Our Sponsors
Without whose support
this website would not have been possible

What can I do to prepare for my hip replacement?

1. Be positive about your operation and its success

To the average person, the words Total Hip Replacement may sound as if their active life and all sports are to end. This is definitely not the case. Once hip replacement is performed, successful rehabilitation will allow you to walk, swim, dance, bowl, cycle and play golf. Running, jumping, jogging, contact sports or other high impact activities are not advisable because those activities will increase wear and possibly loosen implants, resulting in the need for further surgery.

For a total recovery, which means returning to a functional pain free life, the typical patient will need to go through rehabilitation. This will consist of a home-based maintenance physiotherapy for approximately six months after surgery. Improvement in the hip replacement continues for over a year following surgery. Working as a team, you and your family must take on a positive attitude toward the success of your surgery. Together, you will gain a clear understanding of the common goals and expectations of the procedure.

It is just as important that you follow the advice below after your operation. These things will help you and your new hip recover well.

2. Eating

If you are overweight you will find it very helpful to lose some weight before your operation. In occasional cases this makes the operation unnecessary. Any weight reduction will make the operation improve your mobility after the operation. If you would like some help with losing weight, please ask the doctor in clinic or ask your own GP (family doctor) to refer you to a Dietician.

3. Smoking

Smokers are very much more at risk of developing breathing problems such as chest infections after an operation. We advise you not to smoke for a week before the operation. The hospital has a no smoking policy. Patients, visitors or staff are not allowed to smoke anywhere within the Trust - why not take advantage of this and make it your time to give up! You can contact ‘Fag Ends’ on 0800 1952131 for support or ask for patient information leaflet PIF 742.

4. Alcohol

There is no reason why social drinking should be stopped before surgery. If you are a woman and drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week or a man and drink more than 21 units per week, problems could arise when it is suddenly stopped on admission to hospital. Please talk to your GP and get some advice on how to safely reduce your alcohol intake before admission to hospital.

1 unit = 1 pub measure of spirit or wine or half a pint of beer.

5. Health

If we were to operate on you when you had an infection, e.g. a mouth ulcer or a bad tooth, the infection could enter the joint and cause problems. It is very important that you have such infections treated straight away - make an appointment to see your GP or dentist. Any wound or scratch on your affected leg would cause your operation to be cancelled, so please take care while you are waiting for your operation.

6. Your home

Arrange cupboards so that items can be reached without bending down. Stock your food cupboards with non-perishable food. Ask family and friends if they are able to help with domestic tasks e.g. shopping, housework and laundry.

If you are worried about how you will manage at home following your operation, inform the Occupational Therapist during your pre-op assessment or tell the ward staff on your admission. They will contact a social worker who will identify and arrange any support you will need to return home safely.

If your home is empty while you are in hospital, let your local police know when you are being admitted. They may try to keep an eye on it. Do not forget to stop your milk and paper deliveries.

Long Term Precautions

There are three basic movements, which must be avoided for at least three months to limit the risk of dislocating your new hip.

The precautions are:

Do not bend your hip further than 90° or bend your body forwards more than 90°   This means do not bend down to touch below either knee or bring your operated leg up towards your body. For example, bending down to put your socks on or sitting on low furniture.		Do not cross your legs   Imagine you have a line down the middle of your body, never bring your operated leg over this line.

Do not twist your operated leg

When standing and walking you should always keep your feet pointing in the direction you are going. When sitting, you should avoid twisting around to the operated side. There is more information later in the booklet to show you how to manage at home using these precautions.

At your follow-up appointment your consultant’s team will review the precautions above. In certain cases, some movements may have to be avoided for the rest of your life.

General Precautions

Infection

If you suffer from a chest infection for more than three days, develop a kidney or water infection (urinary tract infection), a skin infection or have any dental root treatment, we advise early antibiotic treatment so please contact your G.P. immediately.