Bertram Total Joint Centers

Total Hip: Common Questions Regarding Total Hip Replacement Surgery

How long do I need to use crutches?

You need to use them for approximately six weeks following surgery. You can put full weight on your operative leg. Your therapist will guide you to when you can transition from a walker to a cane or from crutches to a cane.

When do I go to a cane?

As stated above, your therapist will help you and guide you as to when you can go to a cane. Typically that will be about six weeks after surgery. You should use the cane in the opposite hand from your hip replacement. For example, if you had a right hip replacement, you should use the cane in your left hand, and vice versa.

How long do a I keep a pillow between my legs at night for sleeping?

You will keep the pillow between your legs for about six weeks from the date of surgery, or as otherwise advised by Dr. Bertram.

What is the best position for sleeping?

You can sleep on your back or either side. The operative site might be painful to sleep on for approximately six weeks. By the time you leave the hospital, it should be safe to sleep on either side. You should just use the pillow and roll like a log. This is the safest way to turn over.

How long do I need to use an elevated toilet seat?

If you are 5’ 2” tall or shorter, you do not need to use an elevated toilet seat. If you are taller than that you should use an elevated toilet seat for approximately six weeks from the date of surgery. When can I go in the pool? You can go in the pool when you wound is dry and clean and you have excellent control of your new hip and your leg. Your physical therapist can help guide you on this. Typically you wound would be clean and dry enough for you to get into a pool or submerge by five to seven days after surgery. Your staples will not rust.

When can I drive a car?

You should not drive a car until you can handle your vehicle safely and react perfectly in the event of an emergency. We do not suggest you drive a vehicle at less than six weeks from the date of surgery.

What if I have trouble sleeping?

This is a very common problem and it is related to the fact that you are on different medications and your activity level is not enough to make you tired. You can use over-the-counter sleeping supplements such as Benedryl or Tylenol PM. Dr. Bertram does not recommend the use of prescription sleep aids.

How long should I take a blood thinner?

This will depend upon the blood thinner that has been prescribed for you. Typically you will be on some form of anticoagulation for approximately one month from the date of surgery. In rare instances we will recommend further prophylaxis.

How do I take care of my wound after the staples are out?

You may wash your wound as soon as the staples are removed. You can remove the Steri-Strips any time you wish. They usually peel off within a few days. We recommend applying vitamin E to the incision and it is perfectly fine and actually recommended to actually massage the area to loosen up the scar tissue. You should notify us right away if there is any wound drainage.

What about handicap parking stickers?

We will be glad to give you a temporary handicap sticker for about three months. A total hip replacement rarely warrants a permanent handicap sticker.

How soon can I play golf?

We may let you play golf as soon as four months after surgery. It depends on the particular aspects of your case and your skill level. Remember that Jack Nicklaus was not allowed to play golf for at least four to six months after his operation, therefore we would not expect you to do any different.

Who prescribes my medication?

Any medication not prescribed by this office should be directed to the physician who prescribed it. We do not manage hypertension or high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, etc. We will typically give you pain medication and blood thinners and antibiotics if needed for prophylaxis for any dental or surgical procedures.