How to prepare for Hip Replacement

Getting prepared before hip replacement surgery can make your recovery easier and more comfortable. This document provides some tips and guidelines that will help you prepare for your surgery.

Talk with your health care provider so you can learn what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Ask questions if you do not understand something.

To ease concerns about your financial responsibilities, call your insurance company as soon as you decide to have surgery. Ask how much of your surgery and hospital stay will be covered. Also ask about coverage for medical equipment, rehabilitation facilities, and home care.

How should I arrange for help?

In the first couple weeks after surgery, it will likely be harder for you to do some of your regular activities. You may get tired easily, and you may have limited movement in your leg. Follow these guidelines to make sure you have all the help you need after your surgery:

• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital. Your health care provider will tell you how many days you can expect to be in the hospital.
• Cancel all your work, caregiving, and volunteer responsibilities for at least 4–6 weeks after surgery.
• Plan to have someone stay with you day and night for the first week. This person should be someone you are comfortable with. You may need this person to help you with your exercises and personal care, such as bathing and using the toilet.
• If you live alone, arrange for someone to take care of your home and pets for the first 4–6 weeks after surgery.
• Arrange for drivers to take you to and from follow-up appointments, the grocery store, and other places you may need to go for at least 4–6 weeks.
• Consider applying for a disabled parking permit. To get an application, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles or your health care provider’s office.

How should I prepare my home?

• Pick a recovery spot, but do not plan on recovering in bed. Sitting more upright is better for your health. You may want to use a recliner with a small table nearby. Choose a chair with a firm seat that will not allow you to sink down into it. Chairs and sofas that are too soft can allow your hip to bend at an angle greater than 90 degrees. This could put you at risk for dislocating your new hip joint.
• Place the items you use most frequently on the small table next to your chair. These items may include the TV remote, a cordless phone, a cell phone, a book or laptop computer, and a water glass.
• To see if you will be able to move around in your home with a walker, hold your hands out about 6 inches (15 cm) from your sides, and walk from your recovery spot to your kitchen and bathroom. Then walk from your bed to the bathroom. If you do not hit anything with your hands, you will have enough room for a walker.
• Minimize the use of stairs after you return home to reduce your risk of falling or tripping.
• Remove all clutter from your floors. Also remove any throw rugs. This will help you avoid tripping after your surgery.
• Move the items you use most often in your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom to shelves and drawers that are at countertop height.
• Prepare a few meals to freeze and reheat later.
• Consider getting safety equipment that will be helpful during your recovery, such as:
  • Grab bars added in the shower and near the toilet.
  • A raised toilet seat to help you get on and off the toilet more easily.
  • A tub or shower bench.

How should I prepare my body?

• Have a preoperative exam.
  • During the exam, your health care provider will make sure that your body is healthy enough to safely have the surgery.
  • When you go to the exam, bring a complete list of all your medicines and supplements, including herbs and vitamins.
  • You may need to have additional tests to ensure your safety.
• Have elective dental care and routine cleanings done before your surgery. Germs from anywhere in your body, including your mouth, can travel to your new joint and infect it. It is important that you do not have any dental work done for at least 3 months after your surgery.
• Maintain a healthy diet. Do not change your diet before surgery unless your health care provider tells you to do that.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. These can delay bone healing after surgery. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Tell your health care provider if:
  • You develop any skin infections or skin irritations. You may need to improve the condition of your skin before surgery.
  • You have a fever, a cold, or any other illness in the week before your surgery.
• Do not drink any alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery.
• The day before your surgery, follow instructions from your health care provider about showering, eating, drinking, and taking medicines. These directions are for your safety.
• Talk to your health care provider about doing exercises before your surgery.
  • Be sure to follow the exercise program only as directed by your health care provider.
  • Doing these exercises in the weeks before your surgery may help reduce pain and improve function after surgery.

Summary

• Getting prepared before hip replacement surgery can make your recovery easier and more comfortable.
• Prepare your home and arrange for help at home.
• Keep all of your preoperative appointments to ensure that you are ready for your surgery.
• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital and stay with you day and night for the first week.