Preparing For Hip-Replacement Surgery And Recovery

Hip replacement surgery is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint or both hip joints are replaced by an implant made from surgical grade metal alloys. It is generally conducted to relieve arthritis pain or treat severe physical joint damage following hip fracture.

What To Expect

Hip replacement surgery is not an out-patient procedure. It is an operation with a duration of two to six hours depending on the type of surgery you are having and the complexity of the replacement. Once the surgery is concluded, you will be transferred to a recovery room where you will stay for three to six hours. Once the medical staff is assured you have fully awakened and there are no complications, you will be taken to your room.

Duration Of Hospital Stay

You can expect to be in the hospital for two to five days depending on your age, how you respond to the surgery and the anesthesia, and your overall health:

• If you had a minimally invasive, two-incision surgery you will probably released after two days.
• If you had a primary total hip replacement you can expect three to four days.
• A revision hip replacement will require a hospital stay of four to five  days.

If there are complications or your overall health is compromised, you may find that you stay longer.

The Importance Of Therapy After The Procedure

While you're in the hospital, you will begin a long program of physical therapy. The course of therapy will be specifically designed for recovery from your procedure, your age and general health. It will be designed to rebuild the muscle mass around your hip joint, improve circulation and to aid in healing of tissue and bone.

There are two types of therapy you will engage in while in the hospital. One is a regular course of respirator therapy to help clear your lungs and keep them clear until you become mobile and more active again. A respiratory therapist will work with you to show you instruments and simple tools to keep you lungs clear and to diagnose any issues with your breathing. Breathing issues are common after surgery especially when the recovery period is long duration.

Your physical therapist will show you the correct ways to sit up, bend over and begin walking with your new hip replacement. They'll also introduce you to some simple exercises to help you resume regular activities and continuing therapy.

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Hospital Release

When you're released from the hospital, you will be briefed and given written instructions on how to manage your care when you get home. If you can, have a family member, friend or anyone who will act as a care-giver with you for this briefing. The nurse or doctor will cover the following:

• Your medications and a list of when to take them
• Wound care for your stitches or staples
• Instructions about bathing
• Diet recommendations
• Review of how to move around, sit, use the washroom and other basics
• Recommended dates for follow-up appointments and physical therapy
• Signs of infection
• Complications and what to watch for
• Answer any questions you may have

They may cover over subjects depending on your overall health, your general response to the surgery and any special needs related to your condition or procedure.

Hip Replacement Recovery: After You Go Home

Coming Home

Going home is just the beginning. You can expect a full recovery after three to six months but that will be contingent on your general health, age, the type of surgery and your commitment to your physical therapy. Someone will obviously need to drive you home and if another person can accompany them it will help as you get into and out of the car.

A critical thing to stay on top of is pain management. Take your pain medicines on a regular schedule and don't be shy about managing your pain. Someone who is helping you as a care-giver should make it a priority to get to the pharmacy and pick up your medications. If you are on multiple medications they should purchase a pill box to help organize and manage the medicines and daily dosages.

You Can't Go It Alone

You'll need help during your first week at home and perhaps for some time afterwards with everyday tasks like cooking, grocery shopping, trips to the hospital or doctors office for follow-up visits and physical therapy. In fact, most patients recovering from hip-replacement surgery are not allowed to drive for as much as six weeks after surgery.

Keep A Wireless Phone With You At All Times

Even with a caregiver at home, you should always have the ability to call for help while they're at the grocery store, walking the dog or even sleeping in another room. If you can't get help at home from family or friends there are church groups, community organizations and home care professionals. Much of this would depend on your insurance and income. If you're on your own without family or friend support so discuss this with your doctor and the hospital before surgery. They also have inpatient programs to help you with your recovery in an inpatient facility.

Potential Problems And Side Effects

The most significant problem you could encounter would be a dislocation of the new hip joint. This can happen very simply and your physical therapist should advise you about positions and motions to avoid at the outset.

Infection of an incision is something else to monitor. Your nurse at checkout will alert you to the signs and symptoms of infection. 

Beyond Hip Replacement: The First Month To The First Year

Physical therapy will continue to be a primary focus of your time and attention as you enter your first month, and conclude it in three to six months. You'll also have frequent follow-ups with your doctor to assess your condition, healing of your incisions, and your general health. The schedule for these visits depends on your doctor and your speed of recovery. You will then have annual visits to continue to assess your condition and progress.

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Anyone confronting hip replacement surgery should do some research if time allows. Emergency surgeries for a fractured hip complicate the ability to read-up before the procedure, but if it's an elective surgery due to advancing osteoporosis you should definitely take the time to understand and prepare for your recovery. Because of the long three to six month recovery times a plan for your recovery can help you to maintain your lifestyle, manage your income and improve your overall health and quality of life.