If your hip arthritis is no longer responding to conservative interventions and has caused extensive damage to the joint, your orthopedic surgeon will likely recommend a total hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) to restore your normal function and mobility. The procedure involves the replacement of a diseased or damaged hip with a prosthesis.
You may think a total hip replacement is the most intense part of your treatment, but your recovery is just as challenging and risky. It typically involves important processes and measures that will significantly determine the success of your recovery—your overall health, long-term mobility, and the longevity of your new hip.
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a smooth, successful recovery after your hip replacement surgery:
1.) Follow your healthcare team’s postoperative instructions.
Make sure to strictly adhere to your healthcare team’s postoperative instructions—which are based on the limitations in your mobility and range of motion—to prevent hip prosthesis dislocation and other complications.
Your doctor will likely have you avoid the following movements for a few weeks following your surgery:
- Hip flexion past 90 degrees– Bending your hip up too far or lifting your knee too high.
- Crossing your leg on the operated side over the other leg (adduction)– Crossing one leg over the other
- Walking pigeon-toed (internal rotation of the hip)- Rotating your hip inwards (this may put you at risk of dislocating your new hip)
2) Make the necessary household preparations.
Given the limitations in your ability to accomplish normal tasks following your surgery, you have to make sure to do all the practical modifications to your home beforehand. These include clearing pathways, decluttering, preparing your assistive devices such as crutches or cane, and getting safety bars, stable chairs, etc. installed.
It also helps to have someone available—a family member, friend, or a caretaker—to assist you with your tasks, such as cooking, running errands, among others.
3) Incorporate a low-intensity exercise routine.
About six weeks after your surgery, you should be able to do some light exercises. Work with your physical therapist to devise a safe exercise program.
Your physical therapist will likely employ exercises that promote good circulation, healing, balance, and mobility and help strengthen the muscles that support your hip. These include hip abduction, buttocks contractions, hip extensions, and more.
4.) Never skip your follow-up appointments.
Your follow-up appointments are an integral part of your recovery: they are your doctor’s way of evaluating and ensuring that your recovery is going in the right direction. They also help your doctor detect problems or complications, which may require prompt intervention, so make sure you religiously show up for your appointments, no matter how inconvenient.
Hip Replacement Surgery in San Antonio, TX
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our team of highly skilled providers includes joint replacement surgeons who combine advanced technology with evidence-based practice to consistently achieve excellent treatment outcomes.
We perform the posterior approach, which involves creating a tiny incision in the back of your hip and spares the surrounding muscles and tendons. Because the posterior approach is minimally invasive, it has a demonstrable advantage over traditional hip replacement: it involves less trauma, faster recovery, and lower risk of complications.
If you want to find out whether a total hip replacement is right for you, call us at (210) 692-7400 or fill out our appointment request form to schedule a consultation with one of our joint replacement surgeons.
