After total hip replacement, which practice reduces the risk of hip dislocation?

After total hip replacement, which practice reduces the risk of hip dislocation?

• A. Abduction pillow and avoiding leg crossing or extreme rotation
• B. Crossing legs
• C. Keeping thighs in extreme internal rotation
• D. Keeping legs adducted and crossed

Answer: (A)

After a total hip replacement, keeping the leg in a safe position is crucial to prevent the prosthetic joint from dislocating. An abduction pillow maintains the leg in abduction, which keeps the thigh away from the midline and prevents crossing or turning the leg inward. This reduces dislocation risk because the hip is most vulnerable when it is flexed with adduction and internal rotation. By avoiding extreme rotation and adduction, the femoral head stays seated in the acetabulum during movement and positioning. Crossing the legs, or keeping the thigh in internal rotation or adduction, places the hip in a dislocation-prone position. Using the abduction pillow and maintaining proper alignment helps promote a safer, more stable recovery.

After a total hip replacement, keeping the leg in a safe position is crucial to prevent the prosthetic joint from dislocating. An abduction pillow maintains the leg in abduction, which keeps the thigh away from the midline and prevents crossing or turning the leg inward. This reduces dislocation risk because the hip is most vulnerable when it is flexed with adduction and internal rotation. By avoiding extreme rotation and adduction, the femoral head stays seated in the acetabulum during movement and positioning. Crossing the legs, or keeping the thigh in internal rotation or adduction, places the hip in a dislocation-prone position. Using the abduction pillow and maintaining proper alignment helps promote a safer, more stable recovery.