Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Surgery
Patients often have many questions to ask about total hip replacements. Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions along with their answers.
This guide provides additional information. If there are any other questions that you need answered, please ask your surgeon or the Total Joint Care Coordinator. We want you to be completely informed about this procedure.
What is arthritis and why does my hip hurt?
In the hip joint there is a layer of smooth cartilage on the ball of the upper end of the thighbone (femur) and another layer within your hip socket. This cartilage serves as a cushion and allows for smooth motion of the hip. Arthritis is a wearing away of the smooth cartilage. Eventually, the cartilage wears down to bone. Rubbing of bone against bone causes discomfort, swelling and stiffness.
What is a total hip replacement?
A total hip replacement is an operation that removes the arthritic ball of the upper thighbone (femur) as well as damaged cartilage from the hip socket. The ball is replaced with a metal ball that is fixed solidly inside the femur. The socket is replaced with a plastic or metal liner that is usually fixed inside a metal shell. This creates a smoothly functioning joint that does not hurt.
What are the results of total hip replacement?
Results will vary depending on the quality of the surrounding tissue, the severity of the arthritis at the time of surgery, the patient's activity level and the patient's adherence to the doctor's orders.
When should I have this type of surgery?
Your orthopedic surgeon will decide if you are a candidate for the surgery. This will be based on your history, exam, x-rays and response to conservative treatment. Your orthopedic surgeon will ask you to decide if your discomfort, stiffness and disability justify undergoing surgery. There is usually no harm in waiting if conservative, non-operative methods are controlling your discomfort. The decision will then be yours.
Am I too old for this surgery?
Age is not a factor if you are in reasonable health and have the desire to continue living a productive, active life. You may be asked to see your personal physician for his/her opinion about your general health and readiness for surgery.
How long will my new hip last and can a second replacement be done?
All implants have a limited life expectancy depending on an individual's age, weight, activity level and medical condition(s). A total joint implant's longevity will vary in every patient. It is important to remember that an implant is a medical device subject to wear that may lead to mechanical failure. While it is important to follow all of your surgeon's recommendations after surgery, there is no guarantee that your particular implant will last for any specific length of time.
Why might I require a revision?
Just as your original joint wears out, a joint replacement will wear over time as well. The most common reason for revision is loosening of the artificial surface from the bone. Wearing of the plastic spacer may also result in the need for a new spacer. Dislocation of the hip after surgery is a risk. Your surgeon will explain the possible complications associated with total hip replacement.
What are the major risks?
Most surgeries go well without any complications. Infection and blood clots are two serious complications that concern us the most. To avoid these complications, we use antibiotics and blood thinners. We also take special precautions in the operating room to reduce the risk of infections. Your orthopedist will discuss ways to reduce that risk.
How long will I be incapacitated?
You will probably stay in bed the day of your surgery. However, the next morning most patients will get up, sit in a chair or recliner and should be walking with a walker or crutches later that day.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most hip patients will be hospitalized for three to four days after their surgery. There are several goals that you must achieve before you can be discharged.
What if I live alone?
Two options are usually available to you. You may either stay at a Rehab facility following your hospital stay or a home health nurse and a home physical or occupational therapist may assist you at home depending on your insurance coverage.
How long does the surgery take?
We reserve approximately 2 – 2-1/2 hours for surgery. Some of this time is taken by the operating room staff to prepare for the surgery.
Do I need to be put to sleep for this surgery?
You may have a general anesthetic, which most people call "being put to sleep". Some patients prefer to have a spinal or epidural anesthetic, which numbs your legs only and does not require you to be asleep. The choice is between you, your surgeon and the anesthesiologist.
Will the surgery be painful?
You will have discomfort following the surgery, but we will try to keep you comfortable with the appropriate medication. Generally, most patients are able to stop very strong medication within one day. Most patients control their own medicine with a special pump that delivers the drug directly into their IV.
Who will be performing the surgery?
Your orthopedic surgeon will perform the surgery. An assistant often helps during the surgery and that assistant will bill you separately.
How long, and where, will the scar be?
The scar will be approximately six inches long. It will be along the side of your hip.
Will I need a walker, crutches, or a cane?
Yes, we do recommend that you use a walker, a cane, or crutches for about six weeks. The Total Joint Coordinator and Case Manager can arrange for them if necessary.
Where will I go after discharge from the hospital?
Most patients are able to go directly home after their hospital stay. Some patients may transfer to a rehab facility, where you will continue your rehabilitation. The Joint Center staff will help you with this decision and make the necessary arrangements.
Will I need help at home?
Yes, for the first several days or weeks, depending on your progress, you will need someone to assist you with meal preparation, etc. If you go directly home from the hospital, the Joint Center staff will arrange for a home health care nurse to come to your house as needed. Family or friends need to be available to help if possible.
Preparing ahead of time, before your surgery, can minimize the amount of help needed. Having the laundry done, house cleaned, yard work completed, clean linens put on the bed and single portion frozen meals will help reduce the need for extra help.
Will I need physical therapy when I go home?
Yes, you will have either outpatient or in-home physical therapy. Patients are encouraged to utilize outpatient physical therapy. The Joint Center staff will help you arrange for an outpatient physical therapy appointment. If you need therapy, the Joint Center staff will arrange for home health care services. Following this, you may go to an outpatient facility three times a week to assist in your rehabilitation. The length of time required for this type of therapy varies with each patient.
How long until I can drive and get back to normal?
The ability to drive depends on whether surgery was on your right hip or your left hip and the type of car you have. If the surgery was on your left hip and you have an automatic transmission, you could be driving at two weeks. If the surgery was on your right hip, your driving could be restricted as long as six weeks. Getting "back to normal" will depend somewhat on your progress. Consult with your surgeon for their advice on your activity.
When will I be able to get back to work?
We recommend that most people take at least one month off from work, unless their jobs are quite sedentary and they can return to work with crutches. An occupational therapist can make recommendations for joint protection and energy conservation on the job.
How often will I need to be seen by my doctor following the surgery?
Your surgeon will arrange your first postoperative office visit after discharge. The frequency of follow-up visits will depend on your progress.
Do you recommend any restrictions following this surgery?
Yes, high-impact activities, such as running, singles tennis and basketball are not recommended. Injury-prone sports such as downhill skiing are also dangerous for the new joint. Hip patients will be restricted from crossing their legs, twisting operated leg, bending 90 degrees at hip or twisting side-to-side.
Will I notice anything different about my hip?
In many cases, patients with hip replacements think that the new joint feels completely natural. However, we always recommend avoiding extreme position or high-impact physical activity. The leg with the new hip may be longer than it was before, either because of previous shortening due to the hip disease or because of a need to lengthen the hip to avoid dislocation. Most patients get used to this feeling in time or can use a small lift in the other shoe. Some patients have aching in the thigh on weight bearing for a few months after surgery.
The Joint Center at Brooksville Regional Hospital features seven private suites dedicated solely to total joint replacement patients. Dedicated, highly-trained nurses and effective and thorough pain and symptom management help foster faster, more complete recoveries. Our joint care team is made up of our orthopedic surgeons, as well as nurses and therapists who provide specialized care for our total joint patients
This information is intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained herein is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. If you have persistent health problems or have further questions, please consult your health care provider.