RECOVERY

   
PROCEDURE   RECOVERY   PREPERATION   FAQ HIPS   REHAB   NEWER ADVANCES
 
   
After surgery you will be moved into the recovery room/ ICU, where you will stay for 1-2 days. During this time, you will be monitored by experienced staff and be given blood transfusions and have our special pain control protocols. After surgery, you may feel some pain that will be managed with medication to make you feel as comfortable as possible. To avoid lung congestion after surgery, you should breathe deeply and cough frequently to clear your lungs. To protect your hip during early recovery, a positioning splint, such as a V-shaped pillow placed between your legs, may be used.

Walking and light activity are important to your recovery and will begin the day of or the day after your surgery. Most hip replacement patients begin standing and walking with the help of a walking support and a physical therapist the day after surgery. The physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your hip and restore movement for walking and other normal daily activities.
 
   
Possible Surgical Complications
The rate of medical complications following hip replacement surgery is extremely low. Serious infections, such as a hip joint infection, occur in less than 2 percent of patients. The most common cause of infection occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, urinary tract infections or skin infections. After your surgery, you should take antibiotics before having any dental work or surgical procedure performed.

Blood clots in the leg veins or pelvis are the most common complication of hip replacement surgery. These clots can become life threatening if they move to the brain, lungs or heart. However, your orthopedic surgeon will have a blood clot prevention plan that includes medication and support stockings. If you do experience any symptoms of blood clots, you should call your surgeon immediately. Your doctor and nurse will discuss what symptoms to look for.

Leg-length inequality may occur or may become or seem worse after hip replacement. Your orthopaedic surgeon will take this into account, in addition to other issues, including the stability and biomechanics of the hip. Some patients may feel more comfortable with a shoe lift after surgery.
Other complications such as dislocation, nerve and blood vessel injury, bleeding, fracture and stiffness can occur. In a small number of patients, some pain can continue, or new pain can occur after surgery.

Over years, the hip prosthesis may wear out or loosen. This problem will likely be less common with newer materials and techniques. When the prosthesis wears, bone loss may occur because of the small particles produced at the wearing surface. This process is called osteolysis.
 
   
Physical Therapy
To help strengthen your hip joint, it is recommended that you do small exercises such as contracting and releasing the muscles in your legs and buttocks, and ankle pumps. Also, it is very important that you restrict movement in your hips. Your surgeon and physical therapist will discuss these movements with you.

Usually, you will begin to work with a physical therapist the first day after surgery. The physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to regain full hip movement. During your hospital stay, you will work with a physical therapist one to two times per day. Even when you return home, you will work with a physical therapist regularly for few days.
 
   
Length of Stay
You may stay in the hospital up to 5 - 7 days if you are having a primary total hip replacement. If you are having a revision hip replacement, you may be in the hospital for a longer span.
 
   
Post-Hospital Care
Once you have returned home, it is very important to follow your orthopedic surgeon's instructions during the first few weeks after surgery.
 
  • Caring for Your Incision -- Your incision is closed with staples, which will be removed around 14 days after your surgery. This area will be bruised for a while and may itch, pull or feel numb. You also may experience a burning sensation, which can be relieved by using an icepack for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid using creams, lotions or ointments on the hip area. Keep the area dry until your staples are out. Avoid showers until forty-eight hours after your staple have been removed.
  • Physical Activity -- Being physically active is an essential part of recovery. Within three to six weeks, you should be able to resume most normal physical activities of your daily routine. During the first few weeks of recovery, a physical therapist may teach or help you perform specific exercises to strengthen your hip. Other recommended physical activities include graduated walking and normal household activities to increase your mobility. However, it is important that you do not push yourself and avoid falling, which can damage your hip and require further surgery. Stairs are particularly hazardous and should be avoided if you do not have the help of an assisting device or caregiver. Recommended devices include a cane, crutches, walker and handrails.
    Six weeks after surgery, when you regain full hip movement, you can probably resume driving. At this time, your surgeon also may allow you to return to work, depending on how much physical activity is involved in your occupation. Sexual activity can be resumed at this time as well.
  • Follow-Up -- During the first year following your surgery, routine follow-up visits are scheduled with your orthopedic surgeon. Your follow-up appointments will be at three weeks, six weeks, three months, six months and 12 months after your surgery. You will be asked to return for annual visits thereafter to assess the status and function of your implant.
 
   
Making certain modifications to your home may help you during your recovery. These modifications include the following:
 
   
  • proper handrails along all stairs
  • safety handrails in the shower or bath
  • shower bench or chair
  • raised toilet seat
  • stable chair with firm seat cushion and firm back with two arms, which will allow your knees to be positioned lower than your hips
  • long-handled sponge and shower hose
  • dressing stick
  • sock aid
  • long-handled shoe horn
  • reaching stick to grab objects
  • firm pillows to raise the hips above the knees when sitting
  • removing loose carpets and electrical cords that may cause you to trip