February 14, 2026

End the Fear of Dislocation After Hip Replacement

7 Golden Rules for Safe Movement and Home Setup

The first and biggest question in the minds of our patients deciding on hip replacement surgery is usually: "Doctor, will my new hip pop out after surgery?"

This fear is not unfounded; the risk was higher in older generation implants. However, we have good news: Technology has changed. Thanks to Dual Mobility and Large Head systems we use today, the risk of dislocation has decreased dramatically.

Nevertheless, the first few weeks after surgery (usually 6-8 weeks) are a healing period for soft tissues. Here are the 7 Golden Rules recommended by Dr. Sedat Duman and Dr. Muhammed Duman for a safe recovery.

1. Sleep Position: The "Pillow" is Your Best Friend

The key is to prevent your legs from crossing (adduction).

Lying on Back: Keep legs slightly apart. It is recommended to place a pillow between your legs.
Lying on Side: If lying on your non-operated side, you MUST place a thick pillow between your legs.

💡 Why? The pillow prevents the top (operated) leg from falling forward and rotating inward, keeping the hip in the safest position.

2. Sitting Rule: "Knees Below Hips"

This is the most important rule at home. When sitting, your hip flexion angle should not exceed 90 degrees.

No Low Chairs: Avoid soft sofas or low chairs that you sink into.
Use Cushions: If your seat is low, raise it with a firm cushion. Ensure your knees are lower than your hips when seated.

3. Toilet and Bathroom Safety

Standard toilets are usually low (about 40 cm). To prevent excessive hip bending:

Toilet Riser: Using a raised toilet seat (adapter) makes sitting down and standing up much easier and safer.
Grab Bars: Installing grab bars in the bathroom reduces the risk of slipping and falling significantly.

4. No "Crossing Legs"!

You will need to shelve old habits for a while. Crossing your legs (or even ankles) while sitting or lying down puts the implant in a stressful position. Avoid this.

5. Picking Things Up: The "Golfer's Bend"

Do not bend forward from your waist to pick something up. This narrows the hip angle.

Reachers: Use long-handled reachers to pick up items or put on socks.
Golfer's Technique: If you must pick something up, extend your operated leg backward (keep it straight) while leaning forward, just like a golfer picking up a ball.

6. Turn Like a "Robot"

When you want to change direction while standing (e.g., in the kitchen), do not twist your body while your feet are planted. Instead, take small steps to turn your whole body in that direction.

7. Your Biggest Assurance: Modern Technology

The rules above are temporary. The real assurance is the technology we use:

Large Head Implants: We use larger femoral heads, which makes it physically harder for the hip to dislocate (increases "Jump distance").
Dual Mobility Systems: For high-risk patients, we use "ball-in-a-ball" systems. These provide a much wider, safer range of motion and bring the dislocation risk close to zero.

📲 Ask Our Experts (WhatsApp)

Frequently Asked Questions

No. These restrictions are usually for the first 6-12 weeks while soft tissues heal. Afterwards, you can return to normal life with your doctor's approval.

No. Hip replacement patients should use Western-style (sitting) toilets to avoid excessive bending, especially in the early period.