About Hip Replacement Surgery
Total Hip Replacement Hip replacement is often considered when the pain in the hip becomes so severe that it begins to interfere with your sleep and your ability to carry out your activities of daily living; such as walking, working or sports.
By having surgery the hope is that it will:
• end or reduce your pain,
• improve your hip movement and overall function, and
• improve your quality of life.
Hip replacement involves removing the damaged bone in the hip and selecting a new joint according to your individual size. The head and neck of the femur are cut away and the inside of the femur is reshaped. A metal head and stem are inserted inside the reshaped femur to replace the old hip. A metal shell with a plastic liner is placed into the acetabulum to complete the new hip joint.
What to Expect
You will receive a copy of the book, Total Hip Replacement Surgery. This book provides detailed information to help you prepare for your surgery.
Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs)
Along your joint replacement journey you will be asked to complete 2 survey questionnaires, which are mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). The surveys should take between 5-10 minutes to complete.
How To Prepare
You will be asked to attend the Intake pre-surgery class at Bluewater Health Sarnia site. Here you will meet with an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist who will go over how to prepare for surgery, what to expect while in hospital, and what to expect on discharge from hospital. This typically happens 4-6 weeks before surgery and is arranged by calling 464-4400 ext 8100.
Some key things to consider in preparation for surgery include:
- See your dentist to ensure that you do not have any dental infections
- Ask a family member or friend to be your “Coach”
- Exercise three to five times per week and if needed, quit smoking, and practice healthy eating to prepare yourself for your best possible experience
- Check your house for any tripping hazards, like area rugs
- Organize delivery of any equipment you may need to help you get around the first few days
During the Procedure
- Arrive 2-3 hours before your procedure (the exact time will be outlined by your surgeons offices)
- The standard surgery takes approximately 2 hours and most patients are done in the recovery room and into their room on the surgical unit in 4-6 hours from time of surgery
- Family/friends to see you after
Recovery – What to Expect
- Depending on type or procedure and how you recovery you should expect to be in the hospital 1-3 days (not including the day of surgery)
- Nursing staff will get you up and walking the evening of your surgery
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy will see you daily while in hospital
- Most patients continue with physiotherapy after discharge from the hospital 1-2 times per week for approx. 8-12 weeks on average
- Many patients will return to work and regular activities within 12 weeks