Before total hip replacement, the joint capsule was firmly surrounded by the joint, but during the operation, depending on the degree of destruction of the patient, either simply cut or partially cut off, so the joint capsule and the surrounding tissues will be more tested for a period of time after the operation. Until three months after surgery, the patient’s hip joint capsule and surrounding tissues have basically healed, at which point, the risk of further dislocation is very low. We have talked a lot about postoperative rehabilitation for total hip replacement, but today we are going to focus on what kind of restrictions should be placed on the hip during the three months after total hip replacement surgery. This is because the most significant complication after total hip replacement surgery is dislocation of the joint capsule after it has been cut or partially cut out during surgery. The restrictions you face when moving your hip and leg after surgery are strictly protective against dislocation. Limitations on your weight-bearing: Usually, you will be able to bear full weight within one to two days after the operation, if not otherwise instructed by your surgeon. Limitations on your hip flexion: Do not bend your hip so that it does not exceed 90°, i.e. do not bring your thighs closer to your chest and abdomen. Do not bend at the waist and use aids to pick up things that fall on the floor. Do not cross your legs. Height of your postoperative sitting position: Do not sit with your hips on a low-positioned chair, car seat or sofa. You must raise chairs that are too low by adding cushions, preferably firm foam blocks, to them. The height of your hip on the seat should be to your knee or higher. Use a postoperative toilet chair (the seat will be raised). Do not lean forward when you sit down. If you are sitting at a desk, position your keyboard and chair so you can sit up straight. Keep cushions on your chair. How do you sleep? Legs should not be crossed over the midline of the body. Whether you are lying flat on your back or on your side, you must have a pillow between your legs; when you are sitting, keep your legs 10-15cm apart. Do not roll over to the operative side to sleep until your doctor agrees. How do you limit hip rotation? The limitations of your hip rotation, when you rotate it and how much you rotate it depend on the status of your surgery. It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter. There may be restrictions on all or none of the following: Do not turn your operated leg inward on its toes, i.e., do not internally rotate it. If you turn your body to the operative side without moving your foot, internal rotation will occur. Do not turn the toes of the operated leg to the outside, i.e., do not externally rotate. If you turn your body towards the non-operated side without moving your foot, you will experience external rotation. How do you get in and out of bed? If you have had your left leg replaced, you will sleep on your left side and get into and out of bed from your left side. Your operated side must be on the edge of the bed, which means that when you lie down with others, they will not inadvertently touch your operated side. You will need to sleep on your back with a pillow between your legs for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. How do you get in and out of the car? When getting out of the car, in order to minimize the stress on your hip, you turn your body towards the door, then move your legs and step out of the car with your knees. When getting out of the car, use crutches or body supports to help you stand up. Do not turn out of the car with one leg out. When getting in the car, sit sideways on one side of the car seat and then move your legs before turning your body. If your muscles are weak or you feel pain, you can move your body by dragging your operated leg with your hand. During this process, still follow the 90° rule and do not lean your body forward. It is best to swing the seat back so that the person can remain in a lying position as long as possible and the hips can be held at a greater angle. How do you perform household chores? You should ask for help from your family members, or you can hire a temporary worker instead. After total hip replacement surgery, you cannot bend or make movements to turn your body, so you cannot use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum, sweep the floor, or scrub the floor. Your hip is completely unable to tolerate household chores. Your post-op essentials in the kitchen? Keep all cooking utensils, tools, and equipment at your waist level and within easy reach. This is because you will not be able to bend or climb for several months during your recovery period. How do you use crutches? From the second day after surgery, you will be able to try weight-bearing. After 4 to 6 weeks, you may be able to get rid of the crutches and use a cane instead. When using the crutches, remember to keep your chest up, your shoulders down, and your hip muscles tight. How do you put on your pants? To put on your pants, place them on the floor and use your foot or crutches to straighten out the leg of your pants so that your foot can easily fit inside. Reach into the leg tube with your operative leg, then grab the other side with your good leg and foot and pull the pants up. How do you stand up? With the operated leg straight in front of the body, the person slowly rises from the chair or bed. It is important not to lean forward during the ascent. How do you go to the toilet? When going to the toilet, be aware of the inclination of the body and still follow the 90o rule. Do not put the toilet paper behind you and avoid twisting your body to reach for it. You need to be particularly careful when sitting down. You can use the wall of the toilet as a support and slowly sit down on the toilet using your strong leg to drive your operative leg.