Living with chronic hip pain can hinder the ability to work, participate in hobbies and reduce the quality of life. In these cases, a hip replacement can help to remove the damaged portion of the hip joint and replace it with a prosthesis. This can reduce pain and improve mobility. However, this is a major operation and there are precautions after a hip replacement that will need to be followed to help prevent complications.
Limit the Risk of Falls
It will take some time for the hip to heal and to get used to moving around with a new joint. This means that balance may be an issue after surgery, so it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of falling. A fall that occurs before the area has healed may require additional surgery, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. After surgery, physical and occupational therapists can advise on the use of assistitive devices, canes, crutches and walkers to help maintain balance and reduce the risk of a fall.
Prevent Dislocation
For about six weeks after a hip replacement, it will be necessary to avoid certain movements that could cause the hip to dislocate. The Georgetown University Hospital recommends that the hip joint should not be bent beyond 90 degrees. This means bringing the knee towards the chest should be avoided. The legs can not be crossed and sleeping with pillows between the legs will be required to maintain proper position. It will also be necessary to avoid turning or rotating the leg in or out, or sitting upright on soft or unsupportive surfaces such as sitting up in bed. For some time, bending over to pick objects off the floor, bathing or dressing will be restricted. A physician will keep track of progress and advise when these activities can be resumed.
Keep Moving to Avoid Blood Clots
While rare, blood clots can form in the legs after a hip replacement, warns the National Institutes of Health. If this occurs, the leg will become painful and swollen. These clots can eventually lodge in the lungs and cause trouble breathing and chest pain. In severe cases, they can be fatal. Not staying in bed for too long after surgery can help to keep circulation moving and reduce the risk of clots. Once home, taking short frequent walks will be part of the recovery plan. It will be important to be aware of any of the aforementioned symptoms, which require immediate medical attention.
Avoid High Impact Activities
After a hip replacement, it may be necessary to avoid any kind of high impact activities that require jogging or jumping, or quick direction changes. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, activities that are too vigorous can damage or loosen the prosthesis. Walking, biking and swimming are usually the recommended exercises. It will also be necessary to develop a life-long program of stretching and strength training to help keep the muscles around the new joint strong and flexible.
Do Not Drive
A physician will advise when it is okay to start driving again. However, whenever riding in a car as a passenger or driver, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center states that it will be necessary to avoid sitting in low or bucket seats. Pillows or supportive cushions can be used to raise the seat height. Do not enter or exit the car while standing on a curb. Always get in and out of a car at ground level.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Hip Replacement
- Georgetown University Hospital: Total Hip Replacement Post Operative Instructions
- National Institutes of Health: Total Hip Replacement Risks Patient Tutorial
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: What Is a Hip Replacement?
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Total Hip Replacement Precautions
