HIP REPLACEMENT

Hip joints that are damaged by injury or disease such as arthritis can cause extreme pain and make even everyday movements like walking or sitting difficult. Total hip replacement surgery can give new life to people with debilitating hip pain.

During total hip arthroplasty (ARTH-ro-plas-tee), the diseased hip joint is removed and replaced with an artificial hip joint (prosthesis). The prosthesis is made up of a metal or ceramic ball component and a socket lined with plastic, ceramic or metal. These fit together in much the same way as a real hip joint and are designed be accepted by your body and to resist corrosion and wear. After a period of physical rehabilitation, hip replacement can relieve pain and restore range of motion so that you can return to an active life. Improved surgical approaches and techniques can get some patients back to work in two weeks.

To watch an informative interactive video about this procedure please click here.

THE PROCESS

The Day of Surgery:

• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital
  - You will not be able to drive for about 4-6 weeks after surgery
• Arrive 2 hours before your scheduled surgery time
• Go to the front entrance of the hospital to the Admitting desk
• Ambulatory Surgery
  - A nurse will admit you and start your IV
  - You will be take some pre-op medications with a sip of water
• Anesthesia
  - Your Anesthesiologist will talk to you about this in detail prior to your surgery

THE SURGERY

• Length of the surgery depends on your surgeon
• Generally takes 2-4 hours
• Stay in the recovery room for 1.5 to 2 hours before going to your room

AFTER SURGERY CARE & REHABILITATION

Your therapist will be working closely with you to achieve your functional goal & help you be more independent

Physical Therapy:

• Daily physical therapy sessions
• Leg exercises
• Transfer training
• Gait training/walking
• Balance activities
• Stair training

Occupational Therapy:

• Dressing
• Self-grooming
• Arm exercises
• Adaptive equipment as needed
• Transfer training

Hip Replacement Precautions:

Important Tips: Your hip precautions may vary slightly depending on your surgeon & your surgery. It is essential to follow these precautions for 8-12 weeks after surgery to prevent hip dislocation. After 8-12 weeks, consult your surgeon with regards to discontinuing the hip precautions

• DO NOT BEND HIP MORE THAN 90 DEGREES
  - When sitting upright, knees should be in a position lower than the hips
• DO NOT CROSS YOUR LEGS
• DO NOT ROTATE YOUR NEW HIP