Post-Op Protocols

About Hip Replacement: Walking After Hip Replacement – Dislocation Precautions

Dislocation Precautions

Most hip replacements are done through the “posterior approach.” You should confirm this with your therapist and surgeon. Most hip dislocations can be prevented with some simple precautions.

In the days and weeks after hip replacement, you should keep an abduction splint between your knees whenever you are in bed. In some cases this splint can be replaced with a standard pillow. Be sure to ask your surgeon how long you should continue to use your abduction splint.

You also need to avoid certain positions that can cause your hip to dislocate.

Do not bend over or flex your hip greater than 70 degrees: Avoid sitting in low, soft chairs. It is better to sit in firm higher chairs with arm rests. Your bed mattress should be at least 18 inches off of the ground.

Use a leg lifting strap to help elevate your leg in and out of bed. Also, try to keep your legs separated as much as possible whenever getting out of bed, up from a chair, or in and out of a car.

Do not cross your legs.	Do not roll your leg inward and reach down.
Do not bend over and flex your hip to reach your feet.
Do not bend over to the floor.	Do not pull your foot up and flex your hip.

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