August 2010 -- Proper Body Positioning for Post OP Total Hip Patients

  The following precautions should be observed for the next eight to twelve weeks following your total    hip surgery. It is up to you and your physician to discuss when you can resume normal activity.

  Motions that are not allowed following a total hip replacement include:

1. Hip flexion more than 90°
2. Hip rotation inwards or outwards
3. Hip adduction - you are not allowed to cross your leg past your body's midline towards the opposite leg.

  This means that:

  Sitting:

• Do not lean forward from a sitting position
• Do not pull your knee toward your chest
• Do not cross your legs or ankles
• Keep your toes pointed straight ahead

  When coming to stand:

• Slide your operated leg forward before you sit or stand
• Lean backwards to slide your buttocks forward to the edge of the chair
• Keep your hands on the chair/bed to stand up or sit down. Do not hold onto the walker as it is not secure.
• Push from the chair/bed straight upwards to stand. Do not lean forward.
• Avoid low soft chairs.

  Lying Down:

• Do not cross legs or ankles
• Lie on your back or on your operated side. DO NOT lie on the non-operated side.
• Do not pull your knees to your chest.
• Keep your toes pointed towards the ceiling/straight ahead.
• Keep your legs separated by using the blue abduction pillow between your legs for the next 8 weeks, whenever sleeping.

  Walking:

• Keep your legs separated and the toes of the operated leg pointed straight ahead.
• Do not pivot on the operated leg.
• When turning, take small steps and turn towards the good side/unoperated side.
• Continue to use your walker/crutches until your doctor gives you further orders.

  Stair climbing:

• Going up, you lead with the good (unoperated) leg with the assistive device following.
• Coming down, lead with the assistive device, then the operated leg, and then the non-operated leg.

  Once you are allowed to bathe, take a shower rather than a bath. You may need to use a tub stool   while bathing.

  If you drop an object on the floor, do not pick it up. Wait for another person to pick it up or use some   type of long handled reacher.

  Before you leave the hospital, an Occupational Therapist will demonstrate ways (through the use of   several helpful devices) to put on and remove shoes, socks, and pants. She will also demonstrate and   explain how to pick up objects from the floor, bathe the feet, and transfer into the car.