Hip replacement surgery is a common and highly effective procedure that helps restore mobility and ease pain for people struggling with hip joint problems. While the operation itself is usually very successful, a smooth recovery depends just as much on following the right post-surgery precautions. This article is here to guide patients and their caregivers through the essential “don’ts” after hip replacement surgery, explain why these rules are so important, and offer practical tips based on expert advice. By following these hip replacement recovery tips and precautions after hip replacement, you can support a safe and confident healing process, with insight from specialists like Professor Paul Lee and the expert team at MSK Doctors.

Why Certain Movements Are Risky After Surgery

After a hip replacement, your new joint needs time to heal properly and bond with the surrounding tissues. During this vulnerable period, certain movements can cause complications such as joint dislocation (where the joint slips out of place), slower healing, or damage to the soft tissues around the hip. Movements like twisting, bending too much, or sudden jerks can put undue pressure on the operated hip and risk disrupting the surgery’s success.

Interestingly, newer surgical techniques, such as surface replacement, have been developed as bone-conserving alternatives to traditional hip replacements. As noted in medical research, “surface replacement does not require resection of the femoral head; thus, it presents a potentially effective, bone-conserving alternative” (Amstutz et al., 1998). However, no matter what type of implant you receive, it is vital to understand and follow carefully the recommended precautions to protect your new hip.

Orthopaedic experts like Professor Paul Lee stress that knowing how your hip works and which movements to avoid is key to preventing injury. MSK Doctors make it a priority to educate and support patients so they fully understand the reasons behind movement restrictions and can take control of their recovery safely.

The Three Most Important Things to Avoid After Hip Replacement

There are three crucial movements you must avoid after hip replacement to keep your new joint safe and promote healing:

• Do Not Cross Your Legs
  Crossing your legs at the knees or ankles can cause your hip joint to twist unnaturally, which increases the risk of dislocation, especially in the early healing stage. This movement can also strain the muscles and tendons around your hip, potentially slowing your recovery.
• Do Not Bend Your Hip Beyond 90 Degrees
  Bending your hip too deeply — for example, sitting in low chairs or bending to pick things up from the floor — can place too much pressure on your new joint. This may destabilise the implant. To avoid this, try to keep your hip bent at less than 90 degrees during the first few months.
• Avoid Twisting or Pivoting on the Operated Leg
  Turning your operated leg in or out suddenly can disturb the repairs inside your hip, risking instability. Try to keep your feet facing forward and avoid any twisting movements on that side.

It’s worth noting that some modern implants, particularly those with larger ball sizes used in certain metal-on-metal devices, provide “high stability and low dislocation rates” (Amstutz et al., 1998). However, these advances do not replace the need for careful movement and adherence to your surgeon’s advice.

By closely following these key “don’ts,” as advised by Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team, you can help ensure a steady, complication-free recovery. They form the foundation of what not to do after hip replacement and are essential for protecting your new hip.

Tips for Safe Movement and Everyday Activities

Adjusting how you move and carry out everyday tasks after hip replacement can greatly reduce risk and help you regain independence more safely. Here are some practical suggestions to keep in mind:

• Getting In and Out of Bed: Keep your operated leg straight as you move. Start by rolling onto your side and then push yourself up using your arms, avoiding excessive hip bending.
• Sitting and Standing from Chairs: Use chairs with firm seats and armrests for support. When sitting, keep your legs apart and hips aligned. When standing up, push up with your arms instead of leaning forward too far.
• Picking Up Objects: Use a grabber tool if you can, or bend your knees slightly while keeping your back straight instead of bending from the waist. This helps avoid bending the hip beyond 90 degrees.
• Dressing: Sit down while dressing, and consider tools like sock aids or long-handled shoehorns to minimise bending and twisting.

Support devices such as raised toilet seats and walking aids can also help reduce strain on your hip during recovery. MSK Doctors offer ongoing rehabilitation support and can guide you on the best ways to adjust your daily activities while respecting your movement restrictions after hip replacement.

Why Following Precautions Is Essential for Recovery

Sticking to post-surgery precautions is not only about avoiding immediate problems — it also plays a big part in your long-term recovery. Research shows that patients who carefully observe these guidelines tend to enjoy better mobility, fewer complications, and overall improved results from their hip replacement.

Furthermore, recent studies highlight that hip replacement surgery has become increasingly common among older adults, with “arthritis-related hip replacement incidence increasing by 50% to 100% among older patients and stabilising thereafter,” (Jensen et al., 2024). This means that people of all ages are benefiting from these procedures, and precise, personalised care and movement advice are essential for everyone.

Because each person’s recovery is unique, ongoing clinical guidance from experts like Professor Paul Lee is invaluable. By consistently following hip replacement recovery tips and respecting your body’s limits, you can promote healing and regain your independence more effectively.

Conclusion and Disclaimer

To sum up, following the critical precautions and expert recommendations after hip replacement surgery significantly increases your chances of a smooth, successful recovery. The skilled team at MSK Doctors, led by Professor Paul Lee, provides the support and professional care you need to navigate your rehabilitation safely. Remember, for personalised medical advice tailored to your situation, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

Amstutz, H. C., Sparling, E. A., Grigoris, P., Campbell, P., & Dorey, F. (1998). Surface replacement: The hip replacement of the future? Hip International, 8(4), 187–207. https://doi.org/10.1177/112070009800800401

Jensen, T. M., Pedersen, J. K., Waldorff, F. B., Søndergaard, J., Overgaard, S., & Christensen, K. (2024). Trends in incidence of hip fracture and hip replacement in Denmark, 1996 to 2018. JAMA Network Open, 7(5), e249186. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.9186