Patient/caregiver was instructed upon lifestyle measures for individuals with history of hip replacement as follows:
- Avoid sitting in furniture with low seat, especially during the immediate phase after hip replacement surgery. Sitting too low can lead to excessive bending or flexing at the surgical hip, compromising the integrity and dislodging the newly replaced hip joint. Using furniture with elevated seat or using blankets to elevate the furniture seat artificially can help prevent excessive flexing at the surgical hip and consequent complications. Also, observe compliance use of elevated toilet seat to reduce excessive flexing at the surgical hip.
- Avoid squatting on the surgical joint, especially during the immediate phase after hip replacement surgery. Squatting can lead to excessive bending or flexing at the surgical hip, compromising the integrity and dislodging the newly replaced hip joint. Individuals with the practice of using squat toilets can find it extremely difficult to use the toilet during immediate phase after hip replacement surgery. Avoid using squat toilets, as it could lead to excessive bending or flexing at the surgical hip, beyond the rehab threshold, thus compromising the integrity and dislodging the newly replaced hip joint. Installing western toilet for such individuals before scheduling the surgery can be a safe recommendation.
- Avoid sitting cross-legged with the surgical hip, especially during the immediate phase after hip replacement surgery. Sitting cross-legged at the knee could result in dislocation of the artificial hip joint, necessitating exhaustive measures and delaying healing & rehab.
