A hip kit is a collection of adaptive equipment designed to support recovery following total hip replacement surgery. These tools act as extensions of the user’s arms, allowing individuals to maintain independence in daily activities while strictly adhering to post-operative movement restrictions. Using this equipment helps patients manage essential self-care tasks without assistance, promoting a smoother and safer recuperation period at home.
Understanding Hip Replacement Precautions
The necessity of a hip kit is tied to the specific movement restrictions imposed after surgery, which prevent the new joint from dislocating. A primary restriction, often called the “90-degree rule,” advises against bending the operated hip past a right angle where the thigh meets the torso. This precaution means avoiding common movements like leaning forward to pick up an object or sitting in a low chair.
Patients must also avoid specific rotational and crossing movements that put stress on the hip joint capsule. Following certain surgical approaches, internal rotation (turning the toes inward) is restricted. Similarly, crossing the legs or ankles is prohibited because this motion can force the ball of the new joint out of its socket. These guidelines are most important during the initial six to twelve weeks post-operation while the surrounding tissues are healing and stabilizing the joint.
Tools for Reaching and Dressing
A majority of the hip kit’s contents address the challenge of reaching the lower body without violating the 90-degree bending restriction. The reacher or grabber is a long-handled device with a claw mechanism at the end. This tool allows users to pick up light items from the floor or reach objects on high shelves. It is operated by a trigger in the handle, which controls the jaws and eliminates the need to flex the hip joint beyond the safe angle.
For managing clothing, the dressing stick provides a rigid extension that helps push or pull garments over the feet and legs. This stick often features a hook on one end and a small push-pull hook on the other, useful for maneuvering socks and pants. A dedicated sock aid or sock donner is another specialized tool designed to facilitate putting on hosiery. This device is typically a flexible trough over which a sock is placed, and long straps allow the user to pull the sock up the leg without bending over.
The long-handled shoehorn is another simple yet effective dressing aid, extending the user’s reach to slide a foot into a shoe. This length ensures the hip remains at a safe, open angle while the shoe is being put on. Some kits also include elastic shoelaces, which replace traditional laces so shoes can be slipped on and off without needing to be tied or untied.
Aids for Bathroom Safety and Stability
The bathroom presents challenges related to low seating and hygiene, making adaptive equipment important for safety. A raised toilet seat or cushion is frequently recommended alongside the hip kit contents to increase the height of the commode. This elevation keeps the knee lower than the hip when sitting down, preventing the hip from flexing past the 90-degree limit.
For personal hygiene, the long-handled sponge or bath brush allows the patient to wash their feet and lower legs without needing to lean or bend. This extended reach is crucial for maintaining bathing independence while avoiding the restricted flexion movement. By focusing on tools that extend the user’s reach and elevate sitting surfaces, the kit helps manage the risks of falling or breaking precautions in the high-risk environment of the bathroom.