Successful surgery is always a cooperative effort between the patient, the orthopaedic surgeon and the people who help you recover from surgery. It is important to follow instructions so that your surgery will proceed as planned. Follow the directions given to you by your orthopaedic surgeon and call your orthopaedic surgeon’s office if you have any questions.
The surgery to repair or replace a loosened prosthetic hip joint is usually more difficult than your original hip replacement surgery. This is because there is often less bone for your orthopaedic surgeon to work with and morselized bone (bone in particle form) is sometimes needed to help improve the strength of the hip socket and secure the implant. The recovery period is often longer for revision hip surgery because the patient is typically older and often in weaker general health.
Prior to your revision hip 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 may include pre-operative X-rays, a bone scan, a complete medical and surgical history, physical examination, and a review of medications and allergies. During this visit, your surgeon will most likely review your revision hip 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 by your physician before undergoing this extensive procedure. Your surgeon may suggest that you consider donating your own blood to save in case you need it during surgery or post-operatively.
In addition, your orthopaedic surgeon may ask you to consult a physical therapist to discuss your recovery, hip rehabilitation program and the important precautions you must take after your revision hip surgery. The physical therapist may also give you exercises that you can begin prior to your surgery that will make the recovery much easier.
Getting your house ready before your surgery
Since you will be spending a lot of time at home following surgery and your movements and activities will be restricted, it is important that you arrange your furniture and household items ahead of time to maximize your comfort and convenience during your rehabilitation. Some things you may wish to do before surgery:
- Remove all throw rugs and anything else on the floor that may cause you to slip or trip.
- Move all phone and electrical cords close to the walls.
- Add extra cushions to couches and chairs you will be using after surgery to make sure that your hip is above the waist 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 and/or support bars fitted for your bathroom when it is time to leave the hospital.
- Move necessary personal items you may need to reach to shelves or tables that are above your waist level. You should not be bending past 90 degrees in rehabilitation.
Help at home
The nurse assisting you and your family in planning for your care at home can offer home healthcare or alternative living sources and information. If the discharge plan is to spend a week or so in an extended care facility, plan time to visit the facilities in your area to find one that best suits your needs.
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 pattern of your old shoes. When deciding what shoes to bring, consider the following:
- The foot on your operated leg may be swollen after surgery. Please bring a shoe that accommodates the 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 currently utilizing one, please bring your walking aid (walker, cane, wheelchair or crutches) with you to the hospital.
Days before surgery
In the days before surgery you should follow your regular diet and try to get long, restful nights of sleep. Your doctor will also provide you with a list of instructions regarding use of medications in the days leading up to your surgery. In some cases, a blood thinner may be ordered a few days before surgery. Generally, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications should not be taken seven days prior to surgery.
The night before surgery you may 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 do not swallow any water.
Day of surgery
Once you are 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 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.
