Dislocated Hip: Care Instructions

Overview

Your hip is a large and fairly stable joint. Normally it takes a hard fall, a car accident, or something else of great force to make the thighbone slip out of its socket (dislocate). But if you have had hip replacement surgery, your hip can more easily slip out of position. This is more common during the first few months after the surgery.

After your doctor puts your dislocated hip back into normal position, you will need to use a walking aid or hip brace for several weeks or months while the hip heals. You will need to follow special hip precautions to avoid dislocating your hip again. Your doctor may recommend exercises to strengthen the hip joint and your legs. Rest and home treatment can help you heal.

If your hip becomes dislocated again, contact your doctor. You will need to go to a hospital or clinic to have your hip put back in position.

You may have had a sedative to help you relax. You may be unsteady after having sedation. It can take a few hours for the medicine's effects to wear off. Common side effects of sedation include nausea, vomiting, and feeling sleepy or tired.

The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If the doctor gave you a sedative:
  • Don't sign legal documents or do anything that requires attention to detail until you recover. It takes time for the medicine's effects to completely wear off.
  • Don’t drive or operate any machinery for at least 24 hours. Wait until the medicine wears off and you can think clearly and react easily.
  • Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours.
• Your doctor will give you safety precautions to keep your hip centered in its socket during the healing period. Be sure to follow these precautions.
  • Keep your knees and toes pointed forward when you sit in a chair, walk, or stand.
  • Do not sit with your legs crossed.
  • Do not bend at the waist more than 90º. Be careful when leaning or when moving in bed to keep your legs as straight ahead as possible.
• If you have a hip brace, wear it as directed. Do not remove it unless your doctor says you can. If you remove the brace to shower, be extremely careful. Follow hip precautions to limit hip movement.
• Rest your hip as much as you can. You will need to change your activities to avoid movements that irritate the hip.
• If your hip is swollen, put ice or a cold pack on it for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• If your doctor recommends exercises, do them as directed.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You passed out (lost consciousness).

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or worse nausea or vomiting.
• You have new or worse pain.
• Your foot is cool or pale or changes color.
• You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your foot or toes.
• You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in the leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.