Post-op Hip Precautions

In regard to post-op abduction of the hips, we want the patient to have their legs _______ and their toes _______.

• slightly apart; pointed up towards the ceiling

• together; pointed downward

• crossed; pointed toward ceiling

• slightly apart; pointed inward

Answer explanation

It is important to keep the hips in a neutral aligned position with feet spread slightly apart, and toes towards the ceiling.

AVOID: crossing and rotating the legs, and turning feet inward.

What is the purpose of keeping a post-op total hip patient in abduction?

To prevent:

Answer explanation

Hip Dislocation for post-op patients can be caused by twisting the leg in or out, bending at the hip past 90°, and crossing the legs.

A post-op total hip patient needs to avoid ______ and ______ as these actions will cause their new hip to dislocate.

• abduction; use of raised toilet seat

• crossing legs; bending over

• use of abduction pillow; walking

• swimming; use of trapeze device

Answer explanation

Walking, gentle swimming, raised toilet seats, and abduction pillows are all encouraged for individuals healing from total hip replacement. Crossing the legs, and bending over is discouraged to prevent dislocation

In regard to sleep, what should the post-op total hip replacement patient avoid?

• sleeping longer than 6 hours

• utilizing a trapeze device in bed

• sleeping on the operated side

• sleep with pillow between legs

Answer explanation

Sleeping on the operated side would place unnecessary and excessive pressure in that area.

Avoid sleeping on affected side for at least 6 weeks.

True or false?

The purpose of following precautions will slow recovery time while maintaining patient safety

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

while following precautions will ensure patient safety, doing so will improve healing time, not slow it down!! precautions will also prevent complications

Avoid hip flexion

>__°

Answer explanation

Greater than 90!

can cause dislocation

There are 3 major hip positions that patients must avoid to prevent dislocation, avoid injury, and improve healing time post surgery. 

What are the big 3 discussed in todays presentation?

• adduction

  abduction

  flexion

• flexion

  extension

  abduction

• rotation

  flexion

  adduction

• rotation

  abduction

  flexion

Answer explanation

The Big 3:

• No Rotation of the Hip

• No Flexion Beyond 90 Degrees

• No Adduction of the Hip Beyond the Midline

TRUE or FALSE?

Hip precautions are typically prescribed for 6 months for those without significant complications from the procedure

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

Hip precautions are typically prescribed for 6 weeks in those without complications post-operatively.

Circle the position that is most likely to facilitate proper healing in a patient who recently experienced a total hip replacement

Answer explanation

if you selected the first position. You are correct!

That was just for fun!

patients should follow hip precautions for all of the following except:

• Decrease pain

• Decrease function

• Improve quality of life

• Reduce risk of dislocation

• Augment soft tissue healing

Answer explanation

The purpose of both a total hip replacement and abiding by the precautions is to INCREASE function!!