Hip Precautions
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For at least three months after surgery, the following precautions must be followed to prevent the dislocation of the new hip.

Do not bend the affected hip beyond 90 degrees:

Do not squat.
Do not bend too far forward while standing.
Do not lean too far forward while sitting.
Keep your hips higher than your knees while sitting.
Do not sit on low chairs, couches, or toilets.
Use a pillow on a low seat to raise your hips above your knees.
Use a raised toilet seat.
Do not raise your knees higher than your hip while climbing stairs.

Do not let the leg on the affected side cross your body's centerline.

Do not cross your legs.
When lying on your non-operated side, place a pillow between your legs
When sitting, keep your knees about six inches apart.

Do not let the foot on the affected side turn inward.

Keep your feet straight, not pigeon-toed, while lying, standing, or sitting.

Minimize stress on the new hip

No jumping, running, or high impact exercise/sports.
Avoid prolonged walking, standing, or stair climbing for the first month.
Avoid activities with a high risk of falling.
Avoid lifting more than 20 to 40 pounds.
Monitor your weight; avoid gaining weight.
Avoid activities that involve bending or twisting the hip joint too far.

Avoid infection in the hip.

Take an antibiotic before any dental work, surgery, or invasive medical test.
Call your PCP if you think you have an infection (sinus, urinary tract, respiratory, cellulitis of the skin).

It is OK to have an MRI if another medical condition warrants it. But airport security machines may be set off by your hip.

These precautions were taken from a document handed to me by Dr. Tomford before surgery.

 

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