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Frequently Asked
Questions about Hip Replacement
What is hip replacement?
Who should have a hip replacement?
Is there an alternative to
hip replacement?
How long is the hospital
stay?
Will I go home after surgery?
How long is
recuperation?
When can I drive?
Will I need a blood
transfusion?
What is the success rate?
Are there
complications?
Will I have pain?
Can I talk to someone who
has had a hip replacement?
What is a hip
replacement?
A hip replacement is a
surgical procedure in which the diseased parts of the hip joint
are removed and replaced with artificial parts. The goal of hip
replacement is to allow you to move easily with less discomfort.
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Who
should have a hip replacement?
When hip pain severely limits your ability
to walk, or perform even simple activities, hip replacement
should be considered.
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Is
there an alternative to hip replacement?
There are a number of conservative measures
your physician may suggest before you consider hip replacement.
This includes anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections and
physical therapy. Hip replacement is only recommended after all
other treatment methods have failed to adequately relieve your
symptoms.
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How
long is the hospital stay?
The average hospital stay for a hip
replacement patient is around 3-4 days. Patients having surgery
on Monday typically go home on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday
morning.
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Will
I go home after surgery?
We strongly encourage patients to go home
after discharge; there is usually no need for a nursing home.
Keep in mind that healing and recovery times vary with each
person. Some older patients who live alone may require a short
stay at a Skilled Nursing Facility for a few days to a few weeks
after they leave the hospital. Our case managers will assist you
with placement prior to discharge.
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How
long is recuperation?
Recovery varies with each individual. You
will use a walker for approximately 2-4 weeks after the operation.
You will quickly progress to a cane. Most people gradually
increase their activities and play golf, doubles tennis, go bike
riding, hiking, swimming and dancing, within 12 weeks after
surgery.
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When
can I drive?
Based on your progress, you may be able to
drive a car in 4-6 weeks. You should check with your surgeon
before driving. Please remember that as long as you are taking
narcotic pain medications you should not drive.
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Will
I need a blood transfusion?
The majority of hip replacement patients do
not require a transfusion after surgery. Some patients may want
to donate their own blood prior to surgery for use after
surgery. Your surgeon will be happy to discuss these
issues with you.
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What
is the success rate?
The success rate, elimination of pain and
return to function, is very high for total hip replacement-98 to
99%.
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Are
there complications?
As with any surgery, there is a risk of
complications after hip replacement surgery. However, they are
quite rare. We take measures to prevent complications such as
blood clots and surgical site infections.
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Will
I have pain?
Yes, you will have some pain or discomfort
at the surgical site. During your stay we will do everything we
can to make you comfortable. There are several medications we
can use to reduce your discomfort. The most important thing to
remember is, unlike the pain you had prior to surgery, the pain
you experience after joint replacement will get better.
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Can
I talk to someone who has had a hip replacement?
Yes! We have volunteers that have had one
or more hip replacements and would be happy to talk to you.
E-mail our
office and we will be pleased to put you in touch with other
people who have gone through the program.
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