After Hip Surgery: Getting Into and Out of a Car

After hip replacement, getting in and out of a car can be difficult. Read this for instructions on how to do it safely.

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After hip surgery, getting into or out of a car can be difficult. To keep your hip safe, follow your “hip precautions” and the tips on this sheet. The steps below help you get into a car. Reverse them to get out of a car.

Before getting into a car

  • Have someone move the seat as far back as it will go.
  • Recline the back of the seat if possible.
  • Place a pillow on the seat to keep your hips above your knees, especially if the seat is low.

1. Sit down

Person getting into car, holding on to side of car with one hand and walk handle with other, lowering self into seat.

  • Stand with your back to the car. Keep your operated leg straight and that foot slightly forward. Feel the car touch the back of your other knee.
  • Hold onto the side of the car and the walker or dashboard.
  • Lower yourself slowly onto the seat. Watch your head.

2. Bring your legs into the car

Person getting into car without twisting, with left leg in car and lifting right leg into car.

  • Slide back into the center of the seat.
  • Lift your legs one at a time into the car. As you do so, move your body. Do not twist.
  • Keep your car seat as high as possible to prevent deep hip flexion as you get in or out of the car.

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