recover well after you replace your hip joint. Why do I need to follow them? It takes time to strengthen the new muscles supporting your new hip joint. It is important to be careful about how you move till your wound is fully healed and the hip muscles are strong enough to support the new joint. This is to prevent problems with the new joint, such as the top of the thigh bone coming out of the hip joint (dislocation).
How long do I need to follow these precautions? Six weeks to three months, depending on how fast you recover. The number one precaution Do not bend your hip joint beyond 90 degrees Dos & Don’ts Sitting Position
Do not lean forward or sit too low.
Do not cross your knees or ankles.
Dos & Don’ts Toilet
Use raised seat and/or grab bar, put weight on unoperated side.
Do not put your legs on stool or use squat toilet.
Dos & Don’ts Picking Things Up
Use long-handled reacher.
Get help to pick up items.
Do not lean forward or squat down.
In Bed When sleeping on your back •
Keep knees and toes pointing upwards.
•
Put a pillow between your knees. When sleeping on your side •
Sleep on your unoperated side.
•
Put two pillows between your knees.
Do not sit up to pull the blanket towards you. Getting into bed Sit as far back on the edge of the bed as you can so that your operated leg is partially supported. Keep your body straight and do not twist your legs as you bring both legs into the bed. Be careful not to cross your legs.
Getting out of bed Move to the edge of the bed. Sit on the edge of the bed with your operated leg straight out in front. In order to stand, push down with both hands on the side of the bed without leaning forward. Ensure your walking aids are correctly positioned.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
IP.PE.57.0717