Can I Sit Cross Legged After Anterior Hip Replacement
When compared to the anterior approach to hip replacement, there are numerous advantages to recovering from an anterior approach rather than a traditional anterior approach, including no need for you to bend or cross your leg past 90 degrees during the anterior.
Hip Replacement Surgery: The Dos And Donts
Adequate movement restrictions after hip replacement surgery are required to aid in proper healing. This restriction in movement has a minimal impact on complications such as the displacement of the hip prosthesis. Complications can occur even when a patient is restricted in his movement. If you are prone to leg crossing during sleep, for example, you should avoid it. It may take two months for hip replacement patients to be able to walk normally after surgery.
How Do I Safely Get Dressed After A Hip Replacement
For dressing, to prevent lifting your knee higher than your hip on the surgery side, you may need a long shoehorn and a dressing stick which will help you with your shoes, socks and pants. Remember to always put your operative leg in your pants first. If you wear shoes with shoe ties, try switching to elastic shoelaces.
Waddle After Hip Replacement
After a hip replacement, it is common for patients to have to waddle around for a bit until the new hip gets settled in. This is because the new hip is not yet used to the patients body and needs time to adjust. Once the new hip has had time to adjust, the patient will be able to walk normally again.
The body, in response to a weakened glute medius, employs a waddle to compensate. This gait is also known as a modified gait after total hip replacement surgery. It will most likely fade as inflammation in the muscles wears down. Because it improves hip mobility, walking is the best exercise for a healthy recovery. Walking with a gait is made possible by weakness in the pelvic girdle. After striking the ground first, your heel strikes the floor in normal gait after that, your foot becomes flat. Three simple motions are required for the development of a more normal walking pattern after hip replacement.
Waddling is the act of walking along a bodys forepart, with only short steps between each step. Its a common misconception that walking like a duck or a pigeon is caused by hip and lower leg alignment issues. This can occur when patients walk too frequently and stress the implants prior to ingrowing them.
Recommended Reading: Bicycle Riding After Hip Replacement
No Sleeping On Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach can cause the hip to twist, which raises the risk of dislocation. Also avoid lying on the side of your body affected by the surgery. This puts a lot of stress on the implant since your entire body weight is now loaded on the hip replacement. For the best results, sleep on your back. This also prevents inadvertent crossing of your legs during sleep Another sleeping tip: Do not reach down and pull up the blankets as you may in effect be bending down too much.
When I Can Walk Without A Cane After Hip Replacement

The good news after you get your new hip is that 99% of the time you are weight bearing as tolerated . In other words, you can put as much weight through that leg as you can tolerate within pain limitations.
What this means is that once the hip is in place, putting more weight through the new hip is not a concern. You will not damage your new hip with normal body weight through your leg.
The main issue that will limit you from walking unaided after hip surgery is your trust level of the leg. Being able to support your body weight again is always difficult for my patients however it will improve.
More than likely you have been either limping around for quite some time or using a cane when you walk. Getting back to normal walking will be more of a mental challenge than a physical issue for you.
At this stage of your recovery you will likely be seen by a PT whether home or outpatient therapy. The best way to determine when you are ready to walk unaided is when you are demonstrating that even when you are walking with a cane that you are barely using the cane at all.
If this is the case, your body is telling you to make this more of a habit. Start to move away from the cane gradually and see how your walking progresses. Keep your feet wider for more support and balance early in this phase.
Don’t Miss: Arthritis In The Hips Feel Like
When You Can Bend Over 90 Degrees After Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon to remove a hip joint with arthritis. The old joint gets replaced with an artificial joint, so the patient can enjoy lasting relief.
Recovery from hip replacement surgery is a gradual process which requires the patient to take certain precautions to ensure a full recovery. Thats why many patients ask questions such as, When can you bend past 90 degrees after hip replacement? or Can you bend after hip replacement?
At OrthoBethesda, we encourage our patients to work with physical therapists after their hip replacement to ensure the recovery process is a fast, comfortable and pleasurable experience. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about recovery from a hip replacement.
How To Go Up The Stairs With A Cane After Hip Surgery
To go up the stairs is almost as easy as it is to go down the stairs. To reach a higher floor via the stairs, follow this guide. First of all, hold the rail with one hand and the cane in the other. Support your weight evenly between the rail and the cane. With the cane and operated leg on the lower step, step up with your un-operated leg. Keeping a grip on the rail, bring your operated leg and cane up to the same step.
Read Also: Pain On The Right Hip
When Can I Go Home After A Hip Replacement
Most patients can start walking and can go home the day of the surgery, says Thakkar. Most people dont need bed rest. In fact, moving your new joint keeps it from becoming stiff.
