Hip Replacement FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Replacements
How long does the surgery take?
In general, the surgery takes about two hours followed by a one to three
hour stay in the Recovery Room (post anesthesia care unit - PACU).
How long will I be in the hospital?
This is dependent on your age and medical condition. Some patients are
able to leave the day of surgery whereas other patients may stay
overnight or longer depending on your physical condition.
What about Physical Therapy?
PT begins the day of surgery or the morning after surgery in the
hospital depending on when your surgery is completed. The therapist will
assist with exercises and walking. After you leave the hospital,
physical therapists will either come to the house or some patients will
be able to go directly to outpatient physical therapy.
What kind of anesthesia is used?
The type of anesthesia depends on patient and surgeon preference. Some
patients will have a regional anesthetic (nerve block, or spinal) along
with light sedation to help them sleep. Other patients will have
general anesthesia. The anesthesia provider will discuss these options
with you at your hospital pre-operative visit.
Will there be adequate pain medicine?
Yes. Pain medicine will be available to you immediately after surgery.
Surgeons use different combinations of medicines based on their
preferences. Every effort will be made to make sure that you are
comfortable. Please remember that the pain medicine will not completely
relieve your pain. It is meant to make you comfortable enough so that
you can rest.
What are the side effects of pain medications?
Pain medications can cause nausea, vomiting, itching, drowsiness,
decreased energy, loss of appetite, and constipation. You may need a
stool softener or laxative to remain regular. These are available over
the counter.
Will I take any other medicines after surgery?
Yes. You will be given a blood thinner to help prevent blood clots based
on your surgeon's preference and your medical comorbidities along with
your normal home medications.
Should someone be with me after I go home?
Yes. We encourage that you go home if possible.
How do I take care of my incision?
A surgical dressing will be in place after surgery. Your surgeon will instruct you regarding dressing changes if needed.
When can I bathe/shower?
The timing of this activity is surgeon dependent. Bath tubs and swimming pools should be avoided until cleared your surgeon.
Will I have stitches or staples?
Skin closure technique is surgeon dependent. You may also have steri-strips over the incision.
What about a cane or walker?
You will need a walker initially but you will progress to a cane over time.
When can I drive?
Patients can usually safely drive four to six weeks after surgery if
surgery is on the right hip. Some patients are able to drive sooner.
If your left hip is replaced, you may drive when you are comfortable.
Driving is not permitted while taking pain medication.
What activities should I avoid after hip replacement?
Running, jumping and other impact loading activities should be avoided
as they can lead to increased wear of the prosthesis and early failure.
Extreme positions should be avoided as they can lead to dislocation
Is blood required during surgery?
Occasionally blood will be necessary during your hospital stay. Your surgeon will advise you if this is necessary.
What are the risks of surgery?
Complications from surgery are rare - but possible. Risks include
infection, dislocation, blood clots, leg length inequality, fracture of
the femur (thigh bone) or acetabulum (socket of the hip joint in the
pelvis) during surgery, loosening or wear of the implants, wound
problems, need for additional surgery, damage to nerves and/or blood
vessels, bleeding, problems with anesthesia, and death. Unfortunately,
we cannot guarantee that you will not have a complication but we do
everything we can to minimize the risks related to any surgery.