90 Degree Rule?

[LarryBud]

I'm on a countdown to Hip Resurface Job with Dr. Gross ( < 60 Days ).  As I look forward to recovery, I know I'll need to deal with the 90 degree rule.

As I sit in my chair and drive my car, it seems like I'm consistently crossing the 90 degree barrier.  Am I over thinking it or will I need to be adjusting my everyday routine.  For example, I don't think I can get in and out of my vehicle ( Ford Escape ) without bending past the 90.

Any thoughts on this?

P.S.  I know I can reach out to the office but thought I'd get some feedback here.

[catfriend]

This will be easier to deal with than you may think because right after surgery your body isn't going to want bend anyplace near 90 degrees. However, some preparation is in order. Easy rule of thumb: Go around your usual seating areas. Stand back against them. If the seat is lower than the bend in your knee it will violate the 90 degree rule. Check your toilet first. Get a riser that will raise the seat where it is easy for you (but not too high; many of them out there are 4 or 5 inches, which is too much unless you have a really low toilet). If a chair is too low not only will you violate the 90 degree rule you'll have a difficult to impossible time to get out of it. A solution is to use a cushion. Search Amazon or elsewhere for stadium seat cushions. I ordered one for my first resurfacing, and used it a fair bit. I needed it less after my second resurfacing, mostly because I bought a recliner. The other thing is that in most seating situations you are not sitting straight up, but reclining a bit. This is adjustable. Your car seat is a good example. I reclined my seat, and adjusted its height and distance, in the aftermath of my surgery. At my hospital, and I expect yours, before you are released from the hospital they will show you how to get in and out of a car.

You will be making some adjustments right after surgery, but trust me when I tell you that your body will make them for you. Sitting at an angle and bending forward is something that will just hurt. You won't do it. Even after your are released from the 90 degree restrictions your body still won't move into some positions you might want it to. OTOH those restrictions do start getting old the closer you get to the 45 days.