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Planning for Surgery
Post-Operative Home Instructions
HEMI/TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
The following instructions are a guide for the care of your hip until you see your physician around 7-14 days after surgery. Please call the office at 352-326-8115 to make an appointment. When you call, mention that you have already had your surgery. The most important concerns during the first week involve decreasing swelling and improving ambulation skills.
- ICE: You can use ice bags/packs for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours during waking hours.
- DRESSING: Your initial surgical dressing will be charged in the hospital by the medical staff. After you leave the hospital, change the bandage on your hip daily using clean, dry gauze bandages and tape. After the first week, it is usually not necessary to cover the wound, but you may do so if you like. Do not remove the staples, which are applied directly to your skin.
- BATHING: You should keep your incision dry (no shower or baths). Starting three days after the surgical date, you may shower but baths and hot tubs are prohibited until authorized by the surgeon. To keep your wound/dressings dry, cover the hip with plastic wrap and secure with tape.
- CRUTCHES: Use your crutches/walker at all times for ambulation during the first two weeks. You may fully weight-bear on your leg, unless instructed otherwise. This ambulatory assistance device is for your safety.
- BRACE: There will be a large foam pillow placed between your legs. It is called an abduction pillow. The purpose of this device is to help decrease the risk of you suffering a dislocation. You must keep this pillow between your legs at all times, except while standing, sitting, or doing your exercises.
- MOTION EXERCISES: Starting the day after surgery, you may remove the abduction pillow from between your legs several times a day to work on range of motion. Perform the exercises as demonstrated by your physical therapist. Also, consider icing your hip after doing your exercises.
- MEDICATION: To help prevent the development of a blood clot take enteric coated aspirin (ECASA) or Coumadin as directed. Do not take ECASA and Coumadin together as this may lead to excessive bleeding. You will have a prescription for pain medication to take home with you. Use the pills as directed to allow you to begin using your hip. All patients on pain medication should take a stool softener. Any requests for prescription refills must be made during normal business hours. No refills will be authorized after hours.
- FOLLOW-UP: You should have an appointment to see the surgeon approximately 7-14 days after surgery.
- PHYSICAL THERAPY: You will be given a prescription for physical therapy. Please make an appointment with the therapist to start your therapy as soon as possible.
**NOTICE: If you develop any signs of infection, such as a temperature over 101.5° F, drainage from your wound, or increased redness and swelling, you should contact the office immediately at 352-326-8115.
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