Hip precautions after total hip replacement and their discontinuation from practice: patient perceptions and experiences.

Participants who received hip precautions had mixed views about their use: some felt they were restrictive whilst others believed they provided reassurance. Participants who did not receive hip precautions were less anxious about dislocating their hip but were unsure how to progress their rehabilitation. The discontinuation of precautions may decrease patients' fears about dislocation but more guidance from rehabilitation staff about how to move safely during recovery is required.Implications for rehabilitationHip precautions may unnecessarily exacerbate patients' anxieties and fear about dislocation following total hip replacement.Hip precautions impact on patients' recovery both physically and psychologically.Patients should be advised about moving and returning to activities following total hip replacement, whether they receive hip precautions or not.