Total Hip Replacement Precautions

1. Total Hip Replacement Precautions These guidelines are for those who have had hip replacement surgery. After you have hip replacement surgery, you will need to be careful how you move your hip, especially for the first few months after surgery. In time, you should be able to return to your previous level of activity. In general : Avoid bending past 90 degrees. DO NOT cross your legs or ankles when you are sitting, standing, or lying down. Avoid twisting your leg in or out. When you are sitting : Try not to sit in the same position for more than 30 to 40 minutes at a time DO NOT cross your legs. Sit in chairs higher than knee height. Sit in a firm, straight-back chair with arm rests. DO NOT sit on soft chairs, rocking chairs, sofas, or stools. When you are getting dressed : DO NOT bend over, raise your legs, or cross your legs when you get dressed. DO NOT dress standing up. Sit on a chair or the edge of your bed, if it is stable. Use long-handled equipment to get dressed. When you are bathing or showering : Take sponge baths or purchase a tub bench. You may use a walk-in shower. Be sure to keep the bathroom floor dry and clean. DO NOT sit in the bottom of a regular bathtub; use a tub seat or bench. DO NOT bend or squat to wash your legs and feet. Use long-handled equipment to reach them. When you are walking : Continue to use your walker, crutches, or cane until your doctor tells you otherwise. Wear well-fitting shoes with non-skid soles.

2. Put only the amount of weight your doctor or physical therapist told you was okay to put on your hip that had surgery. Take small steps when you are turning. Try not to pivot. When you are lying in bed : Lie on your back while resting in bed. Keep a pillow between your thighs to prevent your knees from touching. When you are using stairs : When you are going up, step first with your leg on the side that did not have surgery. When you are going down, step first with your leg on the side that had surgery. When you are getting into or riding in a car : DO NOT drive until your doctor says you may. Avoid long car rides. Get up and walk around every two hours. Get into the car from street level, not from a curb or doorstep. Car seats should not be too low. Sit on a pillow if you need to. Before you get into a car, make sure you can slide easily on the seat material. Toileting : Use a raised toilet seat at or above knee height. Avoid twisting during personal hygiene.