Total hip replacement is an elective operation. All your doubts mustbe cleared and all your questions must be answered before you takethe decision for this surgery. Before deciding in favor of surgery youmust consider your disability, risk of surgery and the benefits you arelikely to gain. In the end the decision for surgery should be yoursrather than of your Surgeon alone.
If you still have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Medicines: You must follow them as mentioned in your dischargesummary.Activity / Therapy: At home you will be required to follow the sameprotocol as has been explained during the hospital stay. If you donot feel confidant you may call a physical therapist at home to helpyou become independent in walking, going up and down stairs,getting in and out of bed, and doing exercises to improve the rangeof motion and strengthen your hip joint.
Care of wound: Do not try to interfere with your dressing or wet yourhip area till stitches are out. They are usually removed two weeksafter the operation.
Do call your Surgeon if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Return to work: You can usually return to work approx. after 2- 3months or as advised by your surgeon. Car driving etc. is possibleafter 2-3 months.
After the Conventional Total Hip operation few precautions need tobe ollowed strictly:
Sitting cross leg and squatting after the surgery
You may be allowed to sit cross legged depending on your musclestrength and overall level of fitness. However, squatting is usually notadvised. Your doctor will let you know what is suitable for you.
The initial rehabilitation generally takes 5-7 days during the hospitalstay. It will gradually begin on 3rd day with standing, followed bytaking a few steps with the aid of a walker or crutches.You will beallowed to take weight as tolerated on the operated limb beginning2 -3 day after the surgery. Most patients with a stable hip and goodmuscles will be able to walk with the stick and will also be able toclimb stairs before discharge from the hospital.The other part of initial rehabilitation includes learning to sit andgetting up from the chair, commode shifting and physical therapy tofurther strengthen your muscle and improve your motion. You willalso be told some don’ts e.g. not to bend forward more than 90degrees, always using a thick pillow between your legs and using ahigh chair including high toilet seat (if your chair is low, using acushion is mandatory).