Post-Operative Considerations

On returning to the ward following surgery you will have a drip (intravenous infusion) , possibly 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. During surgery whenever possible your blood will be collected, filtered and transfused to you. This minimises the need for a blood transfusion from someone else.

Physiotherapy

This follows the Enhanced Recovery protocol and begins on the day of surgery. Physiotherapy involves exercises both in and out of the bed as well as mobilisation. Mobilisation commences with a Zimmer frame before progressing to crutches and then on to sticks. You are unlikely to be mobilising independently on discharge.  The aim is to discharge patients between 1-2 days of surgery. A full back up service will be provided.

Exercises will be advised that you need to perform regularly on discharge.  You will be provided with my App (Patient Journey App. Provider: Joint Replacement Surgery) which outlines the exercises, which you can familiarised yourself with prior to surgery.

Not all surgical packages include crutches, walking aids or raised toilet seats. Check with the hospital prior to admission or this will be an additional fee.

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.  These will be shown to you prior to discharge but essentially involves avoiding crossing your legs, flexing the hip beyond 90 degrees and avoiding any twisting movements.

Movements to avoid:

01. 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.

02. 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.

03. 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.

Hip Replacement Surgery Information

Hip Replacement Overview

What is Hip Replacement?

Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery

Post-Operative Considerations

Pre-Operative Considerations

Contact For Appointments

Address

Chiswick Medical Practice (HCA)
347-352 Chiswick High Road

Call Us

020 7952 1009

Email Us

secretary@sztrossltd.com