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Hip replacement brace: how it works and how to manage daily life in one
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- Handheld reacher grabber. Best for: Picking things up without bending the hip. See options on Amazon
- Sock aid. Best for: Putting on socks or compression stockings. See options on Amazon
- Long-handled shoe horn. Best for: Shoes on without leaning forward. See options on Amazon
- Raised toilet seat with arms. Best for: Sitting and standing without deep hip bending. See options on Amazon
What the brace does
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals explains that a consultant may prescribe a hip abduction brace, often after a total hip replacement dislocates. It holds your leg in a safer position to reduce the risk of re-dislocation and gives damaged muscles time to recover. It works by limiting forward bending and holding the hip away from the body.
The same leaflet stresses that the brace is only a reminder: it can be overridden, so the hip could still dislocate. It also says that walking and standing with your feet apart will help to prevent another dislocation.
Because this is a prescribed device, this page does not recommend buying one. AAOS OrthoInfo notes that dislocation after hip replacement is uncommon, with the highest risk in the first few months. If you think your hip is unstable, contact your surgical team.
Putting it on and checking the fit
Worcestershire's leaflet describes fitting the brace lying on a bed, ideally with help: slide the belt under you and fasten it around the hips, tighten the pulley strings, then wrap the thigh strap around the lower thigh and clip it. Standing, the brace should sit like hands resting on your hips, without twisting, with the thigh strap high enough for the knee to bend freely.
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital adds that the hip belt should sit low on the pelvis and be pulled down if it rides up. If you are allowed to take the brace off at night, put it back on before getting out of bed.
Skin, washing and clothing
- Skin checks. Both hospitals say red marks after removal are normal and should fade within half an hour. Check more often if you have reduced sensation. Worcestershire names pressure sores as the main risk.
- Washing yourself. Worcestershire says you cannot shower or bathe in the brace, so wash around it sitting or standing, and follow your team's advice on when it may come off.
- Washing the brace. RJAH says the fabric part can be removed and hand washed in warm water with mild non-biological detergent, then air dried, not tumble dried.
- Clothing. Wear underwear and loose clothes over the brace so you can use the toilet without disturbing it. Dress the affected leg first.
- Driving. Worcestershire says do not drive while wearing it.
Exercises your team may give you
Worcestershire's leaflet includes ankle pumps (10 repetitions every waking hour), static quadriceps holds of 10 seconds, buttock squeezes, heel raises and mini squats while holding a worktop. Do only the exercises your own physiotherapist approves.
Aids that keep you from bending the hip
AAOS OrthoInfo lists home aids for recovery after hip replacement, including a raised toilet seat, a stable shower bench, a dressing stick, a sock aid, a long-handled shoehorn and a reacher. It also suggests a stable chair with a firm seat, firm back and two arms, and firm cushions so your knees sit lower than your hips. These matter more in a brace, because bending forward is exactly what it limits. An occupational therapist can advise which you need.
What to look for when you buy
Handheld reacher grabber
Best for: Picking things up without bending the hip
AAOS OrthoInfo lists a reacher for grabbing objects without excessive hip bending. Our handheld reacher guide covers lengths and grips.
Watch out: Not for heavy objects; ask for help with anything awkward.
See options on AmazonSock aid
Best for: Putting on socks or compression stockings
OrthoInfo includes a sock aid among the aids to prepare before hip replacement surgery.
Watch out: Practise with an occupational therapist; some sock aids are too stiff for compression stockings.
See options on AmazonLong-handled shoe horn
Best for: Shoes on without leaning forward
OrthoInfo lists a long-handled shoehorn as a recovery aid. Slip-on or elastic-laced shoes make it easier still.
Watch out: Sit in a firm chair with arms when you use it.
See options on AmazonRaised toilet seat with arms
Best for: Sitting and standing without deep hip bending
A raised toilet seat is on OrthoInfo's list of home changes before hip replacement, and lowers how far the hip bends when you sit.
Watch out: Check it fits your toilet and locks securely; a loose seat can tip.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Why do you wear a brace after hip replacement?
- Most people do not. A hip abduction brace is usually prescribed after a replaced hip dislocates, to limit bending and lower the risk of it dislocating again.
- How long do you wear a hip abduction brace?
- Your consultant decides and reviews it at clinic. Neither NHS leaflet gives a fixed number of weeks.
- Can I sleep without my hip brace?
- Sometimes, if your team allows it. Put it back on before getting out of bed, including for night-time trips to the toilet.
- Can I shower in a hip abduction brace?
- No. Worcestershire's leaflet says to wash around it sitting or standing instead.
- Does the brace stop my hip dislocating?
- Not on its own. Worcestershire describes it as a reminder that can be overridden, so keep to your movement precautions.
Sources
- Hip abduction brace (worcsacute.nhs.uk), Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
- Hip abduction braces (rjah.nhs.uk), The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Total Hip Replacement (orthoinfo.org), AAOS OrthoInfo