Hip Replacement
Hip replacement is a surgery performed to replace parts of a diseased hip joint with a prosthesis. The goal of hip replacement is to eliminate pain and enable you to return to your normal activities.
After the Surgery
After the surgery, patients are walking within a few hours of surgery. Patients walk several times the same day as the surgery, and many patients feel comfortable going home the same day as the surgery. Patients are discharged from the hospital when they are able to perform basic activities on their own, such as getting in and out of bed, going to the bathroom and walking with an assistive device such as crutches or a walker.
At home, patients typically require the assistance of a family member or friend for a few days. Ensure that furniture is rearranged so as not to interfere with your movement and cause falls. A shower chair or gripping bar may be helpful in the bathroom.
The incision is closed with stitches that are all buried underneath the skin and dissolve on their own over time. There are no stitches or staples that need to be removed. A waterproof antibacterial band-aid is placed over the incision and keeps it protected for 7 days. Patients can shower with the band-aid on and after the band-aid comes off. Swelling may be present for 3 to 6 months following hip replacement and can be controlled with ice and by elevating your legs slightly. Patients typically follow a physical therapy program for several weeks after surgery. Walking, stationary bicycling and swimming are good exercises.
