Hip Replacement - Special instructions post operatively

The patient should always be careful about the chair they are sitting in. It must not be too low – the angle of their body to their leg must never be less than 90º- normal sitting is about 120º. They must be very wary of soft sofas or chairs that sink down when you sit on them. The seat of the car may need a small cushion or towel to level it if it is not flat. A good height chair or bed would have more than 18” /46cm (when compressed) to the floor. Anything lower is not really suitable unless the patient is very short. The patient must never cross their legs as there is a strong chance of dislocation. If the hip should dislocate it would be possible for the surgeon to operate to put it back in place but the hip might then continue to give problems. If the hip dislocates more than one time it would then be necessary to wear a brace to support the hip

It is not advisable to walk without sticks until the doctor or physiotherapist says it is ok. Swimming is not allowed for six months (however the patient may do supervised exercises in the water with a trained professional). Extreme care should be taken when doing the breast stroke.

In order not to strain the joint the patient should avoid:
• Repetitive heavy lifting / or pushing heavy objects
• Excessive stiar climbing
• Putting on weight – maintain a healthy weight at all times
• Inactivity – the joint should be kept mobile
• Impact loading sports such as jogging,skiing and aerobics – it is better to ask the doctor or   physuiotherapist before starting a new sport or activity
• activities that involve quick stop/start motion, twisting or impact stresses such as jumping
• Excessive bending when weight bearing such as climbing steep stairs
• Kneeling
• Low chairs

St James Hospital is MRSA free. A Cell saver is available to collect the patients blood that is lost during surgery and to return it to the patients blood system immediately post surgery. This option is usually preferred by patients who would not wish to have a donor transfusion after surgery.