A total hip replacement is a surgery to replace a diseased or injured hip joint. An artificial ball-and-socket joint is inserted to make a new hip. It can be done by full open surgery or a minimally invasive technique.
The minimally invasive technique only requires one or two small incisions and special instruments. People eligible for this surgery are typically:
• Younger than 50
• Of normal weight
• Healthier than those who have the traditional total hip replacement surgery

• Hip dislocation, which is the most common complication—occurs when the ball portion of the prosthesis dislocates from its normal position in the hip
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Swelling or bleeding
• Injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels
• Anesthesia-related problems, like pneumonia
• Noisy or squeaky hip after surgery

• Pre-existing medical condition, such as heart or lung problems
• Obesity
• Infection, such as urinary tract infection or gum disease—having an infection increases the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream and infecting the joint.
• Previous problems with blood clots
• Smoking

Total Hip Replacement

Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement

At the Hospital

• Walk with help, using a walker, on the day after surgery.
• Be careful. A fall can damage or dislocate the new joint. Do not try to walk without help.
• Take medicine to prevent blood clots.
• Wear compression boots or stockings.
• Begin physical therapy to regain mobility and strength.
• Breathe deeply and cough 10-20 times every hour—This will decrease the risk of fluid build-up in the lungs. The fluid can cause pneumonia.

At Home

• Keep the incision area clean and dry.
• Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe and soak in water.
• When seated, place a V-shaped pillow between your legs. This will help you to maintain correct positioning of your hip.
• Work with the physical therapist. You will learn how to move your hip and maintain proper alignment. You should also talk to your doctor and physical therapist about ways to prevent dislocations. Depending on your surgery, you may need to avoid crossing your legs, flexing your hips more than 90 degrees, and turning your feet very far inward or outward.
• Only take medicines recommended by your doctor. Do not take over-the-counter remedies without your doctor's approval.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can increase wear on your new joint.
• Avoid jogging and other high-impact sports. This can also increase wear on the joint, cause it to loosen, and cause pain.
• Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Call Your Doctor

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge around incision site
• Pain and/or swelling in the feet, calves, or legs
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Hip pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given or that becomes worse
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in your leg, knee, or foot

• American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

http://www.aapmr.org

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

http://www.niams.nih.gov

• The Arthritis Society

http://www.arthritis.ca

• Canadian Orthopaedic Association

http://www.coa-aco.org

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