Joint Replacement Patient Instruction 

Be sure to contact your orthopedic doctor if you notice any of the following medical symptoms:

·       General swelling, a burning sensation, redness, or leakage from the spot of your operation.

·       A temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

·       Continuous pain that persists even with rest.

·       Extreme pain, that lasts in short periods, present in the hip that may result from movement or injury.

Before orthopedic surgery, be sure to speak with your medical provider concerning possible complications that may arise from surgery, your plans after surgery, and what surgical expectations you should expect. The important thing is to have a plan ready for both your discharge and return home before any surgery has occurred. When speaking with your surgeon, they may provide you with a variety of information that will prove useful to help you prepare your house for once you return home. One such example could be wearing an apron or other such accessory with pockets to help you carry around items while you are utilizing crutches. Another such example includes removing potential obstacles such as rugs and clutter to create a safe space. Regardless of how you prepare, it is important that you take care of yourself. Ensure that you have a balanced diet, rest as much as possible, and, if needed, donate blood in advance to help prepare for your surgical procedure.

Once your surgery has been completed, rest is essential to allow your hip to heal. During this time period, your overall activity level will be limited. To assist with the healing process, be sure to practice the following items unless informed otherwise by your medical provider:

·       When turning over in bed, place a pillow between your legs.

·       Wear elastic (compression) stockings to assist with swelling reduction.

·       When using the restroom, use a toilet seat that is raised.

·       Avoid taking baths as opposed to showers.

·       Severely reduce, or avoid, driving, crossing your legs, and sudden movements such as twisting.

·       If possible, avoid exposing your surgical scar to natural sunlight.

Be sure to follow your medical professional’s patient instructions so that you may progress to your normal level of activity. Remember that since every patient is different, results will vary when progressing towards original activity levels after the surgery has been completed.

Once the healing process has been completed, bearing excessive weight, experience a sudden impact to the hip, and participating in activities such as running and hopping can potentially damage the implant. Remember that no hip implant is forever. Their lifespans are indeed finite. This is due to the fact that these artificial materials cannot withstand the normal activity level that a healthy bone could. Because of this, another hip joint replacement will have to be done at some point in time. To help prevent a second replacement, avoid the aforementioned items to help extend the lifespan of your replacement indefinitely.