Items Needed In Preparation For Hip Replacement Surgery

If you have a hip replacement surgery scheduled in the future, then you should know that you will need to be careful with your new hip as you go through the recovery process. This reduces the stress on the hip, and there are a few items you should pick up before your surgery in order to keep your replacement hip in good shape. 

Abductor Pillow

You will need to keep your surgical hip and leg as straight as possible after your procedure. Any inward bending or adduction can cause the artificial hip to break free from the surgical site. For this reason, your surgeon will ask you to lay and sleep on your back if possible. And, to keep your hip in the correct position, you should purchase an abductor pillow as well.

An abductor pillow is a wedge-shaped foam product that sits in between your legs as you lay flat. The pillow is meant to keep your hips in an optimal position, and it can move with your body if you decide to shift from a back to a side-lying position. For example, if you naturally like to sleep on your side, then the pillow will prevent you from twisting your hip in your sleep.

Abductor pillows come with or without buckled straps. Consider the strapped variety, especially if you toss and turn at night. This way the pillow will remain in place, preventing injuries and keeping you from having to make adjustments to the pillow. 

As you heal, you can switch to something called an abduction wedge that sits close to the pelvis. This type of product is a bit more comfortable and less constricting.

Walker

Most people do not want to use mobility assistive devices even if they go through a surgical procedure. While this is true, you will need to learn how to use a walker before you can leave the hospital. This is important to ensure that you do not place excessive pressure on the hip and also so that you do not fall due to balance issues. 

Walkers will often be provided to you in the hospital setting, but you also need one at home. It is wise to purchase one beforehand so that you are ready to go home after the surgery. 

Wheeled walkers are the easiest to use, and folding varieties can be transported for one place to another. For example, you can bring it to the store with you. Just make sure that the device you choose allows for the adjustment of the handles. This way you will not have to bend over and potentially injure your back.

For more information about joint replacement surgery, contact an orthopedist.