Over 193,000 patients undergo total hip arthroplasty every year in the United States alone according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. With the aging of the Baby Boomers, that number is increasing each year. Patients want to know what to expect after undergoing hip replacement surgery.
Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery
Preparing prior to hip replacement surgery prevents some common problems following hip replacement surgery. Knowing what to expect and preparing for limitations in mobility and stamina can go a long way toward facilitating recovery and conserving energy for physical therapy and regaining mobility. Patients should:
- Learn what type of hip replacement will be used and how it differs from other types.
- Ask their doctor for specific details about how the surgery is performed, incision care, postoperative expectations and possible complications.
- Prepare their homes for convalescing by removing clutter; stocking up on food and supplies; organizing personal items to avoid bending down or reaching up; and even pre-cooking meals for easy re-heating.
- Arrange for someone to pick them up at the hospital after surgery and to help around the house for the first few weeks.
Postoperative Period Following Total Hip Arthroplasty
Immediately following surgery patients will still be under the effects of anesthesia. Common complaints include nausea, sore throat, and sleepiness. These complaints should resolve on their own with time. In the hospital, patients will receive continuous care and instructions regarding any incision drains, catheters, and medications. Patients may find it helpful to have a friend or loved one at the hospital to remind them about instructions given.
Patients should expect to spend approximately 3-5 days in the hospital. During that time, they will be visited by respiratory and physical therapists who will teach them exercises to aid in their recovery. Breathing exercises help prevent fluid build up in the lungs that could extend the hospital stay. Isometric exercises, where patient contract and relax muscles without active movement, strengthen muscles without putting undue stress on the incisional area.
It is important to follow the physical therapist’s instructions to avoid postoperative complications. He will provide instructions regarding how and when certain movements are to be attempted. Most patients are able to sit up within a day or two and increase their movement incrementally from that point.
Moving to the Rehabilitation Hospital or Going Home
How well patients do following hip replacement surgery depends in large part on their preoperative condition. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation advocates planning a rehabilitation protocol in advance, particularly for older and less active patients. Patients who will need long-term assistance with their daily activities following hip replacement may find a rehabilitation hospital to be their best option.
Whether in the rehabilitation hospital or at home, the patient will require regular visits with a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor and ongoing physical therapy. Exercises to help regain motion and strength benefit the patient. Being under the supervision of a physical therapist ensures patients complete their exercises correctly and as often as recommended. Patients should take their pain medication as prescribed to facilitate movement and exercise and lessen the pain experienced following therapy sessions.
Once patients have regained full motion and strength, semi-annual to annual follow-ups are the norm. Patient instructions will be given regarding exercises and activities to perform and avoid. Patients should not hesitate to ask their doctor any questions they may have about hip replacement surgery, either before or after the procedure.
Sources:
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Maximize the Benefits of Hip Replacement with Rehabilitation . (Accessed October 30, 2010).
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Total Hip Replacement. (Accessed October 30, 2010).
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. (NAIMS). Hip Replacement. (Accessed October 31, 2010).
Jennifer Groepl - Living the good life in beautiful Cape Coral, Florida, Jennifer Groepl is currently working on her YA fiction projects. An intrinsically ...
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