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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Making
certain modifications to your home may help you during
your recovery. These modifications include the following: |
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- 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
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