For the vast majority of people, a hip replacement operation is exactly what they need to become more mobile and greatly increase their quality of life. For a small percentage of patients, they end up suffering a setback following their operation in the form of a hip dislocation. How common are hip dislocations following a hip replacement procedure, and what can you do to reduce your risk of a dislocation? We answer those questions and more in today’s blog.
How Common Is A Dislocation After Hip Replacement?
It’s important to remember that hip dislocations are very rare after a replacement procedure, but they can happen if you’re not careful. Although industry averages fluctuate a little based on where you’re looking for answers, the data suggest that about 4% of patients undergoing first-time surgery for a hip replacement will experience a dislocation later in life. That number jumps to around 15% in patients who are undergoing a revisional hip replacement.
So while only about 1 in 25 first-time surgery patients can expect to deal with a dislocation after their replacement operation, that still amounts to a large number of patients given the number of replacement procedures performed in the US each year. That said, you can take some steps to help reduce your risk of a dislocation following a replacement operation. Here’s a look at some prevention tips.
Mind Your Hip Precautions
After undergoing a hip replacement, you will be given specific instructions for how you’ll want to move and bend to avoid putting excess strain on the artificial joint such that it would increase your likelihood of dislocation. Be mindful of these movement patterns as you recover.
- Avoid crossing your legs
- Avoid bending your legs beyond 90 degrees
- Sleep on your side
- Go down stairs slowly
- Don’t sit in low chairs
- Don’t lift your knee up higher than your hip
Do Your PT Exercises
Physical therapy will help to strengthen the soft tissues that hold your artificial hip in place. Not only do these exercises help to strengthen your new joint, but your PT can also ensure that you are doing the stretches correctly so that you’re not putting your hip at risk of dislocating while moving. Don’t skip your PT exercises after surgery.
Consider Minimally Invasive Surgery
Advancements in surgical techniques have made it so that doctors can address the hip joint without creating a large incision during an open operation. The surgery is more difficult for the surgeon to perform, but it’s much less taxing on the patient and preserves more tissue to help reduce dislocation risk. Dr. Botero has mastered these minimally invasive techniques to help provide his patients with the highest level of care.
Get Activity Clearance
Finally, you’ll eventually be able to return to all normal low-impact activities, but for more physical activities, get clearance from your surgeon or primary care specialist first. Don’t jeopardize all you’ve worked for because you jumped into an activity before knowing if it was safe to do so with your new hip.
If you do all of the above, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to avoid a dislocation after your hip replacement operation. For more information, or for help treating your joint pain, reach out to Dr. Botero and his team today.
