The trade-off is that they will likely have a significant decrease in hip pain and disability.
This means that it is possible for the ball of the ball-and-socket hip replacement to dislocate.
Three Positions to Avoid
Most hip replacements are performed with what is called a posterior approach.
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so that prevent the chance of ahip replacement dislocationafter a posterior approach, certain positions should be avoided.
These positions place the hip in a position where dislocation is more likely after surgery.
These restrictions are known as posterior hip precautions.
Crossing Your Legs
You should not cross your legs after hip replacement surgery.
Your therapist will instruct you on how to safely get dressed.
Problems can occur with deep-cushioned seats or low seats such as a toilet.
When walking, take small steps and pick up your feet, preventing your leg from turning inward.
Use care when getting into or out of bed or a vehicle.
Considerations
A hip with a replacement implant may not be as stable as a normal hip joint.
If a dislocation of the hip replacement occurs, the hip implant must be put back in place.
This can usually be done in the emergency room but may require additional surgery.
Furthermore, hip replacement dislocations can damage the implant and decrease the chances of success after hip replacement surgery.
Not every surgeon uses the same precautions, as they are tailored to the specific techniques that they use.
There are often steps that can be taken to prevent these from occurring.
Typically, a hip is more likely to dislocate in certain positions.
Learning to avoid these positions can help to prevent complications.
Fortunately, surgeons today are able to minimize this risk, but it can’t be eliminated.
Every patient should discuss precautions with their surgeon after having a hip replacement.
A systematic review.Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil.
2015;6(3):230235. doi:10.1177/2151458515584640
Indiana University Health.Precautions for total hip replacement patients only.
2015 Nov;23(11):e60-71.
