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The surgical incision has been closed with sutures covered with skin tape (Steri-strips), then the sutures will dissolve and do not need to be removed. You may shower may shower 48 hours after the surgery with the wound uncovered as long as there is no drainage. Pat the incision dry after showering. The patient should avoid submerging the surgical incision in standing bodies of water for a period of at least 6 weeks. This entails no baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools. The steri-strips should be left on for two weeks.
After dismissal, the incision should be monitored at least twice daily for signs/symptoms of possible wound infection. These include, but are not limited to; increased redness, warmth, pain, tenderness, swelling, or drainage from the incision. This also includes, but is not limited to, nausea and vomiting, shakes or chills, or fever greater than 101.5 degrees F. If any of these occur, the patient should notify Dr. Hansen’s office.
It is normal for patients who have had hip surgery to have some swelling and bruising on the outside of their thigh after surgery. Patients may also have some swelling that tracks down the thigh to the knee. If this happens, an ACE bandage should be kept around the knee for the first 2-4 weeks after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort.
After a total hip replacement the patient is at risk for a blood clot in the leg veins. This is called a Deep Venous Thrombosis, or DVT. Some of the symptoms of a possible DVT include, but are not limited to increased extremity pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness. A potential complication of a DVT is a Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Signs of a possible PE include, but are not limited to increased chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate. If the patient experiences any of these possible signs of a DVT or PE, he/she should notify his/her local primary care provider, emergency room, or Dr. Hansen’s office at (573) 882-2663.
The patient will require a total of six weeks of DVT prophylaxis. This will include the use of TED stockings and foot pumping exercises during this entire time. The TED stockings are to be worn day and night for the first 3 weeks (the patient may remove them for three 30 min intervals during the day. For the second 3 weeks the TEDS should be worn during the day but may be removed at night. The patient may also remove the TED stockings for hygiene care.
The patient will also be on a blood thinning medicine for four weeks after surgery. This medicine will be Coumadin, Aspirin, or Xarelto. Patients on Coumadin will need to have a blood test called an INR level (a test to check how thin the blood is) twice weekly for a total of six weeks from surgery. During this period the patient is at increased risk for gastrointestinal bleeds, and prolonged bleeding after trauma. If the patient was taking Coumadin prior to surgery, then they should continue this beyond the six-week period as prescribed.
You now have a prosthetic joint in place. Invasive procedures (ie. dental cleanings/procedures, colonoscopies, etc.) should be avoided during the first four months after surgery to help avoid infection in the artificial joint. If in the future the patient will be having invasive procedures or dental procedures, they will likely need antibiotic prophylaxis.
If you cannot take Amoxicillin because you have an allergy to Amoxicillin or Penicillin, please inform your physician or dentist.Alternative antibiotic choices include:
Any questions regarding this should be directed to Dr. Hansen’s office.
The patient is able to weight bear as tolerated with the assistance of a gait aid such as a walker or crutches. The patient should use his/her gait aid for steadiness. When ambulating with a cane, place the cane in the hand on the side opposite the surgical limb. The patient is safe for travel by land or air upon dismissal. During long trips home, it would be best to have the patient take short walks every two hours if possible. The patient should not operate a vehicle until (s)he is no longer using narcotics during the daytime. The patient must also be able to comfortably ambulate with a cane prior to operating a vehicle.
In order to avoid dislocation of your prosthetic joint please be careful. Specifically avoid hip flexion past 90 degrees. This becomes an issue when you sit in a deep chair, couch, or toilet and lean forward. Also avoid crossing your legs or internal rotation of the hip. The physical therapist is a good source of training for which positions to avoid.
The patient may require narcotic pain medication (percocet, oxycodone, vicodin, etc) for several days after dismissal from the hospital. These medications may cause symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, nausea, and constipation. The patient is encouraged to not use these medications any longer than necessary, as they may be addictive if used over an extended time period.
The patient should take a stool softener while on narcotic pain medication to help prevent constipation. One option is: Colace 100 mg by mouth twice daily
In addition, the patient is advised not to operate any motorized vehicles while taking narcotic pain medications.
The patient will see Dr. Hansen at two weeks and six weeks after surgery for regular postoperative appointments. The patient should also be seen 6 months and one year after surgery, then every five years after that to monitor the prosthetic joint. Additional appointments may be made as needed.
For any questions or concerns please contact Dr. Hansen’s office at (573) 882-2663.
