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Hip Replacement: How to Prepare and What to Expect

National Institute of Arthritis and Muscoskeletal and Skin Diseases
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Hip replacement, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the diseased parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with new, artificial parts. These artificial parts are called the prosthesis. The goals of hip replacement surgery include increasing mobility, improving the function of the hip joint, and relieving pain.

For the majority of people who have hip replacement surgery, the procedure results in:

  • A decrease in pain
  • Increased mobility
  • Improvements in activities of daily living
  • Improved quality of life
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beachwalker said
Nov 25, 2008

This article, while informative, does not even begin to address the adaptations needed for the hip replacement patient after gettting home! I have had BOTH hips and Both knees replaced ( about two years apart for each) due to severed osteoarthritis so I learned what can help the most.
!) A raised potty seat on your regular toilet is essential. Otherwise the up and down is difficult indeed.
2) Grab bars in the bathroom and especialy in the shower ( forget taking a tub) are vital to safety.
3) When using a walker to get around for the first week or three, a totebag is very handy for putting things in to carry from room to room.
4) A COUPLE OF "REACHER-GRABBERS" help for picking up things that drop. A SOCK-AID is invaluable for putting on socks and those post-op stockings.
5)Take large size athletic shorts TO the hospital as you need to wear them post-op for all the PT that happens. Also take your favorite pillow and shawl/blanket, extra underwear and tee shirts.
6)Drink lots of water pre and post op.
7) For the week BEFORE surgery, try to eat a fiber-rich and bland diet. Sometimes a BM doesn't happen for several days due to effects of anesthesia.
8) At home, befsure the bed is high enough to get into and out of easily ( no mattress on the floor!) And be sure your favorite chair allows you to kerep that leg elevated when you are at rest.
9) Have a special firm pillow on hand to tuck between your knees so the new hip is not atressed. Try also to have a bedside commode ( especially for a woman) so when you wake up in the middle of the night you do not have to trek down the hall to get to the toilet. Some senior centers lend them.
10) ASK for help from friends or family as you need it. You will get better, don't give up on the exercises, eat well but not too much,drink fluids all day long.
Give yourself time to heal and know that it might take a few months but oh, it is SO worth it!

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