Avoiding Problems after Surgery

Preventing Infection

The most common causes of infection following hip replacement surgery are from bacteria that enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, urinary tract infections, or skin infections.  These bacteria can lodge around your prosthesis.

Blood Clot Prevention - Follow your orthopedic surgeon's instructions carefully to minimize the potential of blood clots that can occur during the first several weeks of your recovery.
 
Warning signs of possible blood clots in your leg include:

  • Increasing pain in your calf
  • Tenderness above or below your knee
  • Increasing swelling in your calf, ankle and foot

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately.

Warning signs that a blood clot has traveled to your lung include:

  • Sudden increased shortness of breath
  • Sudden onset of chest pain
  • Localized chest pain with coughing

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately.
Following your surgery, you may need to take antibiotics prior to dental work, including dental cleanings, or any surgical procedure that could allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream.
Warning signs of a possible hip replacement infection are:

  • Persistent fever (higher than 100 degrees orally)
  • Chills
  • Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling of the hip wound
  • Drainage from the hip wound
  • Increasing hip pain with both activity and rest

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call your surgeon.

Avoiding Falls

A fall during the first few weeks after surgery can damage your new hip and may result in a need for more surgery.  Stairs are a particular hazard until your hip is strong and mobile.  You should use a cane, crutches, a walker or handrails, or have someone help you until you improve your balance, flexibility and strength.
Your surgeon and physical therapist will help you decide what assistive aides will be required following surgery, and when those aides can safely be discontinued.

Other Precautions

To assure proper recovery and prevent dislocation of the prosthesis, you must take the following precautions:

  • Do not cross your legs
  • Do not bend your hips more than a right angle (90 degrees)
  • Do not turn your feet excessively inward or outward
  • Use a pillow between your legs at night when sleeping