How do I prepare for hip replacement surgery?

You’ve been advised to have hip surgery. Before the surgery you want to find out as much as you can about the procedure and what to expect in the post-operation phase of the hip replacement. Your surgeon will be able to prescribe you a lifestyle change, and advice on how to adapt to it. Here are some steps to learn how and what to ask your surgeon before hip replacement surgery.

Before Surgery

You doctor may suggest that you lose weight and initiate an exercise program. If you smoke, be sure to speak with your doctor about it, as smoking can dangerously increase surgical risks and slow down the healing process.

• Arrange for someone to help you around the house for a week or two after coming home from the hospital.


• Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital.


• Set up a "recovery station" at home. Place the television remote control, radio, telephone, medicine, tissues, wastebasket, and pitcher and glass next to the spot where you will spend the most time while you recover.


• Place items you use every day at arm level to avoid reaching up or bending down.


• Stock up on kitchen supplies and prepare food in advance, such as frozen casseroles or soups that can be reheated and served easily.

Before Surgery

On the day of surgery you may be asked to sit on the edge of the bed and dangle your feet. You will also learn how to protect your new hip while doing daily activities.

• Follow the doctor's instructions.


• Work with a physical therapist or other health care professional to rehabilitate your hip.


• Wear an apron for carrying things around the house. This leaves hands and arms free for balance or to use crutches.


• Use a long-handled "reacher" to turn on lights or grab things that are beyond arm's length. Hospital personnel may provide one of these or suggest where to buy one.


• Before you are dismissed from the hospital, an occupational therapist will also show you how to perform daily tasks at home with your new hip. For example, he or she will instruct you on how to go to the bathroom, how to dress yourself, how to sit or stand, how to pick up objects and many others.

Precautions

• Avoiding repetitive heavy lifting


• Avoiding excessive stair climbing


• Maintaining appropriate weight


• Staying healthy and active


• Avoiding "impact loading" sports such as jogging, downhill skiing and high impact aerobics


• Consulting your surgeon before beginning any new sport or activity


• Thinking before you move


• Avoiding any physical activities involving quick stop-start motion, twisting or impact stresses


• Avoiding excessive bending when weight bearing, like climbing steep stairs


• Not lifting or pushing heavy objects


• Not kneeling


• Avoiding low seating surfaces and chairs.

Will a hip implant last a lifetime?

The longevity of a prosthetic hip (how long it will last) varies from patient to patient. It depends on many factors, such as a patient's physical condition and activity level, body weight and the surgical technique.

A prosthetic joint is not as strong or durable as a natural, healthy joint, and there is no guarantee that a prosthetic joint will last the rest of a patient's life. All prosthetic hips may need to be revised (replaced) at some point.