Hip Replacement

Hip Replacement

Preparation
Procedure
Recovery

Recovery

After surgery you will be moved into the recovery room, where you will stay for several hours. During this time, you will be monitored until you awaken, at which time you will be taken to your hospital room. Typically, you will stay in the hospital for three to four days, but this varies depending on how quickly you progress. 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.

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.

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. An occupational therapist and nurse discharge planner also will help you prepare for your discharge from the hospital. After you return home, you will work with a physical therapist three to four times a week.

Length of Stay

If you are having the minimally invasive two-incision hip surgery, you will stay at least one day in the hospital. You may stay in the hospital up to three days if you are having a primary total hip replacement. If you are having a revision hip replacement, you may be in the hospital four to five days.

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. You may want to put a bandage on your hip area, although be sure that you do not soak it. 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.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007