Post Operative Considerations of Hip Replacement Surgery
On returning to the ward following surgery you will have a drip (intravenous infusion) , a catheter, nasal tongs to give you oxygen and a device for self administration of analgesia. There may be a drain in situ to collect any blood collecting in your surgical wound.
Blood Transfusions
This is avoided wherever possible. The drain used post-operatively is one that collects blood collecting in your wound. There is the ability to filter this blood and transfuse it back to you. This minimises the need for a blood transfusion from someone else.
Physiotherapy
Generally begins the day after surgery. This involves exercises both in and out of the bed as well as mobilisation. Mobilisation initially commences with a Zimmer frame before progressing to crutches and then to sticks. On discharge you may be mobilising with sticks or independently.
Exercises will be advised that you need to perform regularly on discharge.
Not all surgical packages include the fees for crutches and walking aids. Check with the hospital prior to admission.
Occupational Therapy
You will see the Occupational therapist who will recommend equipment to assist you with your day to day activities. This may include raised toilet seat, grasper, long handled shoehorn, bath seat etc.
Special Precautions to prevent hip dislocation
Care should be taken in the first three months after surgery to allow the muscles around the hip to heal and hence reduce the risk of dislocation.
Movements to avoid:
1) Crossing of legs, when sitting or lying. Place a pillow between legs at night to prevent you doing this whilst sleeping. If you need to lie on your side (try not to do this for six weeks!), lie with the operated leg down. This will prevent crossing of operated leg.
2) Twisting or pivoting movements. This will lead to excessive tension on muscles trying to heal post surgery. Poor healing of hip muscles will increase the risk of dislocation.
3) Bending hip more than 90 degrees. To prevent this, do not bring operated leg up towards body or attempt to bend forward such that your hand can reach below your knee.
