Patient/caregiver was instructed upon measures to promote safety and reduce the workload during immediate post-surgical phase as follows:
Certain arrangements and minor modifications can help improve safety, reduce the effort and workload for individuals during immediate phase of hip replacement surgery.
- Individuals with poorly supporting weightbearing hip joint must plan most of their life on one level in the house. This helps with avoiding the stress of climbing stairs and uneventful falls during immediate phase of hip replacement surgery. Having an elevator can be of additional support for patients in dwellings situated on two or more floors.
- If an elevator is not available and climbing stairs is unavoidable, having sturdy railings on the stairs offers support to the individual going up and down the stairs. Always remember the rule – “Up with the good leg and down with the bad leg” while climbing up and down the stairs. If both legs are equally affected, you can have either leg as the leading leg, followed by the other. Marking the edges of the steps with bright contrasting colored paint or tape can help with safe placement of foot during climbing up and down the stairs. Having the staircase enough lighted can also contribute to fall prevention. While climbing up and down the stairs, holding a cane in the hand opposite to the side of bad leg, as allowed, can be an extra support.
- Use furniture of appropriate height, to help easy sitting on and lift up. The seat of the chair or furniture must be at least 2 inches higher than the back of the hip, to promote comfort and safety while transitioning between sitting and standing positions. Using some firm blankets or cushion on the chair seat can help elevate the seat to the desired level.
