Surgeons perform over 544,000 hip replacements each year in the United States. These surgeries can help older adults reduce pain and move better by removing damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with implants.
However, hip replacements can also leave seniors with some lifetime precautions. Older adults with hip replacements should avoid certain activities. They should also take care of their joint implant to prevent dislocation. Let’s learn more about lifetime precautions and restrictions after a hip replacement.
Lifetime of a Hip Implant
The longevity of a hip replacement depends on the material of the implant, surgical technique, and patient's lifestyle.
- Implant Material & Shape: Hip implants have a metal stem, ball, and cup. The"ball and socket" pieces are metal, plastic, or ceramic. These materials have different properties, affecting the longevity of the implant. The shape of the implant varies depending on the type of hip replacement performed. Some shapes are naturally more prone to displacement than others.
- Surgical Technique: In most cases, doctors and patients prefer minimally invasive hip surgery, like the anterior approach. This approach involves smaller incisions and less muscle damage, ultimately resulting in fewer complications. However, not all seniors are good candidates for this type of surgery. They may have to undergo more traditional hip replacement techniques, like the posterior or lateral approach, which involve larger incisions. Of course, the surgeon's skill and ability to precisely place the implant also affects the risk of dislocation.
- Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle directly correlates with the longevity of a hip replacement. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on your hip implant. Additionally, some activities can put more stress on the hip joint, causing it to wear out faster.
Overall, most hip replacements can last a lifetime and greatly help reduce pain and improve mobility for older adults. Only 5% of hip replacements require revision surgery.
RELATED CONTENT: Tips for Effective Home Care After a Hip Replacement
6 Precautions After a Hip Replacement
If you treat your hip replacement well, it will treat you well! Here are some long-term precautions that you may need to consider as you care for your new hip.
1. Avoid High-Impact Exercise & Repetitive Motions
While exercise is good for maintaining muscle tone and balance, some exercises are actually bad for your hip implant. Repetitive motions and high-impact activities can damage an implant over time through undue war and tear. These activities include running, heavy weightlifting, jumping, and more. You may need to avoid sports that involve repetitive motions, such as soccer, cross-country running, racquetball, or basketball.
However, don’t give up on exercise! Exercise is great for restoring range of motion after a hip replacement. But try low-impact exercises, like swimming, yoga, or riding a stationary bike.
2. Try Not to Bend Too Far
Pushing your hip replacement too far can result in dislocation. Avoid hip flexion past 90 degrees when bending your hip too far or lifting your knee too high. You might push your hip too far when putting on socks or shoes, for example.
Generally, keep the knee below hip level. Likewise, try to sit in chairs that allow your thigh to be parallel to the floor. Chairs that are too deep or too low can cause your hip to bend more than 90 degrees, putting you at risk for dislocation. Tall seniors may need an elevated cushion on their chairs or even the toilet seat to help them avoid bending forward too far.
3. Do Not Cross Your Legs
Avoid crossing your legs too much after a total hip replacement because it can also lead to dislocation. This motion causes the leg to twist in the hip socket. Your muscles may not be strong enough to keep the joint securely in place, especially during post-surgery recovery.
You may also want to avoid other twisting movements, like pivoting on one leg or walking pigeon-toed. If you sleep on your side, a doctor might suggest using a pillow between your legs to keep your legs and hips from twisting.
4. Be Mindful During Air Travel
If your hip replacement contains metal, you might set off metal detectors during security screenings at the airport. Roughly 90% of hip and knee implants set off metal detectors. However, the full-body scanners are more sophisticated and may not go off.
Even if you set off the alarms, you’ll still be able to fly. If the machines detect your hip implant, a TSA agent may use a wand to check for any unauthorized items on you. Worst-case scenario, you may be subject to a physical pat-down to ensure the metal is inside your body.
5. Watch for Slippery Surfaces
Avoiding slippery surfaces is crucial for seniors with hip replacements to prevent falls. Wet or icy surfaces increase the risk of accidents. They can also cause serious injuries, like a hip fracture, or dislocation of a new hip joint.
To enhance safety, use non-slip mats in areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, wearing shoes with good traction can provide better grip and stability. Ensure pathways are clear and dry, especially during inclement weather, to further reduce the risk of falls and injury.
6. Leverage Durable Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment (DME) plays a vital role in supporting seniors after a hip replacement surgery. While you will certainly need DME during your recovery period, some DME may become part of your daily activities. We previously mentioned elevated toilet seats and grab bars. But you may also want to consider shower chairs, a sock aid, or a reacher tool.
Utilizing DME not only aids in a smoother recovery but also enhances your overall safety and independence at home.
RELATED CONTENT: Best Durable Medical Equipment After Hip Replacement
Living Life to the Fullest
It will take time to recover after hip replacement surgery. However, you can have a smooth recovery by following your doctor’s orders and incorporating these precautions. Luckily, there aren't many long-term restrictions after a hip replacement!
You may want to consider other measures to help you recover safely and maintain your quality of life. Our professional caregivers can help you with ambulation, personal care, housekeeping, and more. Our team has specific training to assist seniors who have had hip replacements. Reach out to a Caring team near you today.
