After hip replacement surgery, you will begin the slow return to your normal lifestyle. To have a successful recovery, you need to take an active role in your healing.
Following all of the instructions your doctor and physical therapist give you are key to achieving the best possible outcome so you can live life as pain-free as possible. Here are some things to expect after minimally invasive hip replacement surgery during your recovery.
After Surgery
A great thing about minimally invasive surgery is that patients generally recover faster than those who undergo traditional open surgery. Instead of spending several days and nights in the hospital, you can expect a shorter stay – especially if it is outpatient.
After being transferred to your hospital room, you may begin to feel pain around the hip. You will be provided pain medication to address this.
The surgeon will then evaluate the results of the surgery based on X-ray results and other tests. If everything looks good, and you do not have an infection or adverse reaction, you may be cleared to go home later that day.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist (PT) will begin working with you even while at the hospital. In the beginning phase of your recovery, you can expect limitations with mobility.
A physical therapist will help with restoring function and mobility and also provide assistive devices (crutches, canes, etc.) for your use. You will practice strengthening and stretching exercises that you can continue doing yourself at home.
Physical therapists can visit your home several times per week depending on your needs. The goal is to be able to return to your normal daily activities.
Home Modifications
Expect your mobility to be limited upon returning home. Therefore, it’s best to make preparations before the surgery, such as making modifications to your home.
You should be able to move around without obstacles and have everything you need during recovery within easy reach, such as water, food, snacks, medicine, entertainment options, etc. Having someone stay with you during your recovery, especially in the beginning, is a great idea.
Caring for Your Incision
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incision area. Follow them carefully in order to avoid complications such as infection.
Keep the incision area clean, use any ointments they may provide, and do not allow the area to experience any impact. Redness, pus, and fever are signs of an infection; if this happens, call your doctor immediately.
Preventing Blood Clots
Keep doing your physical therapy exercises as directed. Light physical activity such as walking is encouraged to help prevent the formation of blood clots.
Take what is prescribed, including blood-thinning medication. Following your doctor’s orders, you should expect a gradual improvement in your mobility and pain levels – ultimately recovering from hip replacement surgery successfully.
Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery in Maryland
To find out more about minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, talk to the orthopedic specialists at the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland. We provide comprehensive care for patients with hip and knee pain, from nonsurgical to surgical treatment methods.
For your convenience, we have several locations from which to serve you across Maryland. To schedule an appointment, call us at (410) 644-1880, toll-free at (855) 4MD-BONE (463-2663), or fill out an appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you!
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