One concern patients typically ask about during the process of their hip replacement journey is in regards to the potential for a future dislocation of their new hip. Since their new hip will be a ball and socket joint, it’s possible for the ball to shift out of its correct location and cause a dislocation. Even though it’s a very uncommon occurrence, it’s something we touch on with each of our patients. Below, we talk a little bit about how our surgical team helps to reduce the likelihood of a dislocation and how you can help prevent dislocations after your hip replacement operation.
How To Prevent Hip Dislocations After Surgery
Here’s a look at a number of ways our surgical team and our patients can help reduce the likelihood of dislocation after hip replacement surgery.
- Our Technique – Dr. Botero uses a surgical technique that it designed to preserve more soft tissue in the area, which helps to reduce the likelihood of dislocation because these areas are more stable and do not require healing from being cut during the procedure. The anterior surgical approach is a little more difficult than the posterior approach, but Dr. Botero has spent years perfecting his skill and making sure that his patients have a better chance at an easier recovery by mastering the more challenging approach. For him, this operation has now become the standard, and it helps reduce your likelihood of a post-op dislocation.
- Education – Another factor in dislocation risk is patient education. Oftentimes a patient will unknowingly participate in activities that increase their risk of dislocation, and we don’t want to put our patients at risk. We help ensure you understand which movements are okay and which ones should be avoided as you progress through your rehab, and we’re always available to answer any questions that might come up. We don’t discharge our patients until we’re confident you have the tools to manage your new hip on your own.
- Early Intervention – The most common time for a dislocation to occur is during the first few weeks of recovery, because the stabilizing tissues are weakened as a result of the surgery. However, this time is also crucial in the recovery process, because early motion helps you regain your full range of motion. We work with patients to help them safely maneuver their new joint in a way that helps to strengthen the area without increasing the possibility of dislocation. If you want to make the fullest recovery possible, choose Dr. Botero and his care team.
- Pre-Discharge Movement – Finally, we make sure that you can safely perform certain activities before you discharge so that we’re confident your hip is working correctly and you’re not at an elevated risk for dislocation. We’ll have you up and walking, navigating staircases and even work on transitioning on and off a bed or in and out of a car before we let you leave our care center. You don’t stop being our patient the moment the last stitch is put in place. We’re going to do everything in our power to advance your rehab and help you avoid dislocations, and much of that occurs after surgery but before you leave our care.
For more tips on how we can help reduce your risk of dislocation or assist in the event of a hip dislocation, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today.
