Hip replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged hip joint, due to disease or injury.

In preparing for your hip replacement surgery, you may have many questions: How long is the procedure? What will the recovery period be like? What precautions should I take at home after surgery? Review the hip replacement surgical checklist before your surgery.

After the surgery, you can expect to:

• have significantly reduced hip pain.
• move around more easily.
• experience greater comfort and an improved quality of life.

Tips for Your Recovery Following Hip Replacement Surgery

In the hospital, you will:

• learn ways to prevent reaching and bending so that you can prevent hip dislocation after surgery.
• keep your pain under control so you can move about as much as possible.
• spend time out of bed each day. Get out of bed 2-3 times each day and walk for short distances, or at least sit in a chair at the bedside.
• change your position, cough, and take deep breaths every 2 hours in bed.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist will start working with you the day after surgery. The therapist will see you 1 or 2 times a day. The physical therapist will help you to get out of bed, sit in a chair, and walk short distances.

Occupational Therapy

The occupational therapist will make sure you are safe to perform the following activities: using the toilet, showering or bathing, dressing, and performing simple activities at the sink.

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Setting Up Help at Home

A case manager will meet with you if you need extra help or equipment at home. The case manager will help you find out what services your insurance plan plays for and, if needed, will help arrange them.