A Patient's Guide to Birmingham Hip Resurfacing

• Do not bend forward to reach your feet. You must maintain a 90 degree angle between your torso and legs.
• Do not lift your knee higher than your hip on the operated side.
• Do not cross your legs.
• Do not allow your legs to internally rotate (feet turned in) when hip is flexed.
• Do not twist while lying or standing.
• Sleep on your back with a pillow between your knees to prevent crossing.
• Observe any weight-bearing precautions during standing or walking that Dr. Rogerson has specified.

Also, our occupational therapists will instruct you in the proper use of various long-handled devices for activities of daily living. These devices may include the following:

• A reacher to dress and pick things up from the floor.
• A sock-aid that will assist in putting on socks.
• A long-handled sponge to wash your legs and feet.
• A leg-lifting device to move the operated leg in and out of the car or bed.
• An elevated toilet seat so that you don't violate your hip precautions when using the bathroom.
• An elevated bathtub chair to fit in the shower or tub.

After you have completed your rehabilitation stay at HipHab, you should experience improved range of motion and have strength in your hip to return to most everyday activities.

Below are a few warnings to keep in mind after your hip resurfacing surgery. Remember to listen to what your body tells you. If you begin to have pain or swelling, contact Dr. Rogerson for advice.

• Take care to protect your new hip from too much stress and follow your surgeon's instructions regarding activity level.
• Do not perform high-impact activities such as running and jumping during the first six months following your surgery to allow your hip bones to heal properly. While that same study of 2,385 Birmingham Hip resurfacing patients found that less than one-half of one-percent of patients experienced a femoral neck fracture in the first five years after surgery, the average time this fracture took place was just two and a half months after their surgery. Other studies have shown a fracture rate of up to 1.4%.
• Early device failure, such as breakage or loosening, may occur if you do not follow your surgeon's limitations on activity level. Early failure may occur if you do not protect your hip from overloading due to activity level or fail to control your body weight. Accidents such as falls may also cause early device failure.
   

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8/12/2006

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