Which movement is commonly restricted to prevent hip dislocation after hip surgery?

Which movement is commonly restricted to prevent hip dislocation after hip surgery?

• A. Knee flexion beyond 120 degrees
• B. Ankle plantarflexion beyond 30 degrees
• C. Hip abduction beyond 90 degrees
• D. Hip flexion beyond 90 degrees

Answer: (D)

After hip surgery, preventing dislocation focuses on avoiding positions that push the femoral head out of the socket. Limiting hip flexion to 90 degrees or less is a common and effective restriction because bending the hip beyond that point places the femoral head at the back of the acetabulum, increasing the risk of dislocation—especially with a posterior surgical approach. Other movements mentioned don’t place the hip in a position that directly threatens the joint in the same way: knee bending or ankle movement don’t control the hip dislocation risk, and while hip abduction can be monitored, it isn’t the universal precaution used to prevent dislocation. So, keeping hip flexion under 90 degrees best reduces the chance of dislocation after surgery.

After hip surgery, preventing dislocation focuses on avoiding positions that push the femoral head out of the socket. Limiting hip flexion to 90 degrees or less is a common and effective restriction because bending the hip beyond that point places the femoral head at the back of the acetabulum, increasing the risk of dislocation—especially with a posterior surgical approach. Other movements mentioned don’t place the hip in a position that directly threatens the joint in the same way: knee bending or ankle movement don’t control the hip dislocation risk, and while hip abduction can be monitored, it isn’t the universal precaution used to prevent dislocation. So, keeping hip flexion under 90 degrees best reduces the chance of dislocation after surgery.