Hi all you hippies out there in Bonesmart land! I had my surgery Nov. 30th,and everything is going grrrreat! I'm loving my new life and most of the time forget I've even had a hip replacement. I've got more energy and zest for life than I've had in at least 3 years, when the arthritis began its agonizing spiral into absolute agony.

My physical therapist says I don't need to continue with her because I've progressed to a point where I can go to the gym and get on with implementing my new, modified work-out routines. She is absolutely adamant (following my OS's command) that I NOT violate the 90 degree rule for a solid year! That just seems so excessive!
I understand not crossing the mid-line, and not doing squats or moves that risk dislocation but come on....can't I put my own lace-up shoes on by now or bend over and pick up something on the floor? I can lift my operated leg effortlessly to put the shoe on. I think I can even reach my toes to clip my own toenails. So....what is with the ONE YEAR deal? Anyone have the same restriction for an entire year?
Thanks for listening to me gripe,
Patrikya in California

It certainly seem excessive to me, Patrikya, since most surgeons do not require this limitation for more than 6 weeks or so. Why don't you make an appointment with your doctor and discuss why he believes this is necessary.

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RTKR - February 29, 2008

LEGAL DISCLAIMER - Moderator comments on this web site are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for advice from your personal physician or surgeon.

I agree, ask him to give you specific reason for the 12 month..

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LTHR 1-7-2010
RTKR coming up on 4-26-2010

The surgeon is the boss, I"d ask him. Mine had me follow it for 3 months. But at about 6 weeks he did tell me I could tie shoes. He was giving me a hard time for wearing flip flops, so i told him NO ONE in my house was going to help me with shoes and tying.
Good Luck
judy

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cervical fusion C4-C7 07/07
RTHR 6/08
right knee microfracture 12/08
thoracic fusion T5-T12 01/09

Quote:

Is 1 year for the 90 degree rule excessive?

Yes!!

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Please post in forums; PMs and emails for personalized help are not community oriented and will not be answered. Also search the Library and other threads for information.Thanks.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER - Moderator comments on this web site are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for advice from your personal physician or surgeon.

Administrator is an orthopaedic nurse of 50+ years experience in joint replacement.
Left arthroscopic menisectomy 4th October 09
RTKR 17th March 09
Right arthroscopy June 06

my surgeon said 12 weeks. My LTHR was done on 9/24/09

Mine said 4 weeks. My problem now is getting to the point where I am ABLE to do it....in fact, that's one of my major goals in PT. (Given that I've *never* been able to tie my shoes, it's gonna take a while for me to get that level of movement).

Thanks to everyone for your input. I have an appt on Tuesday so will be able to come back to report. I assumed it was because I'm uncemented posterior approach; still, one whole year just seems out of reach--no pun intended
Anyway, I'll let you all know what he says on Tuesday. Until then, I'll just keep on enjoying all the other freedoms my new hip has given me....especially freedom from pain!
Patrikya

Patrikya,

Mine is uncemented posterior also and I had no limitations per my OS though one of my therapists feels otherwise. I'm following my OS direction. I think it's just a matter of opinion from Dr. to Dr and not the approach. Good luck and let us know what your Dr. says on Tuesday.

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Karen - right ankle will be next
LHR - Posterior, MoM cementless December 14, 2009 / Incision washout January 13, 2010
RTKR Oct 1, 2007 & MUA June 9, 2008 / LTKR June 9, 2008

One YEAR???? Way toooooo cautious!!!!

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RTHR NOVEMBER 7th, 2008
***JUDI***

Patrika,
I was posterior and uncemented too. I have apt for my 6 week on Feb 17th.. I will try to remember to update and let you all know what he says for me.. My doc is old school...
I breached the 90 yesterday by accident..
I was getting out of a chair and my wrist popped back.. ouch... and I fell back to the chair..
I felt it stretch but no pain..except my wrist..
Take care and hang in there..
Pilot1

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LTHR 1-7-2010
RTKR coming up on 4-26-2010

hiya patrikya,
I have an uncemented thr and my surgeon didnt give me a lot of restrictions other than the leg crossing .He did state try to keep from of bending my leg MORE than 90 degrees, which isnt that hard.All this was to be strictly observed for the first few weeks, but as flexibility and strength returns i kinda experiment,, sometimes by accident..and I have found that I can touch my toes...NO PAIN..as for crossing my legs,, I dont do it sitting down, but laying down poses no discomfort.I am not gonna really put my hip to any test til I see my OS.. but I will continue to push my limit a bit , and try to get some of the old flexibility back.I miss doing stuff without thinking,, but now its second nature and I expect its probably good for a while yet.I think if ya just keep extending your personal limits gradually, all will be well, but thats a personal choice.Doctors have to deal with a very litigous world.

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Keith /LTHR all shiny and new!!!

My dr said that the only 100% guarantee for never dislocating is to stick to the 90 degrees. I think he is cautious and protecting his good work. I have already gone way beyond this (at 3 months post op) this but not pushed it too far either. I think a good rule is to protect the hip for life. Be aware. Mine is not metal on metal so my ball is not as big as a metal on metal, and my doc said it is a geometry thing. I think if you really get strong things will stay together pretty well.