Patient/caregiver was instructed upon lifestyle measures for individuals with history of hip replacement as follows:
- The medium lifespan of an artificial hip joint is about 15-20 years. The artificial hip joint can be subjected to regular wear & tear and any undue stress on the joint can lead to shortened lifespan of the joint.
- Individuals undergoing a hip replacement must take the following precautions to reduce the stress on the artificial joint, and thereby, prolong the lifespan of the joint.
- Do not overdo on your exercises during rehab. This can compromise the integrity and dislodge the newly replaced hip joint. Check with your therapist on your limitations for exercising the replaced hip and comply with the recommendations made. Follow the therapist guidelines to help slowly and safely increase the intensity of exercise.
- Do not flex or bend the hip beyond the limitations of your rehab. This can compromise the integrity and dislodge the newly replaced hip joint. The general rule is to avoid any activities involving bringing the knee up higher than the hip. Check with your therapist on your limitations for flexing or bending the replaced hip and comply with the recommendations made.
