How to Position a Hip Replacement Patient in Bed

After hip replacements, patients need to be very careful when performing everyday activities, such as getting in and out of a car, showering, and getting out of bed. Right after surgery, patients will most likely need assistance with some activities, particularly positioning themselves in bed. There are a few simple techniques that can make this process a bit easier on the caregiver and on the patient.

Things You'll Need

• Hip abductor

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Instructions

• 1

  Assist the hip replacement patient in repositioning himself by shifting his body while he's lifting himself. The patient can use the overhead trapeze bar on the hospital bed to help reposition himself. He should firmly grasp the bar, and use his upper body strength to lift himself slightly off the bed. If it will make him more comfortable, you can also use this as an opportunity to place a pillow behind or under the patient.

• 2

  Place a wedge shaped pillow, or hip abductor, between the hip replacement patient's knees while she is in bed. The hip abductor will keep the patient's new hip in place and reduce the chances of dislocation. If a hip abductor is unavailable, use two regular bed pillows.

• 3

  Be sure the hip abductor stays between his legs when repositioning the hip replacement patient in bed. The pillow should be kept in place as long as the patient is in lying in bed.

• 4

  Avoid rotating the patient's hip when repositioning, and be careful not to rotate her operative leg inward or move the operative leg toward her chest. These movements could lead to dislocation.

• 5

  Always keep the patient's legs apart while positioning them in bed. The hip abductor should help prevent this, but if it must be removed during positioning, the patient's legs should still be kept apart. Legs should be apart while the patient is sleeping, as well, no matter if he's sleeping on his back or on his side.