What Are The Major Precautions Taken Post Total Hip Replacement Surgery?

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure(often called total hip arthroplasty) that cures the patient of hip-related medical disorders. The surgery involves removing the damaged portion of the bone and replacing the same with a metal, hard plastic, or ceramic alternative. 

Not only is this surgery focused on helping the patient with the pain, but also on lifestyle improvement. If the patient is experiencing extreme pain, which keeps interfering with daily activities, and medication is not helping anymore, well, it’s high time that you must consider the operation. 

 

3 Prominent Reasons Behind Total Hip Replacement-

Osteoarthritis- 

It is one of the critical reasons for going for total hip replacement. Here the slim cartilage covering the ends of the bones(the cartilage allows the bone to move smoothly) experiences beyond-recovery damage. The condition is terribly painful and also hinders regular walking. 

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This joint problem is the result of an overactive immune system. The joints experience an inflamed situation which erodes the cartilage and sometimes the underlying bones. This damages the joint while sometimes deforming joints.

 

Osteonecrosis

When there is a lack of blood supply in the joints because of a dislocation or fracture, the patient suffers from osteonecrosis.

 

What Are The Risks Involved In Total Hip Replacement?

Fracture

Some cases suggest that patients suffer fractures around the healthy portion of the hips because of the surgery. The surgeries might be insignificant in some situations and heal on their own. However, the patient must undergo a wiring procedure adding the required screws and metal plate in case of a larger fracture. The patient might have to undergo bone grafting as well. 

 

Infection

A patient might get an infection around the incision point. Sometimes they can get the infection in the deeper tissue near the new hip. The medical practitioner typically writes down antibiotics. But surgery is a satisfying method that cures the problem, removing and replacing the part with an artificial one.  

 

Blood Clots

There is a high chance of getting blood clots in the blood vessels around the legs. This is a very dangerous medical condition. The problem can go to the lungs and heart but rarely to the brain. Blood thinning medication is prescribed to handle the situation.

 

Neural Damage

Because of the implants, neural damage is sometimes experienced around those areas because of neglected injury. The patient typically feels numbness, pain, and weakness around those areas.

 

Dislocation

People with improper posture might experience an unprecedented movement causing the joint ball to move, coming out from the socket. This happens prominently in the first few months of the surgery. A brace helps to tackle the dislocation. However, if the situation continues, surgery will be required again.

 

Leg Length

Rarely, after the surgery, the length of the leg turns shorter or longer. The primary reason behind the same is muscle contracture around the hip. Stretching helps. But this insignificant situation might go unnoticed in just a couple of months. 

 

Loosening

Well, it’s a rare complication with newer implants; the joint might get fixated with the bone or get loose. This can make the patient experience extreme pain. Surgery is the only solution.

 

Aftercare of Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Prepare Your Home For The Recovery Period

• Rearrange the furnishing to enable free movement. 
• Undoubtedly a cane, crutch, or walker will be required for walking.
• If possible, shift to another room during this recovery period. 
• Stop using the stairs. 
• Put the necessary and regular instruments, like the telephone remote control, water jug, etc., within reach.
• It’s better to remove mats from the floor to protect oneself from slipping on the floor.
• Remove any electrical wire from the floor.
• Get a good, firm, sturdy chair that does not move back and forth. The seat must be higher than the typical arrangement. These chairs are more comfortable than normal cushioned chairs.  
• The patient must have a shower chair, raised toilet seat, and gripping bar.
• You must also arrange a long-handled shoe horn and sponge for the showers.
• Get the patient a grabbing tool too.

 

Treat Your Wound

• Make sure that the operated area is always dry. See, the typical dressings used in the medical world are generally kept for 7-10 days straight. After that timeline, your caregiver needs to address the issue at home. 
• Yes, the dressing used recently is manufactured waterproof so that it can be kept even under shower. However following, the instruction of the doctor must strictly be followed.
• If the wound turn red or leaks, this is a sign of infection.

 

Typical Medicines Prescribed For Treating Total Hip Replacement Surgery

• Opidoid/non-opidoid pain relievers.
• Oral/injectable blood thinners.
• Stool softener.
• Anti-nausea medications.

The medicines are prescribed to prevent bacterial infections.

 

Meals And Supplement After Total Hip Replacement Surgery

• Normal diet, with no extra additions.
• The doctor will ask you to add vitamin(except Vitamin K if you are under blood thinning medication) supplements and iron supplements. Remember these are the veggies and foods rich in vitamin K, including broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, liver, green beans, garbanzo beans, lentils, soybeans, soybean oil, spinach, kale, lettuce, turnip greens, cabbage, onions which you should avoid. 
• Avoid alcohol but drink lots of fluids.
• Keep a check on the weight factor and prevent pressure on the joints. 

 

When To Resume Your Regular Activities After Total Hip Replacement Surgery

For the following activities-

• Driving
• Weight lifting
• Sleeping positions
• Sports 
• Work out sessions
• Air travel

Your doctor will give you a detailed idea of the situation listed above. According to your endurance and recovery speed, you will be able to treat your situation adequately. 

 

What Are The Do’s and Don’t?

The Dont’s

So the patient should not-

1. Cross the legs at the knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks. 
2. Bring the knee up higher than your hip.
3. Lean forward while sitting or sitting down. 
4. Try to pick up something on the floor while sitting. 
5. Turn the feet excessively inward or outward when bending down. 
6. Reach down to pull up blankets when lying in bed. 
7. Bend at the waist beyond 90 degrees.

 

The Do’s

So the patient can do-

1. Keep the leg facing forward. 
2. Keep the affected leg in front as they sit or stand. 
3. Use a high kitchen or barstool in the kitchen. 
4. Kneel on the knee on the operated leg (the bad side). 
5. Use ice to reduce pain and swelling, but remember that ice will diminish sensation. 
6. Apply ice directly to the skin; use an ice pack or wrap it in a damp towel. 
7. Apply heat before exercising to assist with a range of motion. Use a heating pad or hot, damp towel for 15 to 20 minutes. 
8. Cut back on the exercises if the muscles hurt, but don’t stop doing them.

 

In Conclusion

So, these are everything on Post Total Hip Replacement Surgery. If you have more queries, make sure to visit CureBridge right now. The top-notch facility is manned with remarkable medical professionals who are there to answer every query you make. Visit CureBridge right now.