What Can I Expect During Recovery?

Postoperative care begins with a team of heath professionals within the hospital. Those closely involved with the postoperative total hip patient are:

• Nurses

• Respiratory Therapists

• Physical Therapists

• Occupational Therapists

The Nursing Staff

After surgery, vital signs and sensation in the lower extremities are observed and checked by the nursing staff and documented for the physician. Antibiotics are frequently administered every eight hours, for two to three days, to reduce the risk of infection.

The surgical incision is observed closely for:

• Excessive drainage

• Proper initial healing

• The need for changing of sterile dressings

The Respiratory Therapist

The respiratory therapist is vital at this stage for:

• Instruction in coughing and deep breathing exercises to help prevent complications, such as congestion or pneumonia.

• Instruction in the use of a bedside device called an incentive spirometer to assist in deep breathing exercises. Use of this device and deep breathing exercises are important in minimizing the risk of lung complications by removing excess secretions that may settle in the lungs during surgery.

The Physical Therapist

Shortly after surgery the physical therapist addresses:

• Circulation - The acute care physical therapist in the hospital instructs the patient in early stage exercises such as moving the ankles up and down to promote circulation and prevent clots.

• Range of motion - The physical therapist will instruct the patient to perform exercises to improve upon hip range of motion.

• Mild strengthening - Following surgery, the total hip patient will work with the hospital physical therapist to improve range of motion to the hip as well as initiate muscle strengthening. This will progress the patient into becoming independent in walking, going up and down stairs, getting in and out of bed, and doing exercises to improve the range of motion and strength of the hip. This initial rehabilitation generally takes 5-7 days. During this time, patients may experience discomfort may be experienced while walking and exercising. To address this problem, pain medication will be ordered by the doctor as needed.

• Gait training - The physical therapist assists the patient in walking short distances using crutches or a walker. This not only promotes range of motion and strength but is also important for endurance and stamina. Weight bearing will depend on the nature of the implant fixation. If cement was used on both the socket and the femur side, weight bearing as tolerated using a walker will be instituted. If the joint is cementless, weight restrictions will be recommended for 4 to 6 weeks. It is critical for patients to adhere to the weight bearing status given to them following surgery.

The Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist is involved in evaluating and addressing how independently and safely the patient functions in activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and caring for his or herself following hip surgery. Issues such as how safely and independently the patient is able care for himself is evaluated. The occupational therapist teaches patients how to use equipment that prevents excessive bending of the new hip.