Total Hip: In the Hospital After Total Hip Replacement Surgery

You will be restricted to bed rest until the first day after surgery. You will be out of bed and into a chair on the morning of the first day after surgery and then walking with your physical therapist.

There may be a special splint between your legs. You will wear this for the first 24 hours and then place a pillow between your legs when you are in bed for six weeks. If it is more comfortable, you may use the special splint that has been provided for you when you leave the hospital.

If there are tubes in your hip that drain excess blood, a so-called drain, these will be pulled on the first or second day after surgery. At this time Dr. Bertram rarely uses a drain for hip replacement patients.

You may require a blood transfusion. If you gave your own blood before surgery, this will be used. If not, please remember that it is very safe in Naples to receive bank blood. If Dr. Bertram recommends the blood, it is important that you comply with his wishes. We take this recommendation very seriously and have strict criteria for recommending a transfusion.

Medications to Expect

1. Your regular medication you took before the surgery
2. A blood thinner of some sort. This will be Lovenox, Fragmin, Coumadin, or aspirin. This may be given daily or on a variable schedule.
3. Intravenous antibiotics for the first 24 to 48 hours.
4. Pain medications. You will receive either a special PCA pump, a shot, or pills. If a PCA pump is used, we will typically discontinue that after the first 24 hours and then pills will be given.

Blood samples will be drawn from you frequently in the morning so your surgeon can determine if you need a blood transfusion or any other adjustments in your medication. Unfortunately, this is a very important part of monitoring your postoperative course. Use a special breathing called an incentive spirometer and do your breathing exercises to clear your lungs to prevent a minor condition called atelectasis or a more major problem called pneumonia.

Wear compression stockings on your feet at all times. These will be pumps that will compress your feet and make the blood flow through your legs to avoid blood clots. It is very important to wear these even though they may be somewhat aggravating at times. Do bedside exercises as directed by your surgeon and your physical therapist and they will give you a list of these during your hospital stay.

Physical therapy will start early in your hospital stay. Your surgeon and physical therapist will discuss your goals. When these are satisfactorily met, you will be able to go home.

Safety is important in all of your activities. If you have questions regarding any precautions that will be given to you, please ask our knowledgeable nursing staff, your physical therapist, or your surgeon.