Postoperative measures after total hip replacement to prevent hip dislocation include which of the following?

Postoperative measures after total hip replacement to prevent hip dislocation include which of the following?

• A. Using an abductor pillow to maintain hip in a straight position.
• B. Bend hip more than 120 degrees.
• C. Place the leg in adduction.
• D. Keep the hip flexed in a bent position.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is preventing dislocation by keeping the new hip in an aligned, neutral position and avoiding positions that place stress on the joint. Using an abductor pillow helps maintain the legs apart (abduction) and prevents crossing the legs or bringing the legs toward the midline. This neutral, abducted alignment reduces the risk of the femoral head slipping out of the socket. Bending the hip beyond a safe angle (often limited to around 90 degrees, and some protocols more strict) places stress on the joint and can lead to dislocation. Adduction (bringing the leg toward the midline) similarly places the hip in a vulnerable position. Keeping the hip flexed in a bent position also increases dislocation risk. So, the abductor pillow is the best measure because it promotes the safe, abducted, neutral alignment necessary to protect the new joint.

The key idea is preventing dislocation by keeping the new hip in an aligned, neutral position and avoiding positions that place stress on the joint. Using an abductor pillow helps maintain the legs apart (abduction) and prevents crossing the legs or bringing the legs toward the midline. This neutral, abducted alignment reduces the risk of the femoral head slipping out of the socket.

Bending the hip beyond a safe angle (often limited to around 90 degrees, and some protocols more strict) places stress on the joint and can lead to dislocation. Adduction (bringing the leg toward the midline) similarly places the hip in a vulnerable position. Keeping the hip flexed in a bent position also increases dislocation risk. So, the abductor pillow is the best measure because it promotes the safe, abducted, neutral alignment necessary to protect the new joint.