TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
Pre Admission Clinic to Hospital Discharge
A Total Hip Replacement (THR) is a procedure which replaces all or part of the
hip joint with an artificial device (prosthesis). The goal of the surgery is to
relieve your hip pain and to allow you to do normal daily activities like walking
more easily.
What is a Total Hip Replacement?
In a total hip replacement the rough and worn surfaces
are replaced with metal:

The hip socket is replaced by a metal shell with a plastic liner

The head of the thigh bone is replaced by a metal ball attached to a
long metal stem made of stainless steel

There are two types of hip replacement cemented and uncemented.
CEMENTED – special bone cement is used to secure the new parts into the bone
UNCEMENTED – the artificial parts are made of a material that encourages the patient’s own
bone to grow onto the surface of the new parts to secure them in place.
Your surgeon will decide which type of hip replacement to use based on a number of factors
such as age and lifestyle.
What sort of anaesthetic will I have?
The anaesthetist will discuss with you which type of anaesthetic is best for you (general or spinal
anaesthesia) at the Pre Admission Clinic appointment and then again on the day of your surgery. Any
questions regarding your anaesthetic can be asked prior to your surgery.
Smoking: It is important you stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery. Smoking increases
surgical and anaesthetic risk and affects healing. You are strongly advised to quit. Stopping smoking
is not easy but help and support are available which will increase your chances of success.
Call Quit line on 137848 for advice and information about these resources.
What kind of pain relief will I need?
The method of pain relief to be used for you will be decided by your surgeon and anaesthetist as part
of the Pre Admission Clinic assessments, then again on the day of your operation. A combination of
tablets (paracetamol, anti-inflammatory, a strong opioid based analgesic and a nerve drug) and
injectable medications (local anaesthetic, opioid) will be started just before your surgery and continue
for up to 10 days after your surgery.
You will be reviewed by the pain team on the ward following your operation.
During your hospital stay please inform the staff if your pain is not being adequately managed
or if you are experiencing side effects of medications including nausea, constipation and
dizziness.
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What will happen when my surgery has been completed?
Day of surgery
 Following the operation you will be transferred to the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit where you
will be monitored

You will then be transferred to the Orthopaedic Ward (7SW) when your condition is stable

Intra venous fluids and antibiotics will be administered through a Cannula (drip)

Oxygen via nasal Cannula

Sit on edge of bed or sit out of bed with assistance from the nursing staff as able
Day 1 following surgery
 X-ray of the operated hip to check the position of the implant

Blood test

You will have a small dressing over your wound.

Wash / shower with assistance from nursing staff

Dress in day clothes

Sit out of bed for all meals

Walk with the physiotherapist using a walking frame or crutches. Nursing staff will assist you
to walk to the toilet

Commence exercises with the physiotherapist / allied health assistant. Aim to perform
exercises 3 times per day.
Day 2 following surgery
 Shower (with assistance from nursing if required)

Dress in day clothes

Sit out of bed for all meals

Exercises will be reviewed by the physiotherapist.

Walk with the physiotherapist and nursing staff

Trial steps if you need to use steps at your discharge accommodation
Day 3
 Dress in day clothes

Walk independently with crutches or a frame

Go up and down steps safely (if required to access home)

Complete exercise program independently

Discharge home or transfer to our Royal Park Campus Rehabilitation Ward
Do not place pillows under your knee. This may cause stiffness to your hip.
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Hip Precautions
There are certain movements you must avoid for at least 3 months following your surgery. Failure to
comply with these instructions may result in dislocation of your hip.
1. Do not bend your hip more than 90°
2. Keep your leg out to the side away from the midline of your body and do not
cross your legs
3. Do not twist your operated leg when lying down or when standing
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What if I am unwell prior to my surgery?
If you are unwell prior to the surgery please contact the Orthopaedic Liaison nurse on
9342 4081. This includes:
 Chest infection
 Temperatures higher than 38.5°, fever, sweating, shivering or chills
 Redness around the hip that is spreading
 Cuts or grazes near the hip
 Insect bites
 Diarrhoea or vomiting the week prior to surgery
Contact
Pre surgery
If you have any queries about your operation prior to your surgery, please contact
John Gardiner (Liaison Nurse): 9342 4081
Post Surgery
Orthopaedic ward: contact 9342 7000, asked to be put through to ward 7SW
If you have not been provided appointments for follow up in the clinic, please call
Bernarda Cavka (Joint Replacement Clinic): 9342 7440
Access Unit| iPolicy Number| Tobi Wilson| February 2014
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