To prevent hip dislocation, which precaution is advised?

To prevent hip dislocation, which precaution is advised?

• A. Avoid trunk extension
• B. Avoid hip adduction
• C. Avoid hip flexion beyond 45°
• D. Avoid hip abduction

Answer: (B)

Preventing hip dislocation after a hip replacement hinges on avoiding movements that bring the leg toward or across the midline. When the thigh adducts, it can push the femoral head out of the socket, especially when the joint is still vulnerable during healing. Keeping the leg from crossing the midline by avoiding hip adduction thus minimizes this dislocation risk, which is why this precaution is emphasized. Trunk extension, excessive hip flexion beyond a small degree, or keeping the leg away from abduction aren’t universally required precautions in the same way, and some protocols allow limited flexion or abduction depending on the surgical approach.

Preventing hip dislocation after a hip replacement hinges on avoiding movements that bring the leg toward or across the midline. When the thigh adducts, it can push the femoral head out of the socket, especially when the joint is still vulnerable during healing. Keeping the leg from crossing the midline by avoiding hip adduction thus minimizes this dislocation risk, which is why this precaution is emphasized. Trunk extension, excessive hip flexion beyond a small degree, or keeping the leg away from abduction aren’t universally required precautions in the same way, and some protocols allow limited flexion or abduction depending on the surgical approach.