Hip Replacement Surgery

Your Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery - Preparing yourself for surgery

Hip joint replacement surgery is a very successful procedure proven to be safe and effective. As with all surgery, there are a number of things which the hospital will ask you to do to ensure the operation is a success. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your doctor or hospital staff.

The next sections explain what you will be asked to do before you go into hospital, during your hospital stay and when at home recovering.

Before you go into Hospital
There are several things that you can do before your surgery to make your recovery easier and safer.

Commit to the success of your surgery:
Working as a team, you, your physician, physiotherapist and your family must adopt a positive attitude toward the success of your surgery. Together, you will gain a clear understanding of the common goals and expectations of the procedure.

Remain as active as possible:
Remaining active while waiting for your surgery is an important key to success of your surgery. Studies have shown that the stronger and more flexible you are before your operation the quicker you will recover and more flexible you will be after the operation. Gentle exercise such as walking, range of motion exercises and swimming can help you to stay strong and flexible. Seek your doctor’s advice before beginning any exercise.

At Home Recovering:
Upon returning home you will need help the first few weeks and should make arrangements for someone to shop for you and help you around the house. You will need to continue taking your regular medications and continue exercising as directed by your physiotherapist and surgeon. Remaining active and practicing the prescribed exercises are the quickest ways to full recovery.

You have every reason to expect to regain full use of your leg. However this will take time. You should be able to return to normal activities again within a few months of the operation. These may include driving, gardening and playing golf, but check with your doctor first. There will be a continual improvement throughout the first 12 months. Once the operation has fully healed, many people can’t tell they an artificial joint.

Special Instructions:
Every effort is made to minimize any risk or complications from occurring. However, like any other surgery they do occur. Listed below are common signs and symptoms that may indicate a complication with your new joint.

Please contact your doctor should you feel that you may have a problem or are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms:

	Fever of 101 degree Fahrenheit or 38.3 degree Celsius.
	Unusual redness, heat or oozing at the wound site
	Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
	Increase in Pain that is not relieved by medication
	Increase in pain or swelling in the calf
	Increase in swelling of the leg that is not relieved by elevation.

Introduction - Anatomy of the Hip Joint | Components of a HIP Replacement
Conditions Requiring A Hip Replacement | About Hip Replacement Surgery | Preparing yourself For Surgery