Have you really got to be careful with your hip after a total hip replacement?

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For a long time we were always told to tell the patients to not flex their hip past 90 degrees, cross their leg past the mid line or twist their leg. The reason for this was due to the increased risk of dislocation but is this really true?



Well considering the emphasis and importance placed on these precautions, it may seem that they are unfounded!

Now it is actually true that one of the most common complications after a total hip replacement is a dislocation, the prevalence is reported to be 19% of total hip replacements (Smith T & Sackley 2016).
The problem is that if you are restricting movement for a while then you may create issues with flexibility and function. So if we didn’t restrict the patients then they can just get on with their rehab unimpeded.

The other issue is the cost. For example Occupational therapists have to raise toilet seat and chairs etc. at home for the patient so that they aren’t putting their hip into these positions.  

So what does the evidence say?



Early rehabilitation increases the pace of recovery without increasing complications compared to pathways with hip precautions  (Prodromos et al 2009).

Smith and Sackley (2016) also feel that the precautions don't reduce the risk of dislocation and may hinder the patient's return to normal function.


What is currently done in real life?



Most healthcare professionals routinely give advice on hip precautions but a quarter of them think that they don't need to as it makes no difference (Smith & Sackley 2016).

Summary:


Overall, Total hip replacements can dislocate but it would appear that you can't reduce this risk, if it's going to happen then it's going to happen. Truthfully nobody is going to put their hip in an extreme position after the surgery as it would simply hurt too much. So my advice is, don't worry about it and push on with your rehab but listen to your body. It will tell you if you are doing anything wrong.

So if you would like to book in for an assessment then contact me via any of the below methods:


Telephone: 01782 771861
Mobile: 07866195914



Comments

  1. Unknown21 December 2017 at 00:07

    Thanks for sharing such beautiful information with us. I hope you will share some more info about HAWKESPHYSIOTHERAPY please keep sharing!

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    ReplyDelete
  2. ASA10 May 2019 at 03:59


    Thanks for all the great insights.
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    ReplyDelete

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