You will undergo a number of tests and x-rays,
you will receive a clinical examination and
have a consultation with the consultant orthopaedic
surgeon.
The
Night Prior to Surgery
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything
after midnight.
The
Day Of Your Surgery
You will meet a registered theatre nurse who
will care for you until you are moved to the
operating theatre.
The anaesthesiologist will review your history
and type of anaesthesia used.
An IV will be started and sedative medication
will be administered, Epidural anaesthesia
may be started at this time.
The
Hip Replacement Operation
Your surgery generally takes 1½ to
2½ hours, don't be surprised if the
time for your surgery passes by. The theatre
schedule is flexible to allow for some procedures
to overrun.
After
your Surgery
After surgery is completed you will be moved
to the recovery area in intensive care for
a short time, if you have any medical history
of heart problems you may well be held in
intensive care for a few days. This is just
a precautionary measure. Whilst you are in
intensive care especially trained nurses will
closely monitor you.
You
will then be transferred to your room where
your family will be allowed to be with you.You
will have received extensive physiotherapy
during your stay in the hospital, therefore
you will be in good shape for your return
home. Continue to take any prescribed medication
and follow the doctor's instructions regarding
the medication. Follow the physiotherapist's
exercises and instructions for your hip. Wear
an apron for carrying things around the house.
This leaves hands and arms free for balance
or to use crutches. Use a long-handled "reacher"
to turn on lights or grab things that are
beyond arm's length.
Preventing
Blood Clots (Thrombosis)
After surgery, clots may form in the veins
of the leg as a result of immobility. This
could lead to a post-operative complication
known as a Deep-Vein Thrombosis. For this
reason you will receive a form of low weight
heparin to ensure that thrombosis doesn't
occur.
You
may receive some of these drugs to take home
with you.
Recovering
from Surgery
You will have:
A
dressing over the hip and mid thigh area.
A
foam wedge pillow between your legs. This
is to help keep your new hip
in place during early healing.
You
may have a drain from the surgical site. This
drainage tube collects any
bloody fluid that has accumulated under the
skin and muscle. This tube
is usually removed the day after surgery.
A
bar (trapeze) will be hanging over the bed.
Use it to help lift your body
when you change positions.
An IV (intravenous
infusion).
Vital
signs taken which consist of blood pressure,
pulse, respiratory rate
and temperature.
A Foley catheter
(urine bag) to monitor the amount and colour
of your
urine. This is usually removed 1 or 2 days
after surgery. You can normally
drink fluids and eat.
It
will normally take 4 to 6 weeks to become
fully mobile following your Hip
Replacement Surgery. Please remember that
each person is different so
times will vary, if you are older or in poor
physical condition, or not very
mobile it may take longer to recover from
your surgery. In these circumstances
we recommend that you avail yourself of the
extra weeks
stay and physiotherapy.
Please note that after Hip Replacement
Surgery you are not permitted to drive for
2 months.
Rehabilitation
and Physiotherapy following Surgery
Your participation in physical therapy is
essential to your success. The more committed
and enthusiastic you are, the quicker your
improvement and recovery will be.
A
physiotherapist will visit you on the day
after surgery and will start to instruct you
on the exercise program. You will receive
physiotherapy each day following the surgery.
These
sessions are normally one on one with a physiotherapist.
Home
What's
Involved in the Surgery?
A
dressing over the hip and mid thigh area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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