What are hip precautions and do they apply to anterior hip replacement surgery?
Hip precautions are recommendations that orthopedic surgeons discuss with patients before and after surgery. These only apply to patients who have a hip replacement through a posterior approach. These recommendations are to prevent patients from dislocating their new hip replacement which as I just mentioned is one of the most common complications that can occur after a hip replacement. The precautions start on the day of surgery when a pillow is placed between your legs for approximately the first 4-6 weeks whenever you are sitting or lying down. When you sleep, you have to sleep on your back with the pillow between your legs for the first 4- weeks. In addition you are told to follow a 90-90 rule which means don’t bend your hips or knees beyond 90 degrees. You are also told not to cross your legs, turn your toes inward, or tie your shoes. You shouldn’t sit on low chairs or couches. To assist with these precautions, you are also recommended to get an elevated toilet seat so that when y
