Hip Surgery - Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Page 1

Hip Surgery - Recovery and PostOperative Care


Hip surgery Sunnybank involves replacing the ball and socket of the hip joint. The hip


joint is made up of a ball that rests atop the thighbone and a socket made of bone. Both bones are connected by a capsule made of connective tissue, which encloses the hip joint and provides lubrication. It is also controlled by the muscles outside the capsule, which help the leg move and travel across the body. A surgeon can replace one or both hips in a single surgery. Following hip surgery, patients should stay away from heavy activity and sports until they have recovered fully. This is because the new joint is designed to be used for day-to-day activities. Patients should sit in a firm chair, rather than a recliner, and should avoid bending over or squatting in the post -operative recovery period. During this time, it is also wise to keep the house free of cluttered areas. Lastly, they should avoid pets until they have fully recovered. After the surgery, patients are required to take pain medications for two to six weeks. The pain will gradually lessen as the patient performs home exercises and physical therapy. However, some patients don't need pain pills for this long. A PCA device can help minimize post-operative pain. The average stay in the hospital for hip replacement surgery is three days. The most common complications after hip surgery include infection and blood clots. Some people are not able to return to their previous level of activity after hip surgery. After hip replacement surgery, some patients are advised to avoid certain activ ities until they recover completely. A brace can help stabilize the hip in the correct position. If the surgeon finds the ball and socket are loose, he or she may recommend surgery to replace them. Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery is an option fo r younger patients. The surgery requires a smaller incision and recovery time. W hile hip implants are usually fixed in place with cement, some surgeons use a cementless fixation technique, which allows bone to grow onto the implant. Another option involves implanting a cup without cement, and setting a ball into place with cement. Hip fractures can occur from minor injuries or from major trauma. Post -traumatic arthritis may occur after fractures. The direct trauma and loss of joint congruity can damage the joint surface cartilage. This damage causes pain and stiffness. In such cases, it is recommended that the patient take Indocin for 3 weeks after the surgery. During the first two weeks after hip replacement surgery, a patient is generally confined to the hospital for at least one night. During this period, the patient may have to wear a wedge-shaped cushion between their legs in order to keep the new hip joint in place. In addition, a drainage tube is often placed in the urinary system to help the patient pass urine. In most cases, the patient will be able to return home. However, some patients may require rehabilitation in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. It is important that the patient participate in physical therapy to help restore muscle strength and range of motion. While hip replacement surgery is a popular option for treating hip pain, there are several risks associated with the procedure. The risks of this surgery are dependent on several factors, including the age and weight of the patient. If the surgery is performed on an older patient, the patient will be at a higher risk than a younger person.



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.