Getting in and out of a Ghia after hip replacement

[Legacy]

[obus]

though no experience with hip issues or replacement i have a manager at one of my accounts in his late 50s who got dual hip replacements i think about 6 months apart and he said he wished he had done it years ago as he was in pain for years. Now he is pain free!
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July 1959 Mango Standard Bus aka Obus L346 L347 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=256592&highlight=
June 1973 Pumpkin Orange Thing aka Othing L30H
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=711775&highlight=
1960 Paprika Red Karmann Ghia Convertible aka Schatze L452 built 5/20/60
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
66 21 window bus built 8/31/65 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=777273

[Marcdeb]

[Marcdeb]

[67 Florida Deluxe]

I injured my back on the squat rack 2 decades ago and I still have the herniated disk to show for it. When my '66 KG vert was first delivered, sadly, it was one one of my many "bad back" days and I couldn't even get in it to drive it away from the auto transport truck. Fortunately, I had a buddy with me who could.

Then, I bought a '55 Porsche Pre-A coupe with a 420mm steering wheel rather than a 400mm steering wheel. On "good" back days, I still have to be a contortionist to get into it. But once I'm in, I'm good. And if anyone sees me trying to get in or out, I'm sure they are saying "WTF??"

But where there's a will, there's a way! A hip replacement should heal and mobility should improve with the proper therapy and continued exercise. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have a car as a great motivator to improve ambulation and limberness
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-Kent (BaT "daleallen")

OG member of the '67 Posse

A few of my toys, past and present
'56 Oval, '66 KG Conv't, '67 21-Window, '67 Bug, '79 SuperVert, '55 Pre-A Continental

[McFunzeepants]

Depending on which procedure you get (Anterior or Posterior approach). You will have restrictions on how you can move that leg for 5-6 weeks post surgery. Your MD may want some imagining at that point to make sure everything is healed correctly prior to releasing you from precautions.

With the Posterior approach you will not be allowed to flex your hip past 90 degrees (as well as keeping your toes pointed outward (no Int. Rotation) and your knees apart (no Adduction)) this will limit your ability to get into or out of a Ghia safely.

It's the tight muscles that keep your hip joint together; once the surgeon gets in there and loosens the muscles to access your femoral head the risk of displacement increases. By following the precautions, -mechanically the joint will stay together and not be forced apart by your movement.

The Anterior approach has precautions as well, (i.e. limit hip extension, no ext. rotation), but they are much more difficult to break, and you can get into / out of a Ghia with a lot less risk.

Hopefully the Anterior approach is available to you.

The MD will also prescribe Occupational / Physical Therapy for you. Depending on your needs these therapists may come to your home (Home Health) and if so, and as a part of therapy,- ask them to show you how to safely get into and out of your car. Its part of their job to assess car transfers.
They will be the best resource for you.

[Marcdeb]

[Braukuche]

Best of luck on the surgery Marc. I just had a cardiac ablation for Afib a bit over a week ago. All this talk of medical procedures sounds like the Porsche 356 Registry forum! Guess we Ghia guys are getting old.
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Go Reds! Smash state!

Retirement is here!
1956 Ghia
1959 SO-23 Westfalia
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now

[Marcdeb]

[56cpe]

I can talk with some degree of certainty about this. I have had 3 Hip replacements - no not Jake the Peg, One came loose after 8 months and had to be replaced again. I have also had the Right knee replaced. I am worth more dead than alive with the amount of Titanium in me. And what do I do for a living - I restore KGs for other people. The difficulty in getting in and out, especially in Parking areas is if you cannot open the door fully - even with the Bum first and swivel technique - If you cannot lift and bend your knees enough it can be difficult, always remember to swivel as I have heard stories of Hips popping out.
My daily drive is a 2005 KG also known as an Audi TT - same problem getting in and out. I don't expect to change anything as I have a 56 Coupe to build for myself and I just love these Cars. Just make sure after the Op to stay fit and bendy
Regards Jerry
KGCOA

[slalombuggy]

I had a hip replacement 15 years ago when I was 40. It gave me my life back. I'm a big guy and have driven many SMALL cars since then and never had an issue because of my hip. A Ghia is super easy to get in and out of. Have you ever driven a Marco's? Picture a half scale 240Z.

Now, the leg that was driven over by a Tundra, that's another issue, but I still managed to get in and out of my 30" wide top loader Bonneville racer and fully caged Bug.

Good luck with your surgery, do your exercises. All will be good.

brad

[Marcdeb]

[John Moxon]

[Marcdeb]

[John Moxon]

[Marcdeb]

[John Moxon]