If you have a preexisting condition , or if no one can give you a ride and help around the house right after the surgery, you might need to spend the night at the hospital. People who had complex surgeries or lack support at home may benefit from starting their recovery in an inpatient rehabilitation unit.
Factors That Affect Hip Replacement Recovery
There are a number of factors that could impact how quickly and smoothly your hip replacement surgery recovery may go. One of the biggest is how active you were before surgery. Speed of recovery depends on pre-operative activity levels, Dr. Courtney says. Younger, healthier patients will recover quicker.
In addition, taking measures before surgery to minimize infection risk will help prevent complications from developing later. One of the most feared complications is infection, so we make sure patients are optimized before surgery, says Dr. Courtney. Overweight people above a certain BMI are at higher risk for infection, so we instruct them to lose weight. We recommend that smokers stop smoking and that people with diabetes make sure their blood sugars are correctly managed.
Read Also: Getting Into Bed After Hip Replacement
Plan Ahead For Recovery
There are several stages to recovering from hip replacement surgery. Among them is planning for the procedure and learning what you can and cant do for several days and weeks after surgery. The average length of stay in the hospital is less than two days, so planning for day three and beyond is important.
Barring complications, your hospital stay will be short. You should know whether you will go directly home or if you will go to a physical rehabilitation facility. At rehab, youll have plenty of qualified help 24 hours a day.If you know youll be going home directly from the hospital, youll need help when you get there and you will want your home to be prepped for your limited mobility.
Find loved ones or friends who can help or hire a home health aide to assist you until you have more mobility. You will need someone to prep and serve food because you wont be able to stand for long periods of time when you first get home. You should also reorganize and refit your home to make your recuperation easier.
Ways to prepare your home for after surgery include:
You wont be allowed to drive right away, but you will need dependable transportation to and from physical therapy and follow-up visits with your doctor.
Finally, if you live alone or if youre the one who always does the grocery shopping, have a plan to have your groceries delivered or picked up. Most grocery stores have online shopping and delivery services. Set up your accounts prior to your hip surgery.
How Can I Manage At Home During Recovery From Hip Replacement Surgery What Are Hip Replacement Precautions And Restrictions
There are some general safety tips to keep in mind. For example, simplify your surroundings:
- Remove clutter.
- Keep stairs free of objects.
- Keep supplies in the same place.
- Remove small rugs throughout the house.
Keep walking areas safe:
- Watch out for your pets when walking.
- Keep hallways/stairways well lit.
- Purchase night lights for bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Stairs should have securely fastened handrails. Non-skid threads on stairs add to safety. If you have problems with your vision, add a contrasting color to mark stair edges.
You May Like: Pain In My Groin And Hip
Can You Walk After Hip Fracture
Limited mobility: Most people with a hip fracture cant stand or walk. Sometimes, it may be possible to walk, but its extremely painful to put weight on the leg. Physical changes: You may have a bruise on your hip. One of your legs may appear shorter than the other.
How long does an elderly person live after breaking a hip?
One in three adults aged 50 and over dies within 12 months of suffering a hip fracture. Older adults have a five-to-eight times higher risk of dying within the first three months of a hip fracture compared to those without a hip fracture. This increased risk of death remains for almost ten years.
What helps a broken hip heal faster?
Heal faster after hip fracture surgery with the following tips and tricks:
How Long Do You Have To Follow Hip Precautions

You need to remain under total hip precautions for about 12 weeks. During this period, dont turn your toes in or out. Avoid crossing your legs as well. Make sure you keep all your follow-up appointments and ask your surgeon to tell you when youre free to bend beyond 90 degrees or bend down to pick things up.
Also Check: Stretch Lower Back And Hips
Can You Fully Recover From A Hip Fracture
Full healing of a broken hip can take many months. Most fractures take 10-12 weeks for healing, and the muscle strength and mobility can take much longer. Typically, people get close to their full recovery within 6 months of the injury, but it can take up to a full year to achieve as much improvement as possible.
Do Not Step Into A Car
Avoid stepping into a car while recuperating. Make sure the car is parked on a flat area, and that the front passenger seat is pushed back as far as possible. Use the walking device recommended by your doctor. Once next to the car, turn and back up to the front passenger seat. Place your right hand on the door frame and your left hand on the seat or dashboard. Carefully lower yourself in.
Don’t Miss: Best Mattress For Back And Hip Pain
How Long Does It Take To Fully Recover From Anterior Hip Replacement
It usually takes two to three weeks for patients to regain their ability to engage in basic activities. Physical activity such as sports and manual labor, on the other hand, can take up to three months to return. If hip pain affects your quality of life, you should consult with a doctor about a direct anterior hip replacement.
