Post-Surgery
Physical therapy begins soon after hip replacement surgery. At first you will need a walker to walk, then crutches.
Usually, you will return to the doctor two weeks after surgery to have the sutures [staples] removed. After about a month, you will have another visit with the doctor for x-rays to check on the hip's healing. By six months, you should be able to walk, climb stairs, and even ride a stationary bicycle for exercise.
But the successful recovery of your hip is dependent mainly on how committed you are to your required physical therapy program and strengthening exercises.
There are a number of things to watch for after any form of surgery: call your doctor if you notice any drainage or foul odor from your incision, or if your temperature rises to over 100.4 degrees. Your doctor should also be notified of any increased tenderness, redness, or swelling. The incision can be cleaned once a day with regular soap and water, and then dried carefully. If redness or drainage from the wound is noted, please notify your physician immediately.
Major surgery, like hip joint replacement, requires a period of adjustment. Take it easy during this time. Try to focus on the healing process and in gradual, practical improvements to your general condition. Remember, your muscles are weak because it hurt too much to exercise them. Now is the time to get your strength back. It is important to exercise your legs, as this reduces swelling. Elevate your legs above your heart whenever you are at rest.
Hip replacement surgery is an elective procedure that is nearly always successful in improving the strength and decreasing pain in a disabled hip joint. Although this surgery is usually without any significant problems, there may occasionally be unforeseen complications associated with anesthesia, including respiratory or cardiac malfunction. The procedure itself may be complicated by infection, injury to nerves and blood vessels, fracture, weakness, stiffness or instability of the joint, pain, or the need for additional surgeries.
Another complication that can occur is a dislocation. This usually occurs within a few weeks of surgery. Moving the hip in certain ways can cause this and you should be aware of proper precautions to prevent this. If your hip does dislocate, you will have immediate pain and be unable to bear weight. Go to the hospital emergency room for treatment.
Patients who may be at increased risk for complications include those who are immuno-compromised in some way, such as patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus. Those with disease, drug, or radiation-induced immuno-suppression are also at increased risk, as are patients with insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes, malnourishment, hemophilia, or those who have had previous prosthetic joint infections.
