Total Hip Replacement
After the Operation
The right hip has a Total Hip Replacement and the left hip is normal.
Your Stay in the Hospital
You will usually stay in the hospital for a few days.
To protect your hip during early recovery, a special triangular splint may be placed in-between your legs to keep them apart.
How much will it hurt?
After surgery, you will feel pain in your hip.
If you have been given a spinal injection during your anaesthetic, your legs may be numb for the first 12 hours.
Pain medication, either tablets or injections, will be given to make you as comfortable as possible.
What exercises do I do whilst in hospital?
Breathing - To avoid lung problems after surgery, you will be asked to breathe deeply and cough frequently. This will help avoid pneumonia and lung collapse.
Walking - Walking and light activity are important to your recovery and will begin the day of or the day after your surgery. Most patients who undergo total hip replacement begin standing and walking with the help of a walking support and a physiotherapist the day after surgery.
The physiotherapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your hip and restore movement for walking and other normal daily activities.