Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Information on total hip replacement surgery recovery and rehab. Know what you're getting into before you decide on surgery. It takes a full committment and active participation by you to reach a successful outcome after surgery. The following information will help you understand hip replacement procedures and protocols.

You don't have to live with hip pain all your life. If other non-invasive methods have done nothing to reduce your joint pain and stiffness, it may be time for you and your doctor to consider the option of surgery. Depending on your age and the amount of damage to your hip, total hip replacement surgery may offer the best answer.

Total hip replacement hardware lasts several years (some up to 20 years), and it can often be replaced if the first prosthesis wears out. If you are fairly young, your surgeon may suggest delaying surgery. If that's the case, medications or lifestyle changes may help control your symptoms until the time is right for joint replacement.

Total hip replacement surgery almost always reduces joint pain. During your surgery, your arthritic hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis.
Traditional total hip replacement surgery procedure

Before and after your total hip replacement surgery, you'll work closely with many individuals on your joint replacement team. The team will include your orthopedic surgeon, nurses, technicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and discharge planning coordinators. Active participation by you during your recovery will aid in your rehabilitation.

Prepare Your Home Prior to Your Total Hip Replacement Surgery

• if you own pets, have someone care for them during and after your hospital stay. If complications arise and your hospital stay is extended, you want your pets to be fed and cared for. Don't let your pet get underfoot or knock you down.
• prepare several meals ahead of time and store them in your freezer to reheat later
• place often used items (dishes, pots, cookbook, cereal) at counter level to avoid bending over (you will not be allowed to bend during the first several weeks following surgery
• move phone/electrical cords, loose carpets/rugs out of your walking path
• place a non-slip surface in your shower/bathtub
• if your bed height is too low, you may need to add a mattress for hip safety. Take a measurement of the height and give it to your physical therapist
• if you have stairs to climb to get into your home, it may be helpful to have a handrail installed

Before you leave for the hospital, pack a small bag or suitcase for your hospital stay. You'll need sturdy shoes that offer good foot support (tennis shoes, walking shoes--ladies, no high heels!) and comfortable clothing (shorts, sweat pants, roomy dress or gown). These items will be used in physical and occupational therapy. You'll practice dressing with your occupational therapist, and you'll need to wear comfortable clothes and shoes while participating in physical therapy. Getting dressed in your clothes and getting out of your hospital gown is all part of the rehab and recovery process following your total hip replacement surgery.

Dental Work

If you have tooth or gum problems, have them treated before your surgery. Finish any dental work that is already underway. If you don't, germs in your mouth could possibly enter your blood stream and infect your new joint. In a worst case scenario, an infected joint could mean the new prosthesis would have to be removed.

Donating Your Own Blood

Blood lost during surgery may need to be replaced. You may want to consider donating your own blood ahead of time. There is less risk of a reaction and infection.

After Your Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Following your total hip replacement surgery, you'll be sent to the recovery room where you will be monitored closely and given pain medication. You may have a catheter (small tube) in your bladder and a drain in your hip. You'll also have a wedge or two pillows placed between your legs to keep your hip in place.

Your Team Members

You will have contact with your nurse(s) several times a day. Her responsibilities include the following:

• contact your doctor on your behalf
• make you as comfortable as possible
• monitor your condition
• administer medications, especially to help control pain
• work with your therapists to assist you in and out of bed to a chair or the bathroom
• assist with your discharge planning

Your Physical Therapist(PT), along with your Occupational Therapist(OT), will evaluate your functional abilities and set forth a plan to accomplish specific goals before your discharge. The PT's responsibilities include the following:

• teach you how much weight you are allowed to put on your operated leg (your weight bearing status after surgery is determined solely by your surgeon)
• teach you to learn and incorporate the movement precautions required to protect your new hip (total hip replacement protocol and precautions)
• teach you proper bed mobility (scooting, getting in/out of bed)
• teach you to walk with the appropriate assistive device (crutches, walker, cane)
• teach you to safely and properly go up and down stairs
• teach you how to get up from and sit down on a chair or toilet
• teach you how to get in/out of a car
• teach you exercises to strengthen your leg and increase mobility in your hip
• instruct you in a home exercise program

Your Occupational Therapist(OT) is responsible for the following:

• teach you how to protect your operated hip while dressing, grooming, and bathing
• instruct and recommend adaptive equipment to assist you while performing self care activities (using a reaching aid, sock aid, long armed sponge, commode, tub bench, etc...)
• teach you how to safely transfer in/out of the bath tub or shower
• teach you new ways of adapting in your home and at work

Your Social Worker is responsible for the following:

• arrange for home health services if needed (physical therapy, nursing care)
• arrange for discharge to an acute rehabilitation or a skilled nursing facility if you are not yet ready to return home after your hospital stay
• upon therapy's recommendation, order equipment for home use (crutches/walker, commode, tub bench)
• assist you and your family with personal problems, community resources, financial aid

Learn more about hip replacement and rehab