Mountain Project Logo

Hip Replacement and Climbing

Original Post
Superclimber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 1,310

I had a hip replacement 3 days ago.

I've done a search and read thru several threads here and on other sites, but none address my specific questions.

Per the surgeon, literature, and PTs there is specific concern for dislocating a mechanical hip in certain body positions. Such as standing pigeon toed and passing a knee inward past your midline. Accordingly, I gather that knee drops and outside edging on the affected side are out. But I'm specifically wondering about the following two scenarios or any others you can think of.

1. Have you had any problems with crack climbing since we place a toe in the crack then torque the knee inward toward the midline?

2. Have you had any problem stepping (crossing) one foot past the other provided the knee remains out facing?

I intend to have a discussion about this with my surgeon when I see him again. But in the mean time I'm interested in hearing from people who have ACTUALLY HAD a hip replacement and have first hand experience climbing on it.

john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

Well, i have had both replaced and a knee. The toe in thing sounds a bit weird, i tend to walk like a duck anyway. Cross throughs are a bit limited but still work.

I think my stemming is not as good, but that may be an age thing....i say the key to rehab is rubber band excercise in a sideways manner.

10 years on the right and 2+ on the left..no real issues

I haven't done any crack climbing in a while, the knee was bad.

Dow Williams · · St. George, Utah; Canmore, AB · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 240

stemming is an issue

Jeff G · · Colorado · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,098

Depends a lot on if you had an Anterior approach or a Posterior approach.
Anterior approach is the newer, less invasive and more stable surgery and you should be able to do most climbing positions if you had that approach. Posterior approach you would have to be careful with full flexion and with crossing legs and with internal rotation.

csproul · · Pittsboro...sort of, NC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 330

Definitely a question for Supertopo!

Tim Shea · · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 2,130

I have had both my hips replaced. As stated above "stemming" is the biggest thing. In regards to dislocations, I asked the PT about it and she stated it can happen. I asked how many cases of this have you seen, this is a very busy hospital, She said 2. 2 out of thousands. I can crank on the hips pretty good. Don't worry.

Superclimber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 1,310

Thanks for the replies everybody. I appreciate the input!

John Vanek · · Gardnerville, NV · Joined May 2013 · Points: 0

Good question, and answers.
Looking at the profile pages of the posters, maybe there needs to be a forum for climbers 50+!

John

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
Post a Reply to "Hip Replacement and Climbing"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started