After total hip replacement, which precaution helps prevent dislocation?

After total hip replacement, which precaution helps prevent dislocation?

• A. Cross legs while lying
• B. Sit with legs in full adduction
• C. Sleep with legs together in internal rotation
• D. Use an abduction pillow and avoid extreme rotation

Answer: (D)

Protecting the new hip from dislocation hinges on keeping the leg in a safe, neutral position and avoiding movements that stress the joint capsule. The most effective precaution is to use an abduction pillow and avoid extreme rotation. The abduction pillow holds the leg away from the other leg, maintaining alignment so the prosthetic head stays seated in the socket during healing. Avoiding extreme rotation prevents the femoral head from moving into a position that could cause a dislocation. Positions such as crossing the legs, keeping the leg in full adduction, or sleeping with the legs together in internal rotation place the hip in risky angles and raise the chance of dislocation. Using the pillow and maintaining safe alignment during movement and sleep helps protect the joint during recovery.

Protecting the new hip from dislocation hinges on keeping the leg in a safe, neutral position and avoiding movements that stress the joint capsule. The most effective precaution is to use an abduction pillow and avoid extreme rotation. The abduction pillow holds the leg away from the other leg, maintaining alignment so the prosthetic head stays seated in the socket during healing. Avoiding extreme rotation prevents the femoral head from moving into a position that could cause a dislocation. Positions such as crossing the legs, keeping the leg in full adduction, or sleeping with the legs together in internal rotation place the hip in risky angles and raise the chance of dislocation. Using the pillow and maintaining safe alignment during movement and sleep helps protect the joint during recovery.