Hip Precautions After Surgery: What You Can and Cannot Do
After hip replacement surgery, your surgeon may recommend specific movement precautions to reduce the risk of hip dislocation — the new joint coming out of place. These precautions depend on the surgical approach used, and following them carefully during the healing period is essential for a successful recovery.
The precautions relate to the position of the hip during daily activities. The risk of dislocation is highest in the first six to twelve weeks after surgery, while the soft tissues around the hip are still healing. Once healed, the hip is much more stable, and precautions can typically be relaxed.
The specific precautions depend on the surgical approach. The posterior approach (the most common) requires precautions to avoid posterior dislocation. The anterior approach generally requires fewer precautions because the dislocation risk is lower. Your surgeon will tell you which approach was used and which precautions apply.
For the posterior approach, the standard precautions are: do not bend the hip beyond ninety degrees (do not lean forward when sitting, do not sit on low chairs or toilets, do not bend to pick things up from the floor), do not cross the legs or ankles (do not cross the legs when sitting, do not lie on the side without a pillow between the knees), and do not turn the operated leg inward (do not pivot on the operated leg, turn with small steps instead).
Practical implications include: use a raised toilet seat, use a chair with armrests and an appropriate height, use a reacher to pick up objects from the floor, sleep on your back or on the unoperated side with a pillow between the knees, get in and out of bed on the operated side first, and use a shoehorn and stocking aid for dressing.
Your physiotherapist will teach you how to perform daily activities safely within these precautions. The hip replacement physiotherapy service provides comprehensive education and guidance throughout your recovery.
After six to twelve weeks (follow your surgeon's advice), precautions are typically lifted. However, some surgeons recommend avoiding extreme hip flexion and crossing the legs permanently. Always follow your specific surgeon's guidance.
Our hip replacement physiotherapy service provides expert guidance on hip precautions and safe movement. Our post-hospital rehabilitation service supports your transition home, while our falls prevention programme addresses balance concerns during recovery.