FAQs - Hip Replacement

Arrive about two hours before your surgery time to complete paperwork, change into a gown, and meet your care team. After surgery, our goal is to get you up and moving. Most patients can go home the same day if they’re able to urinate and walk. If you have medical concerns or cannot urinate, you may stay overnight and return home the next day.

To prepare, stay active and eat healthy (high fiber, high protein, low sugar). You might want to arrange support from family or friends and prepare some meals in advance. Clear your home of potential trip hazards, and try to limit yourself to one floor for easier mobility. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to put on (sketcher slip-ins) . Shower the morning of surgery but avoid shaving around the surgical area.

While hip replacement is one of the safest and most effective surgeries, all surgeries carry some risks, including:

• Dislocation: Although rare, the hip can dislocate.
• Limb length discrepancy: There may be slight differences in leg length after surgery. We take careful measurements to ensure the best possible outcome.
• Infection:  Infection prevention starts well before the surgery with patient selection and optimization. Patients can take infection prevention into their own hands by optimizing their weight, blood sugar, and medication in addition to nicotine cessation. Intraoperatively we take every precaution to minimize infection, including sterilizing instruments and using antibiotics.
• Implant wear/loosening: Advances in implant technology have significantly improved longevity, with most implants lasting 20+ years.
• Nerve damage: Some patients may experience temporary numbness or a decrease in sensation in the outer thigh.

You’ll receive spinal anesthesia and a numbing injection around the hip during surgery. Afterward, we’ll start a pain management plan to keep you comfortable. For the first 24-48 hours, take your prescribed pain medication on a schedule (every 6 hrs) to stay ahead of the pain. I recommend using a timer. After that, we can switch to as-needed pain relief.

• Aspirin (81 mg): To prevent blood clots, take twice daily for 4 weeks.
• Ondansetron (4 mg): For nausea, take every 8 hours as needed.
• Multivitamin: To support healing, take daily.
• Protein supplement: Helps with recovery. Include lean meats or protein drinks.
• Miralax: A stool softener to avoid constipation from pain meds. Take one packet nightly for the first week.

• Blood thinners: Stop Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin, or Plavix as directed by your doctor.
• NSAIDs: Discontinue medications like ibuprofen, Aleve, or Motrin 5 days before surgery.
• Diabetes, Autoimmune, & Blood Pressure meds: Follow your doctor’s instructions for adjusting these medications around surgery.

Keep your dressing clean, dry, and intact until your first follow-up (2 weeks). For the first 72 hours, use sponge baths or wet wipes. You can shower on day 3, but protect your incision with plastic wrap. No swimming or submerging your incision for the first 3 months.

Your incision will be closed with dissolvable sutures beneath the skin so there are not staples/sutures to remove.

Most patients can do well with walking and light exercises, such as high knees and mini squats, after surgery. If you experience tightness or discomfort around the 6-week mark, physical therapy may be beneficial.

With the anterior approach, you don’t need strict hip precautions, but be cautious and avoid extreme movements. After 1.5-3 months, you can resume most activities. Avoid running, extreme sports, high-impact, and risky yoga positions.

You will have follow-up visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. After that, visits will be tailored to your needs.

You can drive once you’re off pain medication, have good control of your leg, and feel confident behind the wheel. If your right leg was operated on, it may take longer before you can drive.

If your job is sedentary, plan on taking about two weeks off. For physically demanding work, it may take up to three months before you’re ready to return.

For procedures like tooth extractions or implants, it’s a good idea to take antibiotics to prevent infection. You do not need antibiotics for simple cleanings. You can call our office for a prescription if needed.

• First two weeks: Focus on walking around your house and using a walker to avoid falls.
• By 6 weeks: Most people are feeling much better and can resume everyday activities.
• By 12 weeks: Many are back to doing things they couldn’t do with an arthritic hip.
• Ongoing: Full recovery continues over the next year, with gradual improvements.

Most issues can be handled with a phone call or follow-up visit. However, if you experience serious symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a fever over 102°F, seek emergency medical care immediately.