The period following hip replacement surgery requires careful attention to daily movements to protect the new joint and facilitate healing. Selecting appropriate clothing is a significant step in managing recovery and maintaining adherence to post-operative mobility restrictions. The right attire ensures personal comfort, minimizes strain on the surgical site, and reduces the risk of dislocation, which is a concern during the first few weeks of recovery. By prioritizing specific garment features, patients can dress independently and safely, supporting a smoother transition back to daily life.
Essential Safety Criteria for Post-Surgical Attire
Clothing choices must fundamentally support the hip precautions prescribed by the surgical team. These precautions typically involve avoiding hip flexion beyond 90 degrees, preventing the leg from crossing the midline (adduction), and limiting excessive internal rotation. Garments must be loose-fitting and non-restrictive, especially around the hip and thigh, to prevent friction or pressure on the incision site. Selecting clothing that is easy to don and doff without requiring the wearer to bend, twist, or overreach is paramount for joint safety. Lightweight, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or soft athletic materials, are preferable as they reduce skin irritation and accommodate post-operative swelling.
Recommended Lower Body and Undergarments
The lower body presents the greatest challenge for dressing due to the necessity of avoiding deep hip flexion. Trousers and shorts should feature elastic waistbands, which allow the garment to be pulled up safely without the need for bending or complex fastening. Look for styles with very wide leg openings, such as loose sweatpants or athletic track pants, ensuring they can easily pass over the foot and any potential swelling. Adaptive clothing, which incorporates features like side-snaps or Velcro closures running the length of the leg, can simplify the process of dressing the operated leg first.
Tight-fitting garments, including jeans, leggings, or trousers with zippers and buttons, should be avoided entirely, as they demand excessive manipulation and bending. For undergarments, loose-fitting, oversized underwear is best, as it can be lowered and raised using a reacher or dressing stick, eliminating the need to bend over. Some patients find adaptive underwear with side openings or magnetic closures to be helpful for maintaining independence. When dressing, the operated leg must always be inserted into the garment first, followed by the non-operated leg, a sequence that is reversed when undressing.
Safe Footwear and Dressing Aids
Footwear is a direct factor in fall prevention, so shoes must feature non-skid, rubberized soles for secure traction on various surfaces. Shoes should have a closed back and provide adequate support, with a low heel of no more than one to two inches to maintain balance. The most appropriate options are slip-on shoes or athletic sneakers with adjustable closures like Velcro straps or elastic laces, which eliminate the hazardous task of bending over to tie laces.
The inability to reach the feet necessitates the use of specialized dressing aids to maintain independence. A long-handled reacher or grabber is essential for picking up dropped items and guiding clothing over the feet and ankles. A sock aid or stocking donner allows socks or stockings to be placed onto the foot while keeping the hip straight. A long-handled shoehorn, typically 24 to 32 inches in length, is necessary to safely guide the foot into supportive shoes without bending the knee or hip excessively.
Upper Body and Sleepwear Considerations
Dressing the upper body is generally less restricted, but ease of movement remains important to prevent uncomfortable twisting or reaching. Loose-fitting shirts and blouses are recommended, particularly those that feature front closures, such as buttons, zippers, or snaps. Front-closure tops allow the wearer to dress the arms one at a time, avoiding the need to pull the garment over the head.
Avoid tops with tight sleeves or restrictive collars. For sleepwear, the focus should be on non-restrictive, breathable fabrics that simplify nighttime routines. Oversized nightgowns or loose-fitting pajama sets are excellent choices, as they are easy to manage for toileting and do not bind or restrict movement while turning in bed. Sleepwear should not present a tripping hazard if the wearer needs to get out of bed quickly.