TOTAL HIP POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
MKMG Orthopedic Surgery
90 S. Bedford Road
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914)242-1365
DIET
1. May resume your regular diet as tolerated.
2. It is normal to experience nausea and/or vomiting after anesthesia. This may
also be a side effect of the pain medication. As nausea resolves start to
replenish fluids (drink water) and eat food that are easy to digest (toast,
saltines, etc.). If you experience continued nausea/vomiting, then contact us
immediately
3. Constipation may also occur from the pain medication and/or iron pills, if this
occurs try to increase fluid, fiber, and fruit intake. You may also buy Colace
at the drug store.
MEDICATION
1. Pain medication will be prescribed for you. Take this as directed. It is
important that you are able to participate in Physical Therapy and range of
motion exercises.
2. A blood thinner will be prescribed for you in order to minimize the problems
related to blood clots. You will be on either Lovenox, Coumadin or Aspirin.
When you return to home, if you are on Coumadin, your blood will need to be
drawn 1-2 times a week in order to properly adjust your dose. This will be
done at the MKMG Coumadin Clinic headed by Louise Katzin, RN. You will
need to contact the MKMG Coumadin Clinic to make arrangements. This is
not necessary if you have been placed on Aspirin only. Please call your
surgeons office if you are on coumadin and do not have someone following
your lab draws. You may be on a blood thinner for up to six weeks.
3. Alcohol is permitted, but only in moderation, ONE DRINK PER DAY
ACTIVITY
1. Continue Post-op Exercises and Hip Precautions as instructed by your
surgeon: Walk and isometrics. You are allowed to go outside prior to first
post op visit.
2. Walk with crutches or walker initially but progress to a single point cane as
soon as a Physical Therapists says that it is safe to do so. You may be able to
start with a cane within a couple of weeks of the surgery. Hold cane in
opposite hand of your replaced joint. You are allowed weight bearing as
tolerated. Range of motion is as tolerated.
3. There are exceptions to weight bearing status and range of motion may be
restricted. Your surgeon will specifically identify this to you if needed
4. Sleeping with a pillow between your legs for the first six weeks is not an
absolute requirement but you may find it more comfortable to do so.
5. You may not drive for a month if you are taking narcotic medication or if your
right hip has been operated on. You may be a passenger in a car at any time.
If you are not taking narcotic medication or if your left hip was operated on,
then you may start driving as comfort dictates.
6. You may travel by plane after two weeks, you may want to reserve an aisle
seat for comfort.
7. After three months, allow water aerobics, low impact aerobics, golf, bowling,
bike or Nordic track
8. If you experience “unequal leg lengths,” this will be evaluated in the office.
Most likely, this is a result of “re-establishing” your normal joint space, and
lengthening your surgical to side to equal the opposite. For this reason, we
will not use a shoe lift until three months after your surgical date. Most likely,
at that time, you will not “notice” a difference in leg lengths.
9. When able, may participate in water aerobics(after 6 week post-operative
visit), low impact aerobics, golf, bowling, Nordic track, stationary bike.
Higher impact sports or activities may be possible, but check with your
physician before undertaking these activities
INCISION CARE
1.
Do not submerse incision under water (i.e. bathing, swimming) until
cleared by your physician. Showering is permitted.
2.
Call for any drainage from incision, redness, swelling, increased pain, or
temperature greater than 101 degrees F
3.
It is normal to have some numbness around the incisional area, this may
resolve in 6 months to a year, but may be permanent
4.
Bruising and warmth of the incision is normal for 4 to 6 weeks after
surgery.
5.
Swelling of knee, leg, and foot is normal and may persist up to 6 months
to a year.
If you experience increased pain, swelling, drainage from the incision,
numbness/tingling, redness, or temperature greater than 101 degrees F, please call us
immediately.
PATIENTS' MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AFTER
TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY
Staples are removed at 3 weeks from date of surgery
1ST post-op visit is 4weeks from date of surgery if you have staples
1st post-op visit is 2 weeks from date of surgery if you have sutures
Please call: (914)242-1365 for an appointment
When will my staples or sutures be removed?
At approximately two weeks from your surgical date. They will be removed SteriStrips are applied and will eventually wash off. Staples will be removed at the rehab
center or at home and the sutures will be removed in the office. If your staples have
not been removed by 2 weeks after your surgery, call your surgeons office and we
will help arrange staple removal.
How long will I remain on anticoagulation (blood thinners)?
This is prescribed for up to 6 weeks post-operatively.. This is not necessary if you
have been placed on aspirin only.
Is swelling of my knee, leg, foot, and ankle normal?
Yes, for three to six months. To decrease swelling, elevate your leg and apply ice for
20 minutes at a time (3-4 times a day).
Is it normal to feel numbness around the hip?
Yes, it is normal to feel numbness around the incision.
What exercise should I perform at home?
Please do exercises as instructed by your Physical Therapist. Please refer to the hip
replacement booklet and/or hospital literature.
How long will I need to use a cane?
This varies with each patient. Usually between 2-6 weeks.
May I go outdoors prior to my six-week visit?
Yes, we encourage you to do so.
May I drive or ride in a car before my 6-week visit?
Yes, you may ride in a car, however, you must be off all pain medications prior to
driving. It is a patient's responsibility to determine his or her own safety. If your right
hip is replaced, you should wait for a month before driving.
Why is my leg bruised?
It is common to have bruising on the skin. It is from the normal accumulation of
blood after your surgery.
For all emergencies or for questions, please call 914-242-1365. If you do not
speak with someone immediately then please go to your nearest emergency
room.