Post-Operatively Guidelines

Usually, the drains remain in the hip for 1-2 day to prevent the formation of hematomas that restrict mobility.

On the first day after the operation, you will begin treatment with physiotherapists, who will guide you and practice daily with you. These exercises will help your hip joint regain its good mobility and loading capacity as soon as possible.

After the second day and with the help of crutches you will probably be capable of walking on your own. It is essential to do this in the following four to six weeks so that the tissue layers of the hip joint heal more rapi­dly due to the partial load on the operated hip. You will receive analgesic drugs for the pain for some time.   Until your operated hip is used in full and can bear its full load again you will have daily injections to prevent thrombosis.

Usually, you will be discharged a week after the operation and then depending on your condition or on your surgeon’s suggestion you will return to your home or you will stay in a reha­bilitation centre. The sutures are usually removed two weeks after you had the operation.

Usually all the hospitals provide an implant passport that can be very helpful in case of injuries of the joint or at airport controls. Especially when you are out of your normal day life (e.g. vacations) we strongly advise you to have this passport with you.

Some precautionary measures to have in mind:

• Do not carry excessively heavy objects.
• Keep at minimum: Long periods standing, excessive stair-climbing and long walks
• Do not cross your legs when sitting.
• Avoid turning the operated leg outward or bending forward too much.
• Avoid heavy physical work as well as risky situations (climbing a ladder etc.).
• Do not crouch down!
• Try to wear good shoes to protect the joint from over load and avoid the heels.

You are strongly advised to have regular follow-ups by a specialist in order to ensure that you have a normal recovery. For about one to two months after the operation it will be necessary to use crutches.

Do not worry if you experience some limitations in your hip movement it is normal for up to a year after the operation.  After such operations improvement occurs gradually but steadily.  However, you should contact your doctor in case that you face a problem.

Your doctor or your physiotherapist will recommend you some physical exercises that will up­grade the quality of your physical life, aspire to good mobility and increase mus­cle strength following the insertion of the hip prosthesis. However, it is essential that you increase your physi­cal load appropriately and that any sigh of pain should be taken seriously into consideration.  In general, the lack of exercise has a negative impact on a hip prosthesis.