Are There Permanent Restrictions After Hip Replacement Surgery?

After undergoing a hip replacement surgery, it’s crucial to follow certain lifetime precautions to ensure a successful and long-lasting recovery. One important aspect to consider in your daily activities is avoiding movements that put excessive strain on your new hip joint. Specifically, refrain from crossing your legs or ankles when sitting, standing, or lying down, as this can potentially compromise the stability of the hip replacement. Additionally, be cautious about bending too far forward from your waist or pulling your leg up past your waist, a movement known as hip flexion. It’s advisable to steer clear of hip flexion that exceeds 90 degrees, which is essentially a right angle. These precautions are essential to safeguard the integrity of your hip replacement and promote a healthy, pain-free lifestyle following the procedure. Remember that adhering to these guidelines will contribute significantly to your overall well-being in the years to come.

Is it possible to achieve more than a 90-degree range of motion following hip replacement surgery? After undergoing hip replacement surgery, your ability to bend your hip joint is initially restricted to around 90 degrees of flexion for the first 90 days. This limitation is necessary to allow the healing of the surrounding tissues. However, it’s important to note that the full potential of your hip joint and complete recovery typically occur between one to two years post-surgery. As of June 1, 2022, this timeframe may vary from person to person.

Is it possible to lead a typical life after undergoing a hip replacement procedure? Following rehabilitation, numerous individuals can reintegrate into their regular routines. The extent to which you can resume your normal activities depends on the underlying cause of your hip issue. Dr. Harris, your orthopedic surgeon, may advise emphasizing low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming, which are generally conducive to hip replacement recovery. It is essential to steer clear of high-impact activities such as running and tennis, as these could potentially stress the newly replaced hip joint. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance your chances of enjoying a fulfilling and pain-free life post-hip replacement surgery.

• Do not cross your legs or ankles when you are sitting, standing, or lying down.
• Do not bend too far forward from your waist or pull your leg up past your waist. This bending is called hip flexion. Avoid hip flexion greater than 90 degrees (a right angle).