Hip labrum surgery, often performed arthroscopically, repairs the ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket. The recovery phase requires strict adherence to hip precautions, primarily avoiding excessive hip flexion and rotation for several weeks. Dressing after surgery is challenging because many common movements required to put on clothes can violate these necessary precautions. Choosing the right garments and employing safe techniques are crucial for a smooth recovery and to protect the surgical repair.
Immediate Post-Operative Garments
Clothing worn immediately after surgery must prioritize comfort and ease of access for medical personnel. Patients typically wear a hospital gown initially, which allows for effortless monitoring of the surgical site and management of bulky dressings or a prescribed hip brace. The brace prevents movements that strain the hip, adds significant bulk, and must be accommodated by all garments.
For the trip home and the first 72 hours, very loose, easily removable bottoms are the best options. Elastic-waist sweat shorts or oversized pajama pants are ideal because they slide easily over surgical dressings and any swelling. Garments must be loose enough to be pulled up from a seated position with minimal effort, avoiding any need to bend the hip more than 90 degrees. Loose-fitting t-shirts or button-down tops are also preferable for simple dressing and undressing without awkward arm movements.
Clothing Selection for Home Recovery
The main recovery period, often the first four to six weeks, requires clothing attributes that support restricted movement. For pants and bottoms, an elastic waistband is highly recommended, as it eliminates the need for difficult fasteners like buttons or zippers. Wide-leg openings are necessary to accommodate the operated leg, especially if a brace is in use.
Drawstring pants, fleece joggers, or wide-leg sweatpants are excellent choices because they can be easily adjusted and pulled up using adaptive tools. It is important to avoid tight-fitting items like leggings, skinny jeans, or restrictive athletic wear, which demand significant hip flexion to maneuver over the feet and hips. Soft, lightweight fabrics, such as cotton blends or moisture-wicking materials, are the most comfortable against the skin and minimize irritation around the incision sites.
For the upper body, loose-fitting tops prevent unnecessary strain on the core and shoulders while dressing. Button-down shirts, blouses, or zip-up hoodies are better than tight pull-over shirts, which are difficult to manage while stabilizing the body on crutches or a walker. Crew-neck shirts should be oversized to ensure they can be pulled over the head without excessive maneuvering.
Safe Dressing Techniques and Aids
The process of getting dressed must strictly maintain the hip precautions given by the surgeon or physical therapist. To dress the lower body, the patient should always be seated in a stable chair or on the edge of the bed to prevent falls and control movement. The general rule is to dress the operated leg first, as this allows the unaffected leg to provide better balance and maneuverability.
Adaptive equipment is extremely helpful in avoiding movements that put stress on the healing labrum. A long-handled reacher or grabber can be used to pick up clothing from the floor or pull up the waistband of pants from a seated position. Sock aids are devices that hold the sock open, allowing the foot to be inserted without bending over. A long-handled shoehorn is essential for putting on shoes without violating the 90-degree hip flexion limit. When undressing, the process is reversed: the non-surgical leg is undressed first to maintain control over the operated limb until the very last moment.
Essential Footwear Considerations
Footwear plays a dual role in recovery, providing stability while being easy to put on independently. The primary concern is fall prevention, especially while navigating the home with crutches or a walker. Shoes must have non-slip or high-traction rubber soles to grip various floor surfaces securely.
The design of the shoe is equally important for ease of application. Slip-on shoes, such as supportive loafers or sneakers with elastic laces, are strongly recommended because they eliminate the need to bend down to tie knots. Shoes with adjustable Velcro closures are also an excellent option for accommodating swelling and ensuring a snug fit. High heels, backless slippers, or flip-flops must be avoided entirely, as they compromise balance and increase the risk of a fall.