Hip Braces, Hip Abduction Braces, Hip Replacement Recovery, Hip Surgery

What is a Hip Brace?

A hip brace, also known as a hip orthosis, is regularly used by those who require a better alignment for their hip to relieve pain, or by those who have undergone hip revision surgery or an injury. When used after surgery, a hip brace is a device that helps prevent the hips from moving into an incorrect alignment and has a similar appearance to a step-in harness.

A hip brace can come in many styles to best fit personal needs and fulfill its primary purpose. It can be used by infants, young children and adults to give proper hip alignment. A hip brace is usually available in a variety of colors and its materials differ based on its purpose. Some braces are specifically designed to hinder movement, while others are made to encourage movement, therefore, different materials are used to accomplish these goals. A removable and machine washable lining is a popular feature, though some braces may be spot cleaned or hand washed only. It is especially important for growing children to wear a properly fitted hip brace. And it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before wearing any type of hip brace.

A hip abduction brace is a special brace that keeps the hips and knees apart. It provides support of the hip joint to allow proper healing in the abduction position after surgery or hip dislocation. The abduction brace limits the amount of hip movement, causing sitting upright or other regular activities to not feel normal. A doctor will explain how long the brace needs to be worn, if it needs to be worn all the time, or if it can be taken off while in bed.

General information to keep in mind:
• Always follow hip precautions when wearing the brace.
• Use a pillow on the seat of a chair to make sitting more comfortable.
• Do not sit on chairs, sofas or toilets that are low to the floor.
• Use arms to assist when rising from a chair.
• Inspect the skin under the brace every day. If any irritation or redness remains after removing the brace, call your doctor. It may need to be adjusted.
• It can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
• Wash the pad with mild detergent and let it air dry overnight.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

The hip is the largest ball-and-socket joint in the body, and is held together by ligaments, tendons and a joint capsule. The ball is called the femoral head, which is at the top of the femur bone, and the socket is called the acetabulum, which is part of the pelvis. The femoral head fits into the acetabulum creating the hip joint, so the ball can rotate freely in the socket. Cartilage covers the femoral head and the acetabulum, called the joint capsule, so the joint glides easily during motion.

Hip dysplasia means the hip joint is the wrong shape, or the hip socket is not in the correct position to cover and support the femoral head. This causes abnormal wear and increased force on the cartilage, making the joint surface wear out faster. Certain changes can be made to preserve the life of the hip joint, since the cartilage surface cannot re-grow itself. These changes can be lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, using a cane, or taking arthritis medication, which can help temporarily. Another change can be surgical treatment.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia?

The first sign of hip dysplasia in a young adult typically is hip pain and/or a limp. In some cases, a clicking or popping may be the initial sign. It is important to be aware that these symptoms can also be caused by other hip disorders. To determine the cause of hip pain, x-rays are the standard first step in diagnosing a disorder. Hip pain from dysplasia is usually associated with activities, with pain deep in the front of the groin. But, pain in the side or back of the hip is also frequent. When symptoms first occur, they may be only mild and occasional, but over time they can increase in intensity and frequency.

Once the symptoms of hip dysplasia become more severe, a mild limp can occur because of the pain. A painless limp can be caused by limited flexibility of the hip joint, weak muscles, or bone deformity. A limp does not always indicate hip dysplasia, because it can be related to many other hip disorders.

What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure where a damaged hip joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint, which is made from metal and plastic components. There are many different conditions that can damage the hip joint. The most common reason is osteoarthritis. This occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint breaks down, causing the bones to rub together. Growths of bone, called spurs, can also form around the joint causing pain and stiffness. Injuries, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, bone tumors, and osteonecrosis can be other possible causes of hip damage. Doctors often recommend hip replacement surgery if stiffness and pain interfere with the ability to do everyday activities, especially if other treatments have failed to provide adequate pain relief.

How do I Recover from a Hip Replacement?

Full recovery from hip replacement surgery involves work, and each precaution and exercise given is there for a reason. Following instructions and enduring some limitations during recovery will ensure the best possible outcome. Short term recovery is the time it takes the body and hip to initially heal from surgery. During this time there will be pain, but medications can make it more manageable.

There are several important precautions that will help prevent a new hip joint from dislocating, or popping out of place, while it heals. A doctor or physical therapist will give specific instructions according to the type of hip surgery that was performed. A few of the most common precautions that should be taken for any hip surgery are:

• Do not sit in low chairs, low stools, or soft couches.
• Do not bring the knee up higher than the hip.
• Do not lean forward while sitting or as you’re sitting down.
• Do not reach down to pull up blankets while lying in bed.
• Do not turn the feet excessively outward or inward.
• Do not cross the legs at the knees for at least 8 weeks.
• Do not stand pigeon-toed.
• Do not kneel on the knee of the surgical leg.

A doctor will advise when it is safe to return to work and other physical activities. Usually this takes place by 3 to 6 months from the time of surgery.

There will be some precautions to follow even after achieving full recovery and getting back to normal activities. Be cautious about infections from this point on. Alert dentists or doctors about having a joint replacement because antibiotics will likely be needed before invasive procedures are performed. This will help prevent an infection from getting in the body and settling in the artificial joint. Strenuous athletic pursuits should be avoided, such as basketball, downhill skiing, jogging, and other activities that put intense pressure on the hip. These add wear and tear on the components, and can loosen the replacement joint or cause it to wear out early. Light activities that can be engaged in include walking, doubles tennis, and golf.

Some hip replacements can be detected in airport metal detectors, depending on the material that was used. A card can be carried in the wallet that describes the implant, making it helpful when passing through airport security.

Rehabmart is pleased to carry top quality hip braces from highly respected vendors that include Restorative Care of America, Optec USA, Comfy Splints, Synergy Therapeutics and Orthomerica.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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