The large majority of patients make a rapid recovery after hip replacement operations and experience no serious problems. However it is important that you understand a hip replacement is a major operation and some complications can occur.

It can be an emotional as well as a physical upheaval. There will be some days after the operation when

you feel a little low and maybe tired, too. Some leg swelling will occur. This is normal and will not last.

The operation becomes necessary when the hip,a ball and socket joint, becomes worn or damaged.The socket may be lined by a dense plastic metal or ceramic cup and the ball at the end of the thigh bone (femur) is replaced by a stainless steel or ceramic ball on a stem. The stem fits down  the centre of the thighbone. All this relieves pain, restores movement and usually restores leg length, further improving mobility.

This information tells you all the things you can do to speed your recovery and help everything settle down around your new joint.  It also highlights actions you can take before the operation, to prepare for your return home so that you can be sure everything is as convenient and comfortable as possible.

• Before your operation
• After your operation
• Sitting
• sleeping
• Bathing & washing
• Using the toilet
• Dressing
• In the kitchen
• Gardening
• Going out in the car
• To remind you

Before your Operation
Check your room to make sure you're ready for your return home:

Please bring in:

• The measurement of your chair, bed and toilet in case they need adjusting.
• The name, address and telephone number of a relative or friend who would be willing to let someone into your home to install any loaned equipment, for example a raised toilet seat,if there will be nobody at home

For your stay in hospital:

• Don't bring corsets/pantie girdles
• If possible, bring knee-length clothes
• long night dresses and dressing gowns hamper mobility
• Do bring loose-fitting knickers(ladies) or boxer shorts(men) - they are easier to put on
• Make sure you have a set of clothes for dressing practise after your operation
• if you have shoes with laces we may be able to issue you with elastic laces

After your Operation
While in hospital, you will be seen by a physiotherapist who will instruct  you in exercises, getting in and out of bed, and the use of walking aids.

After your operation, the physiotherapist will check that you are doing your exercises correctly and will help you get out of bed and walk for the first time.

On succeeding days , you will progress to walking greater distances and learn to climb stairs properly.

On discharge from the hospital, the physiotherapist will give you a list of do's and don'ts to take home as a reminder of what you have been told.

Remember: an artificial hip is not as good as a normal joint and must be treated with respect. In the first 6 1/2 weeks the tissues around the joint will be recovering from the surgery so extra precautions need to be taken to avoid the new joint dislocating.

Here are some reminders:

Sitting
Your chair: will need to have arms. It should be at least 19"-20" high, measured with the cushion pressed down, from the top of the cushion to the  floor. If you are very tall, you may need it higher, or if you are very short lower. If you don't have an arm chair the right height you could borrow one? If your chair needs to be higher, we may be able to arrange for your local social services/occupational therapist to lend you blocks, but not all chairs can be raised this way.

How to sit down: Walk to your chair, slowly turn around away from your operated Hip.  When you feel the back of your legs touching the cushion, put your operated leg out in front of you and put your hands down onto the chair arms. Then taking your weight  through your arms and on your UN-operated leg, ease yourself down onto the chair. Once you are sitting, you can bend your knee on your operated leg, so your foot should rest on the floor.

How to get up: With your operated leg out, and taking your weight on your UN-operated td leg, push up with your arms. Regain your balance, then retrieve your sticks/crutches.

Before your operation: Make sure you have an arm chair that is the right height   If you have a table beside your chair position it to be on the unoperated side. After your op./Long term: Do not cross your legs at the knees; crossing the ankles is acceptable How to sit down. After you have sat down you should bend your operated leg. Sit with the heels together, knees apart and toes turned out.

Sleeping
Your bed will need to be at least 19”-20” high, measured with the mattress pressed down, from the top of the mattress to the floor. You will need to have it positioned so you can get into it on the side that lets you lift your UN-operated leg first followed by the operated leg.

How to get in and out of bed:  To get onto the bed, Sit down on the bed and lift yourself back far enough to give your operated leg full support before turning yourself to face down the bed. Just reverse this procedure to get out of the bed.It is advisable to rest on the bed,regularly at first untill leg swelling subsides.

How to pull up the covers: A continental quilt is easier to manage than blankets.If you have no-one to do it for you, have a walking stick handy so you can pull up the covers, and also to fold them over to the other side of the bed before you get out. You will need someone else to change the sheets for you in the first few weeks.

Sex: Sexual intercourse may be resumed as soon as you find it comfortable.avoid the position of potential dislocation. The safest position is for the operated partner to be flat on his/her back.  If in doubt, check with you consultants team.