Posted , 7 users are following.
hi all
i,ve been wondering about this 90 degree rule. i,m a month out from my op an have alot to learn an will get taught i,d imagine from my doctor an others involved i,d imagine. Why i am asking is that , how do you sit at the dinner table for instance an how about driving a manual gear driven vehicle. thx in advance for all replies, rgds ian
0 likes, 7 replies
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maggie93798 ian01965
Posted
it is not as bad as you might think.
chair height is important, and most people are asked to measure the height of sofa and dining chairs as well as the length of the lower leg from knee to ankle. if needed chair raisers are used to ensure that you are sitting at the right height. A perching stool is sometimes offered, this ensures you sit at the correct angle. once you are at the correct height it is easy to ensure the 90 degree rule is kept. Usually no driving until the restrictions are lifted at around six weeks post op if all goes well.
Pick up tool and dressing aids ensure you do not do bend more than 90.
Many of us were told about this at the preop joint school, and the physios arrange for the equipment to be delivered for you
ptolemy ian01965
Posted
I think you will find that dining room chairs probably are OK anyway. I did not even check mine, it is the easy chairs and bed that tend to be lower. For my favourite easy chair I just added an extra cushion. I also had toilet seat raisers which were supplied by the hospital. It is normally recommended not to drive for around six weeks. I am not sure why you can get away with that on the 90 degree rule. I sat sideways on the seat when getting in and just swizzled round. On getting out I did the opposite so both feet were on the ground to push me up. When I went to see the physios four weeks after the op they told me I had had no restrictions, so I suppose I could have ignored the 90 degree rule, they said I could have touched my toes if I had wanted to. Better safe than sorry though. As Maggie says a grabber really is essential and incredibly useful. I got mine from Amazon.
barb50991 ian01965
Posted
I'm only 5'4" so keeping the 90 degree rule is easier for me than for a tall person. I had a right THR, and started driving at about 6 weeks. I drive a manual car, so the clutch was no problem since I use my left foot for that. I was surprised at my 2 week visit with the surgeon that he said I actually had 110 degrees (I could bend a bit further than 90), and he demonstrated by lifting my knees up while I was sitting in the exam room. At my 6 week visit, he did the same thing and said it was now about 130 degrees. (I had asked him about using toilets in public places.) So I stick with the 90 degree rule, but if I go a bit beyond I don't stress about it.
In the first month after my surgery, I tried really hard not to bend forward at the dining table to reach for food. Now, I feel like I can do that without any problems.
I remember on day 2 or 3 I accidentally crossed my leg over my mid line and felt pain in my hip. My PT said I had done no harm, but to remember the feeling of pain and not do anything to cause it again. At about 4 weeks I accidentally reached down to do something with my foot while sitting in a chair. Realizing I was way beyond the 90 degrees I immediately sat back up. But I felt no pain.
The 90 degree rule is a precaution. Doctors differ on how long their patients should follow it. My doctor said 6 months. I am now at 14 weeks. I plan to follow it for the full 6 months, but I can tell that my hip has more range of motion as time goes by. I have heard some doctors say to follow precautions for as little as 6 weeks. It seems like 3 months is the norm.
Rocketman_SG6UK ian01965
Posted
See my website for ideas - I used an office chair which was a perfect height, and had wheels so I could get closer or further from the table.
Also my recliner chair booster and useful trolley is on the website, all in the 'Home Preparation' page.
My website address is in my personal info here ...
https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025
and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147
Best wishes
Graham - ¯_(ツ)_/¯
stevieleeds Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
I was interested to see this, as my OT categorically refused the office chair as it swivels ( unless the swivel action could be locked off which mine couldn't). presumably you could very quickly and inadvertently swivel which would twist your hip really badly. I'm going to gaffer tape mine so it can't swivel, at least i can still pull it in and out on the wheels.
Rocketman_SG6UK stevieleeds
Posted
Yes, swiveling chairs is generally frowned on, but I was very careful when swiveling on it, use your arms and hands, not your legs. The height was perfect (and could be adjusted), and ability to move closer to the table was wonderful.
You have to sit 'straight' and into the right height too. I managed to modify my recliner with a big firm base, raising it about 6 inches so that I could use it.
I thought I wouldn't be able to play golf until next year due to the swiveling restrictions, but at 10 weeks I was cleared for some gentle golf due to having a super fast recovery this time around - usually it's a 6 month wait after THR.
marion36675 ian01965
Posted
I am 11 weeks post op. Sitting at the dinner table isn't a problem as you really don't bend forward very much. My husband used to push my chair closer to the table which means you're naturally sitting up straighter. I got on very quickly but didn't drive until 5-6 weeks. It's very awkward getting in and out of the car but it's just a case of going slowly and being very careful. My surgeon is an advocate of just listening to your body and applying common sense. I started gradually bending forward little by little at the 6 week mark. Just go very slowly. My physio told me that pain always comes before damage which is a good guideline. All the very best and I hope your recovery is as quick and painless as mine.