About this topic
A hip abduction brace fits around the waist and thigh. It helps to: ‚
- Support the joint
- Keep the hip from moving too much after an injury or surgery
- Make the hip heal faster
Your doctor may order this brace if you have had a hip dislocation when the bones move out of their normal places. Other times you may need to use it after a hip replacement surgery. ‚
General
Talk to your doctor about your hip precautions. Ask your doctor: ‚
- If you may take the brace off to go to the bathroom.
- How often you should wear your brace.
- If you should put your brace on and take it off while in bed or while standing.
How to put the brace on in bed: ‚
- Lay down in bed.
- Unhook all of the straps before you start.
- Slide the brace underneath your body. You may need to have someone help you with this.
- Make sure the brace is lined up correctly.
- The round hinge should be lined up with the side of your hip joint.
- The waist part should be below your ribs.
- The hard thigh part should not hit the back of the knee.
- Fasten the waist strap so it is snug.
- Fasten the thigh straps so they are snug.
- Once you stand, you may have to tighten the straps more.
How to take the brace off in bed: ‚
- Lay down in bed.
- Unhook the thigh straps.
- Unhook the waist strap.
- Slowly slide the brace out from under you. Have someone help you if needed.
How to put the brace on while standing: ‚
- Stand in front of a mirror if possible.
- Unhook all of the straps before you start.
- Fasten the waist strap first so it is snug. It should be between your ribs and hip bones.
- Line up the round hinge with the side of your hip joint.
- Fasten the thigh straps so they are snug. The hard thigh part should not hit the back of the knee.
How to take the brace off while standing: ‚
- Undo the thigh straps first.
- Undo the waist strap next.
- Take off the brace.
Helpful tips
- Wear a cotton t-shirt so the waist part of your brace does not irritate the skin.
- Put the brace over loose pants so the hip and thigh portions do not irritate the skin.
- Avoid low chairs or toilets as it can be difficult to get up from lower surfaces.
- Use mild detergent to wipe down the brace. Air dry.
- If you are getting too much hip motion with the brace on, let your doctor know.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