Anterior hip replacement surgery is a treatment option for hip joints damaged by osteoarthritis. The surgery is recommended when all other treatment options such as physical therapy and medicine fail. During the surgery, a surgeon removes the damaged hip cartilage and bone and implants an artificial joint made of plastic, metal, and other synthetic materials. Hip replacement is a common and highly successful surgery. However, there are risks involved in the procedure, and hip replacement complications post-surgery can also occur. So how do you prevent them?
Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery: Preventing Complications
How to Reduce the Risks
One of the best ways to reduce hip replacement complications post-surgery is to follow the surgeon's instructions. In addition, ask the doctor as many questions as possible regarding caring for your new hip. Here are some tips to help prevent complications.
Take It Slow: Most surgeons advise using the new hip as soon as possible. However, please do not overdo it. It might take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks before one can return to normal activities. These include driving and climbing stairs.
Exercise: Get out of bed and start moving around. Engage in the physical therapy exercises recommended by the doctor. Exercise helps a person regain movement in their hip. Staying active also lowers the chances of developing blood clots.
Use Ice: Wrap an ice pack in a cloth and hold it on the hip to help reduce pain and bring down swelling during the first few days after surgery. Propping the hip on a few pillows helps with the swelling.
Pain Relief: Medication is prescribed for pain relief after surgery. Managing pain helps one stay active, which speeds up recovery.
Use a Compression Device: The doctor may recommend you wear compression stockings that continuously apply pressure to the leg. The pressure prevents blood from pooling in the hip and forming blood clots.
Clean the wound: The surgeon will give instructions on cleaning and taking care of the wound. A clean wound helps prevent infections.
Following these simple instructions can have you back to your usual self in no time without serious complications.
Orthopedic Surgeon
Hip replacement surgery may be the answer when non-invasive treatments fail for hip pain. Dr. Dan Albright, an orthopedic surgeon in Raleigh, NC, can help. Dr. Albright specializes in anterior hip replacement surgery and has successfully performed this surgery for decades. If you are interested in a consultation to see if hip replacement surgery is right for you, contact us at 919-863-6808 today and set up an appointment. You'll be up and active again in no time.
