Hip replacement surgery, or total hip arthroplasty, requires a period of recovery focused on protecting the new joint and preventing dislocation. Adjusting daily routines, such as getting dressed, can pose a challenge when navigating post-operative restrictions. Selecting the right attire is necessary for maintaining surgical precautions and promoting independence during the initial 6 to 8 weeks of recovery. Proper clothing choices minimize strain on the hip joint, reduce the risk of falling, and allow for easier movement while using walking aids.
Core Principles for Safe Dressing
The foundational guidelines for post-operative dressing are set by the hip precautions given by the surgical team. These rules typically prohibit bending the hip past a 90-degree angle, twisting the torso, or crossing the legs for several weeks following the procedure. All clothing decisions must support these restrictions, meaning garments should not require significant bending or rotation to put on or take off.
Selecting attire that is loose-fitting allows for movement without putting undue pressure on the incision site. Prioritizing comfort is recommended, making soft, stretchy materials like cotton blends or light fleece the preferred fabric choices. Look for clothing with easy access features, such as front closures, which simplify the process of dressing while standing or sitting.
Specific Garment Recommendations
The most immediate need is comfortable and functional bottoms that accommodate movement limitations. Pants should feature an elastic waistband without restrictive buttons, zippers, or drawstrings that require fine motor skills or bending to secure. Wide-leg options, such as sweatpants, athletic shorts, or scrub pants, are beneficial because they offer ample room to slide the garment over the operative leg without strain.
Choosing pants that are slightly longer than usual makes them easier to grab with a dressing aid or reacher when pulling them up. For the initial period following discharge, wearing simple hospital-style gowns or a loose robe is practical until the patient gains more confidence and mobility.
Upper body garments should emphasize ease of use and accessibility. Shirts that button down the front or have a full-length zipper are easier to manage than pullover styles. This design avoids the need to lift arms high overhead or maneuver the garment around the head, which can put strain on the back and hips.
When selecting underwear, patients should opt for loose styles that offer a high waistline. Briefs or boxers that sit higher on the torso are simpler to pull up using a reacher tool from a seated position. Tight or restrictive undergarments should be avoided entirely, as they can be difficult to manipulate and may cause discomfort near the incision site.
Essential Footwear and Dressing Aids
Footwear selection is directly linked to fall prevention, making it a significant safety consideration. Shoes must have non-slip rubber soles to provide secure traction on various surfaces. A closed back is strongly advised, as loose slippers or backless shoes can slide off and become a tripping hazard during ambulation.
The best footwear options have a wide width and an easy method of application, such as simple slip-on designs or those secured with Velcro straps. Patients must avoid any shoes requiring laces, as tying them necessitates bending the hip past the 90-degree limit. High-heeled shoes or platforms are entirely unsuitable due to the instability they introduce to the gait.
Independent dressing often requires the temporary assistance of specialized tools that substitute for limited joint movement. A reacher or grabber tool allows the patient to pick up clothing, pull up pants, or retrieve dropped items without bending or twisting the hip. These tools extend the patient’s reach, preserving post-operative precautions.
Another useful instrument is the sock aid, which helps pull socks onto the foot without requiring the patient to reach their toes. This aid typically involves a flexible trough that holds the sock open, allowing the foot to slide in easily from a seated position. Finally, a long-handled shoehorn is an effective aid for placing the foot into a shoe while maintaining a safe standing or seated posture.
Clothing Items to Avoid
Certain garments actively work against the goal of safe and independent recovery and should be removed from the immediate wardrobe. Any highly restrictive clothing, such as tight jeans, leggings, or skinny pants, must be avoided because they require significant force to pull over the operative limb. These items increase the risk of over-flexion or twisting the hip joint.
Complicated fasteners, including multiple small buttons, tiny zippers, or intricate ties, should also be avoided as they demand dexterity and time. Items that present a tripping risk, such as long, trailing robes or loose slippers, are dangerous and increase the likelihood of a fall. It is also recommended to temporarily forgo wearing belts, which often require uncomfortable bending or reaching to secure.