Each year, surgeons perform over 500,000 total hip replacement surgeries in the United States. For many seniors, this procedure offers life-changing relief from joint pain, increased mobility, and a renewed sense of independence. However, it does come with long-term precautions to protect the joint implant and ensure a successful recovery for years to come.
If you or a loved one has had a hip replacement, it’s essential to understand the lifetime precautions that follow. Explore how to care for a new hip joint and what steps seniors should take to stay safe and active post-surgery.
How Long Do Hip Implants Last?
Modern hip implants are designed to be durable. The different types of hip implants are usually made of metal, ceramic, or high-grade plastic. They’re engineered to mimic the movement of a healthy hip joint.
Generally, 90–95% of hip replacements are still functioning well after 10 years. And many hip replacements last for the rest of an individual’s life.
However, the lifespan of a hip replacement can vary based on:
- The type of implant used
- The type of hip replacement performed
- The patient’s activity level
- Overall health and bone strength
Following lifelong precautions can help seniors maximize the lifespan of their implant and avoid potential complications like joint dislocation, wear-and-tear, or the need for revision surgery.
Lifelong Precautions after a Hip Replacement
Even after a successful recovery, certain movements and habits can increase the risk of dislocating the artificial joint or damaging the implant. These lifetime precautions can help protect your hip and keep you living independently for as long as possible.
1. Avoid High-Impact or Repetitive Movements
Exercise is an important part of healing and long-term joint health. However, high-impact activities can place excessive stress on a hip implant. Repetitive motions and intense pressure may increase the risk of joint wear, pain, or dislocation over time.
Activities to avoid include:
- Running or jogging
- Jumping exercises
- Heavy weightlifting
- High-impact sports like soccer, basketball, or racquetball
Instead, seniors can focus on low-impact exercises that help maintain strength and flexibility without compromising joint safety.
Recommended activities:
- Swimming or water aerobics
- Walking on level surfaces
- Stationary biking
- Chair yoga or gentle stretching routines
Always speak with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning any new fitness routine.
2. Don’t Bend Your Hip Beyond 90 Degrees
After a hip replacement — especially a posterior approach — there’s a risk of dislocation if the hip is bent too far. This is because the soft tissues surrounding the joint take time to heal and may not hold the implant securely if pushed too far.
Generally, avoid hip flexion past 90 degrees — bending your hip too far or lifting your knee too high.
To maintain a safe range of motion:
- Avoid sitting in low or deep chairs
- Keep your knee lower than your hip when seated
- Don’t bend over to tie your shoes or pick things up
- Use a reacher tool or long-handled shoehorn
- Consider a raised toilet seat or cushion for extra height
If you’re unsure what bending positions are safe, ask your doctor or physical therapist for personalized guidance.
3. Avoid Crossing Your Legs
Crossing your legs at the knee or ankle can place rotational stress on your hip joint, increasing the risk of dislocation — especially during the early recovery period.
To protect your hip:
- Avoid crossing your legs while sitting or lying down
- Sit with both feet flat on the floor
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees if you’re a side sleeper
- Turn your whole body instead of twisting at the hip when changing direction
These habits can help maintain proper alignment and support muscle recovery around the new joint.
4. Be Mindful When Traveling by Air
If your implant contains metal, it’s highly likely that it will trigger airport metal detectors. In fact, approximately 85% of hip and knee implants set off alarms when you walk through a metal detector.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Inform TSA agents about your hip implant before screening
- Request to go through a body scanner instead of a metal detector
- Be prepared for a handheld scanner or pat-down inspection
While medical implant ID cards were once common, TSA no longer requires or accepts them as proof. Verbal communication is usually sufficient.
Also, stay mobile during long flights to reduce stiffness and improve circulation. Try to stand and walk the aisle periodically or do ankle circles in your seat.
Living a Full Life After Hip Replacement
A hip replacement surgery can dramatically improve your quality of life, relieving chronic pain and restoring mobility. But the best outcomes require active participation in recovery and an understanding of long-term joint care.
Beyond avoiding high-risk movements, seniors should also prioritize:
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor joint health
- Healthy weight maintenance to reduce pressure on the joint
- Ongoing exercise to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve stability
- Proper footwear with non-slip soles and good arch support
- Fall prevention strategies like removing tripping hazards and using night lights
When to Seek Help
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Sudden or severe hip pain
- Swelling or redness around the joint
- Limited range of motion
- A clicking or popping sensation in the hip
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, warmth at the site)
- Early intervention can prevent further damage and help you stay active.
Need Help at Home?
Recovery from joint replacement surgery takes time — and even afterward, some tasks may still be difficult. If you or a loved one needs extra support at home in the weeks after surgery, Caring Senior Service can help. Our trained caregivers assist with:
- Mobility and ambulation
- Personal care
- Light housekeeping
- Transportation
- Medication reminders
Let us help you live safely, comfortably, and confidently at home.
Reach out to your local Caring team today to learn more about our customized care plans.
