| After your total hip replacement surgery using the | | | | and blood vessels. Lingering pain that is not eased by |
| anterior approach, expect to stay in the hospital for | | | | pain medications should be reported to your doctor. |
| at least 2 to 3 days. You will likely be in moderate | | | | Over time the artificial joints, just like real joints, will |
| pain for about a couple of weeks when walking after | | | | show signs of wear and tear. Breakthroughs in |
| the surgery but you will receive medication if you | | | | prosthetics over the last few years have reduced |
| need it. You can shower with your stitches because | | | | the possibility of artificial joints wearing out, but it's |
| they have a protective film on it. They will eventually | | | | still a very small possibility. |
| get absorbed into the skin tissue. Using a v-shaped | | | | Recovering from Total Hip Replacement |
| pillow while you're lying down will help keep the new | | | | The first few weeks after your surgery are the |
| hip aligned and reduce strain. Walking and light mobility | | | | most important weeks. They will have the greatest |
| are very important to your continued recovery and | | | | impact on the success of your full and timely |
| will begin either the day of or the day after your | | | | recovery. |
| surgery. With the anterior approach you won't need | | | | Loss of appetite is a very common post-surgery |
| to do any physical therapy. You won't have any | | | | occurrence. Don't let it worry you overly-much. Eat a |
| restrictions on movements either. | | | | well-balanced diet and supplement with vitamins if |
| Complications and Warning Signs | | | | you aren't getting the recommended nutrients. Drink |
| Serious complications following hip replacement | | | | plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and promote |
| surgery are very low. About 2 percent of patients | | | | proper healing. Fluids are very important to both skin |
| suffer from complications such as joint infections, | | | | and muscle health. During the first several weeks, it is |
| heart attack or stroke caused by blood clots after | | | | very important to keep up your strength, maintain |
| major surgery. Any chronic illness would, of course, | | | | hydration and exercise your new hip joint. |
| increase the potential for more complications and | | | | Normal physical activity should be resumed right away |
| increase recovery time. Mobility and physical therapy | | | | with no restriction in the movements. Your doctor will |
| help decrease the chances of blood clots and other | | | | give you a list of exercises and stretches that will |
| clotting disorders that may lead to heart attack, | | | | gradually get you back into your normal daily routine. |
| stroke or painful blood clots. | | | | Specific exercises performed several times per day |
| Other rare complications may include dislocation, | | | | will help restore movement and strength. |
| bleeding, stiffness, fracture or damage to the nerves | | | | |