Successful surgery is always a cooperative effort between you, the orthopaedic surgeon and the people who help you recover from surgery. You have a very important role in preparing for your hip replacement surgery. Ask your orthopaedic surgeon if there is a Joint Replacement Class available in your area. This class will teach you how to care for your new joint and what to expect while you are in the hospital. You will also learn about the equipment you will be using after surgery and safe methods for walking and getting in and out of bed. It is very helpful to have a family member or friend attend the class with you.
Prior to your hip replacement surgery be sure to ask about all of the following:
Pre-operative procedure
Before surgery you will have an initial surgical consultation with your orthopaedic surgeon. This appointment includes X-rays, a complete medical and surgical history, physical examination and a review of your medications and allergies. During this visit, your surgeon will also review your hip replacement procedure and answer any questions. Your orthopaedic surgeon may require that you have a complete physical examination by your internist or family physician as you will need to be cleared medically before undergoing this extensive procedure. Your surgeon may also suggest that you donate your own blood in case you need it during surgery or post-operatively.
In addition, you may be asked to consult with a physical therapist to discuss recovery, hip rehabilitation and important precautions you must take after your surgery. The physical therapist may give you exercises you can begin prior to your surgery in order to aid with recovery.
Finally, your orthopaedic surgeon and the hospital may require that you visit the admissions department prior to surgery to pre-certify your hip replacement procedure with your insurance company.
Getting your house ready before your surgery
It is also important to get your house ready for after you come home from the hospital. At first it will be harder for you to move around, so arrange your furniture and household items ahead of time to make it easier for you during your rehabilitation.
- Remove all your throw rugs or anything on the floor that may cause you to trip.
- Move phone and electrical cords close to the walls.
- Add pillows or cushions to the chairs you will be using after surgery to make sure that your hip is above the level of your knees when you are seated. This will lessen the risk of dislocation of your new hip.
- Arrange to have an elevated toilet seat or support bars fitted to your bathroom before you leave the hospital.
- Move necessary personal items you need to reach to shelves and tables that are above your waist level. You should not be bending past 90 degrees during rehabilitation.
Help at home
The nurse assisting you and your family can offer home healthcare or alternative living sources and information. Plan time to visit the facilities in your area to find one that best suits your needs if the discharge plan is to spend a week or so in an extended care facility.
Preparation for the hospital
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pack and prepare for the hospital.
Clothing:
Getting dressed in the morning helps you feel better, so be sure to bring some comfortable clothing to the hospital:
- Loose shorts or pants
- Loose tops or T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Short robe or pajamas
- Toiletries
Shoes:
It’s vital to bring the right shoes to the hospital. You may want to buy a new pair of shoes so that your walking is not influenced by the wear patterns on your old shoes (inspect the soles of your shoes for these patterns). When deciding what shoes to bring, consider the following:
- The foot on your operated leg may be swollen after surgery. Bring a shoe that accommodates that increased size. The shoe can be a slip-on or laced.
- Choose a shoe with a low heel of less than one inch. Gym shoes and walking shoes are fine.
Walking aids
If you are already using one, please bring your walking aid (walker, cane, wheelchair or crutches) with you to the hospital.
Days before surgery
In the days before surgery follow your regular diet and try to get long, restful nights of sleep. In the days leading up to your surgery, your doctor will provide a list of instructions regarding medication use. In some cases, a blood thinner may be ordered a few days before surgery. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications should generally not be taken seven days prior to surgery.
The night before surgery, do not eat or drink after midnight. You may have a few sips of water, if needed, to take medications. On the morning of surgery, you may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but don’t swallow any water.
Day of surgery
Once admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery, you will be taken to the appropriate pre-surgical area where the nursing staff will take your vital signs and administer medications as needed.
You will then be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove all jewelry, contacts, glasses, dentures and even nail polish. Then you’ll be placed on a stretcher and be transported to the operating room area. The anesthesiologist will meet you there and review the medications and procedures to be used during surgery. An IV will be inserted and final preparations for your surgery are made.
