Positions to Avoid -- Next Six to Eight Weeks

The therapist will tell you which surgical approach your doctor used so you can follow one of these precautions.

Posterior Approach

• Do not bend operated hip past 90 degrees.
• Do not cross midline of body with operated leg.
• Do not rotate operated leg inward. Toes and kneecap should point toward ceiling.

Anterior Approach

• Do not extend leg behind you. If backing up, lead with the “good leg.” Do not lie on your stomach.
• Do not cross midline with operated leg.
• Do not rotate leg outward.

Walking

Use a walker or crutches until your doctor says you no longer need them (approximately six to eight weeks). You should rest your operated foot flat on the floor, putting:

• No weight
• Moderate weight
• Weight as tolerated

Make sure the foot does rest on the floor because it is less stressful to let it rest there than to hold it up.

Steps

Always go up with your stronger leg first, followed by weaker leg, then assistive device. To go down: assistive device first, weaker leg, then stronger leg.

Positioning

• Avoid prolonged sitting such as more than one or two hours at a time. Stand up, walk, or lie down instead.
• Do not put a pillow under your knee while in bed or sitting.
• You are encouraged to spend 30 minutes a day lying flat on your back in order to maintain flexibility of the hip muscles. At six weeks after surgery you may roll onto your stomach.
• You may roll to either side in bed. When rolling to your non-operative side, place two pillows between your legs to help maintain a good hip position.

Activities of Daily Living -- Next Six to Eight Weeks

• Do not drive until given permission by your doctor.
• Riding in a car is permitted as long as you stop every hour to walk around for several minutes before resuming your ride. A reclining car seat or reclined position is recommended for comfort and safety.
• Sitting: Avoid low chairs and sofas. Instead, sit on higher chair or chair with a firm pillow in it. A recliner would be more comfortable. Avoid crossing legs.
• Avoid gaining excessive weight. Try to maintain ideal weight.
• Avoid low/conventional toilet seats. An elevated toilet seat should be used instead. If in public, use handicapped facilities to assure adequate toilet height.
• Sitting in the bottom of the bathtub is forbidden -- take a shower or sponge bath instead.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. Do not reach down to put on shoes and socks. Avoid high-heeled shoes or slip-on slippers.
• Avoid stooping, squatting, or bending forward. If item is needed in lower cabinets or floor, call for assistance or use "reacher."
• When sitting or standing, always place operated leg out in front to prevent excessive pressure in hip. Studies show a hip receives more pressure during sit and stand transfers than actual walking.

Exercise

Next Six to Eight Weeks

• Continue the exercise program that your therapist has given you. After four weeks, you can add small, one- to three-pound ankle weights.
• You may be instructed by your therapist to progress your exercise program after six weeks. You may do this on your own or with a family member's help.
• Continue to walk with your walker or crutches to help increase your endurance.
• You may ride a stationary bike four weeks after surgery with no resistance on the pedals. Raise the seat a little higher than usual so you don’t bend your hip too far.
• You may begin swimming after your incision heals (usually two weeks after surgery). Use a ramp or steps with a railing to get in and out of the pool. Do not use the ladder.

After Eight Weeks

• Continue a walking, swimming, or stationary biking program for aerobic conditioning.
• You may resume golf or cycling after three months.
• Avoid jarring or stop-start activities such as jogging or aerobics -- these activities
  might loosen your prosthesis.