What is the correct method to sit after hip or knee surgery?

Sitting after hip or knee surgery often requires specific techniques to avoid undue stress on the healing joint and to promote safety. The recommended method is to have the bad leg (the surgical leg) in front when sitting down. This approach helps to ensure that you are not placing excessive weight on the surgical leg while getting into a seated position, which could potentially lead to injury or complications during the recovery phase.

Having the bad leg in front allows for better control and stability, as it encourages the patient to lower their body more cautiously and evenly. By leading with the surgical leg, there's less risk of jarring the joint during the movement, making it a safer choice overall. The alignment and placement of the legs can also aid in maintaining balance as the individual shifts their weight and sits down, which is crucial for those in the healing process.

Other methods, like putting the good leg in front or sitting straight down without any adjustments, may inadvertently impose strain on the surgical leg. Both of these can complicate the recovery and create potential risks for the patient, leading to discomfort, setbacks in rehabilitation, or complications related to the surgical site.