What to Expect After Surgery

When the surgery is completed, you will be taken to a post-anaesthesia recovery room. Depending of the type of prosthesis used, an abduction pillow will be placed between the legs for approximately 2 days. When your blood pressure, pulse rate and breathing rate have stabilized, you will be moved back to your regular hospital room.

For the first day or so after the operation, nurses will closely monitor your pulse and blood pressure. They will also make frequent observations of your affected hip and leg to check for drainage, circulation, stiffness and swelling. If, at any time, you experience discomfort or a loss of feeling, you should notify a nurse immediately.

For the first day after surgery, you will be given fluids intavenously. Once you can tolerate liquids, your diet will be increased accordingly.

If an antibiotic is prescribed as a preventative measure against infection, it may be given through the IV.

One plastic suction tube may be used to draw excess fluid from the area around your incision. The tubes are usually removed within 24 to 48 hours when the drainage decreases.

A trapeze attached to your bed frame will assist you in moving more easily and the side rails of your bed may be raised for your safety. While it is normal to experience some pain or discomfort after surgery, medication is available and ice can be applied to reduce swelling and discomfort. Let your nurse know if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.

Activity While in the Hospital

The day after surgery you can get out of bed to sit in a chair and when you can begin physical therapy. The nurse and physiotherapist will help you out of bed and a trapeze may be used as an assistive device. A commode seat on wheels will help you to walk to the bathroom and use the toilet.

Time

Most patients are hospitalized from four to six days. The surgery generally takes 1.5 to 2 hours to perform. Patients must use crutches support in two hands for about 3 weeks after surgery while their muscles are rehabilitating and 1 crutch for another 3 weeks.

Results

Many patients are able to resume daily activities without restriction following surgery. It is important to remember, however, that the replaced hip is artificial and there may be occasional discomfort in the hip area, as well as some numbness in the skin around the surgical scar.

The results of total hip replacement are based on patient determination, the surgeon's skill and the bioengineer's well-designed implants and instruments. Continued advances in the field can be expected to result in continuing success in the future.