Close Window

Print this Information

TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

Arthritis is the loss of the cartilage, Teflon-like coating, on the ends of the bones.  As this smooth surface erodes, the joint becomes swollen and painful.  Arthritis is most frequent following some injury, but can also be seen due to wear and tear and with rheumatoid arthritis.  Initial treatment may involve medications, such as glucosamine and anti-inflammatories.  Other options include injections of cortisone and activity modifications.  In more severe cases, a replacement is required.  In this surgery the arthritis is removed and implants replace the ends of the bones. 

This surgery is performed in the hospital setting and requires 3-4 days stay in the hospital.  During the hospital stay they will place a catheter in your bladder; this will be removed the second post-op day.  You will have a dressing over your incision; this will be removed the second post-op day.  Following surgery you will be on a push-button PCA (patient controlled analgesic) pain machine and then will be started on oral medications the next day.  Physical therapy will be started while in the hospital. The surgery is generally very successful at eliminating the pain.  

We will have you attend a pre-op teaching class at the hospital prior to your surgery.  As with any surgery there are risks, these include infection, bleeding, numbness, and limb length inequality.  We try hard to make your surgical experience as pleasant as possible and have found the following points helpful.

1. There is a risk of blood clots with this surgery, so we place you on Coumadin (blood thinner) for two weeks following surgery.  We, therefore, need to monitor your blood levels.  You need to have your blood drawn every Monday and Thursday and then we will notify you of how to take your Coumadin.  After the two weeks is done we recommend taking a baby aspirin for another four weeks.
2. You will have hip precautions for six weeks following surgery, these help prevent dislocation.  We also have you attend a pre-op teaching class where they will go over these precautions in more detail.
3. You will begin weight bearing the day after surgery.  You will need to ambulate with a walker or a cane for the first six weeks following surgery.  A list is attached of suppliers that rent these items.
4. You will have an appointment 10-14 days following surgery.  At this appointment we will obtain x-rays.  You will have another appointment six weeks following surgery and another at 12 weeks following surgery.
5. Following a total joint replacement you will need to take antibiotics prior to dental procedures and invasive procedures (endoscopy or colonoscopy).  We will give you a prescription so you have these on hand.  You need to take one pill one hour prior to the procedure and one pill six hours after the procedure. Below is a list of common used medications following surgery and their dosages:

• Norco (hydrocodone) take 1 pill every 2 hours as needed for pain
• Oxycodone take 1-3 pills every 2-3 hours as needed for pain
• Darvocet (propoxaphene) take 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain
• Vistaril (hydroxazine) take 1 pill every 4 hours as needed to minimize nausea and it also helps to make the pain medication seem more effective
• Phenergan (promethazine) take 1 pill every 4 hours as needed if you
  develop nausea.

If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact your physician's nurse at
323-2600.