Every year, approximately 200 000 patients decide to have hip replacement surgery. You should also consider the recovery process after surgery. Recovery usually takes 12 to 15 weeks. It is possible that your first year will see even more improvement. To help patients get back to their normal lives, a hip replacement necessitates improvements in strength, balance, and coordination. The ability to maintain hip strength and muscle weakness for more than two years after hip replacement surgery has previously been demonstrated. Patients may stop exercising as a result of a lower recovery rate, putting them at risk of falling.
How Should I Prepare For Hip Replacement Surgery
There are certain steps patients can take both before and after surgery to improve recovery time and results. It is important to follow the instructions and guidance provided by your orthopedic surgeon, medical team and rehabilitation therapist. Visit to get information on preoperative hip replacement classes and patient education materials about joint replacement surgery.
Recommended Reading: Pants With Slits On The Hips
How To Go Down The Stairs With A Cane After Hip Surgery
First of all, slow down and take a deep breath. Make sure you are not shaky and you are ready to overcome this obstacle. Now, slowly follow these steps. Hold the rail with one hand and the cane in the other. With your weight on your good leg, step down with your operated leg and cane. Using the cane and rail for balance, slowly bring your good leg down to the same step.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement is the removal and replacement of portions of the pelvis and femur that form your hip joint. It is performed primarily to relieve hip pain and stiffness caused by .
This procedure is also sometimes used to treat injuries such as a broken or improperly growing hip, and for other conditions. “” rel=”nofollow”> hip replacement specialist at HSS.)
Read Also: Piriformis Syndrome After Hip Replacement
When Can I Return To Work
It depends on your occupation. It is never a mistake to take more time off in the beginning of your recovery, as it will give you time to focus on your hip. I recommend taking at least 3 weeks off for a single resurfacing, and 6 weeks for a double. Keep in mind that you may still be using crutches and it may be difficult to commute.
What To Expect During Recovery From Hip Replacement Surgery

Most people will fully recover from hip replacement surgery within a few months to a year, but recovery times vary for each patient. Expect about one to four days of bed rest immediately after surgery, but physical rehabilitation usually starts the same day as your procedure.
The process is slow and steady, barring complications, and each week should bring less pain, better balance and increased mobility.
Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline
Ideally, were looking to get patients back to work after a joint replacement within a matter of weeks to a couple of months,Dr. H. John Cooper, a board certified orthopedic surgeon, told Drugwatch.
The fastest way to recover from hip replacement surgery is to follow your surgeons instructions, watch for signs of problems, be diligent with your physical and occupational therapy and maintain a healthy diet.
You May Like: How To Elevate Leg After Hip Replacement
Why Do You Need Crutches After Hip Arthroscopy
After surgery, your hips are touch down 50% of the time, and you require crutches for three weeks to aid in extra stability and protect your hip. The hip should not be hyperextended or hyperflexed. You will feel it when you do this. Do not move your hip out of alignment within a pain-free range of motion.
Lifelong Restrictions After Hip Replacement
There are a number of lifelong restrictions that must be followed after having hip replacement surgery. These restrictions are in place to help ensure the longevity of the new hip joint and to minimize the risk of complications. Some of the most important restrictions include avoiding high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, and avoiding activities that put undue stress on the new hip joint, such as squatting or sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods of time. Additionally, patients must take care to maintain good hip joint alignment and to avoid activities that could dislocate the new hip joint.
Parts of your hip joint that have been damaged by disease can be removed and replaced with metal, plastic, or ceramic parts during hip replacement surgery. Following hip replacement, rehabilitation is typically less extensive than that of many other types of joint replacement surgery. Patients must have their hips properly positioned in order to receive physical therapy. Those who need to have a second hip replaced have a faster recovery time. It is also easier to recover after surgery on your second hip if you already have a new hip. Our patients are treated with respect and dignity at HSS, and we go above and beyond to ensure that their surgeries go smoothly.
Read Also: Tennis Players With Hip Replacements
Can You Walk Too Much After Hip Replacement
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individuals level of activity prior to surgery, the type of hip replacement surgery performed, and the individuals physical condition post-surgery. In general, however, most people are able to return to their normal level of activity within a few months after surgery. It is important to listen to your body and not overdo it, as this could lead to complications. If you have any concerns, it is best to speak with your doctor.
Following surgery, you can resume your normal activities within 3-6 weeks of your recovery. Walking is the best exercise for a healthy recovery because it aids in the recovery of hip movement. The first few days after an operation can be painful, but exercise can help relieve pain and improve blood flow. Walking around the house every 1-2 hours and 2-3 times per day for 20-30 minutes is recommended. By the end of the day, you should be able to walk and stand without using crutches or weighing your walker. Climbing stairs provides a great workout for those who want to build strength and endurance.