TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

Educational Videos

Click here to watch an educational video about your Total Hip Replacement surgery (provided by Orthopedic Associates of Hartford).

Tips for a Successful Hip Recovery

Making simple changes in your home before surgery can make your recovery period easier and safer.

For the first several weeks after surgery, it will be hard to reach high shelves and/or low cupboards. Before your surgery, be sure to go through your home and place any items you will need on lower shelves or even the counter tops.

Other arrangements that you should make prior to surgery are:

• Prepare microwavable meals
• Stock up on nutritious ready-made meals
• Remove scatter rugs
• Reduce and/or eliminate clutter which can be a safety hazard
• Organize your clothes, closets and drawers for easier access
• Wear loose-fitting, stretchable clothing
• Consider adding a safety bar and a bench to your shower
• Use a raised toilet seat
• Use a chair with a firm cushion and two arms to easily get up and down
• Place items you use frequently within easy reach so you do not have to reach up or bend down

The surgery center will provide you with a kit to help with daily activities.  This kit includes: grabber, sock aid, bath sponge with long handle, shoehorn with a long handle, no-tie shoelaces and a dressing stick.

Do’s & Don’t’s

Do:

• Ice as indicated by your surgeon and/or therapist
• Follow the exercise program prescribed for you
• Ask for assistance
• Keep your legs facing forward
• Use a pillow between your legs while sleeping until your surgeon says to remove it

Don’t:

• Don’t cross your legs from at least 6-8 weeks (or as directed by your surgeon)
• Don’t turn feet excessively inward/outward
• Don’t bring your knee up higher than your hip
• Don’t try to pick up something on the floor while sitting