Download Home Instructions after Total Hip Replacement

Postoperative Instructions
Hip Arthroplasty
Brent P. Hansen, DO (602-588-4040)
Send Instructions Home with Patient
DIET:


Progress to your normal diet unless you are nauseated
If nauseated take liquids and light foods (jello, soups, etc.)
ACTIVITIES:
 Wear Elastic stocking while out of bed for 5 weeks to prevent swelling and blood clots. They may be removed
when in bed, shower or when leg is elevated.
 Use a raised toilet set for 6 weeks and avoid sitting in low chairs (use 2 pillows). Keep operated side rolled out
(knees apart) when sitting or getting up from chair (This will help prevent dislocations).
 Follow total hip precautions (especially for the first 6 weeks). 1- No flexing hip past 90º, unless knees far apart.
2- No crossing legs unless “figure-4” exercises (taught by P.T.). 3- No turning the knee inward (especially when
sitting). 4- When standing straight or extended at the hip avoid turning the foot outward more than 10º.
 You are allowed to bear
Full
Partial
Toe Touch
No weight on the involved leg. Walk as much as
you can comfortably tolerate.
 You may shower without a dressing on the wound if no drainage is present. If there is still drainage at the
wound (when air dried), then place a sterile compressive gauze and tape. Shower only if wound is dry.
EXERCISE:
 Do exercises as instructed in the hospital 2-3 times each day for 15-20 minutes each time. You will probably
want to take pain medicine ½ hour before you exercise.
 The following exercises are expected:
1“Figure-4” stretches (While sitting place your operated ankle on the opposite shin (with knee
rolled out) and pull pant-leg so ankle slides up shin to resistance. Hold this for a count of 10-15.
2With foot forward, hold your leg out to the side of you body for 10-20 sec against light resistance.
Do this standing (gravity resistance) or lying on your back with 2 pillows between your legs.
3Tighten your thigh muscles (quadriceps & hamstrings) and buttock muscles.
4Straight leg raises while lying on your back. Hold for a count of five or ten. 5-10 repetitions.
5Flex your ankle up and down. 20-100 repetitions.
6While lying on your back, slowly slid your heel toward your buttock. Hold and then slid back.
WOUND CARE:
 Allow the wound to be open to air, if no drainage.
 Your staples (if placed) will be removed, and steri-strips placed, 12-14 days after surgery by your home nurse.
 Use antibacterial soap (e.g. Dial) gently over wound when in shower and pat dry with a clean towel.
 If clear yellow or pink fluid is draining then clean wound (as above) and place folded compressive sterile gauze
over wound with tape and remove in 18-24 hours. An ice pack will often help.
MEDICATIONS:
 Strong oral pain medications have been prescribed. Use as directed and avoid alcoholic beverages. You will
begin weaning off strong pain medicine over the first few weeks after surgery (sooner if able to tolerate therapy
without pain medicine).
 When taking pain medications, be careful as you walk, drive or climb stairs. Mild dizziness is not unusual.
 Resume your home medications unless they were changed during you hospitalization.
 If not taking “blood thinners” (shots or orally) then take an Enteric Coated Aspirin 325mg twice daily for two
weeks then once daily for four weeks (Only if you are able to take aspirin!).
 Take an Iron tablet 2-3 times daily for 3-4 weeks only if tolerated. Then eat green leafy vegetables.
 Anti-inflammatories can help reduce narcotic usage (e.g. Celebrex, Ibuprofen, etc.). Use for only 2 weeks at a time.
PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE (602-588-4040) IF:
 You have an unexplained, significant (and persistent) increase in pain or discomfort.
 Increasing Redness, or swelling, around the incision. Any drainage that persists more than 4-5 days.
 Draining anything but clear yellow or pink (blood tinged) fluid.
 Recurrent temperature elevations higher than 100.5º F without explanation.
 Swelling fails to resolve after several hours of elevation of the extremity on 1-2 pillows or after a nights sleep.
If short of breath, chest pressures, and or pain, GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM for further evaluation.
FOLLOW-UP CARE:
 Please schedule an appointment for:
5-7 days
10-14 days
_____ days by calling 602-588-4040
Other Instructions: ____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________ Signed: ______________________