How to Avoid Complications From Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip surgery is a serious procedure. How you take care of yourself post-surgery is just as vital to your overall condition as the timing of the surgery. Just like any surgery, complications can arise, and you need to be prepared for anything. The best way to avoid complications is prevention. Here are some steps on how to avoid complications from hip replacement surgery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Meet with your doctor for a post-operation checkup. Be very clear when asking him/her about what you should be doing to take care of your new hip. Write down every piece of advice the doctor gives you and make a plan for post-operational care based on the doctor's advice.

2. Understand the complications that could arise from hip replacement surgery and how to avoid them. Some of the more common complications are:
   
   • Blood clots: Not a big deal if they remain in the legs. If the clots begin to travel, they could lead to more serious problems such as brain embolisms. Take the prescribed blood thinners and do the exercises prescribed by your doctor or therapist to avoid getting blood clots.
   
   • Infection: There is a greater chance of infection with joint surgery than with other procedures. With new techniques for sterilization, the amount of infection has dropped. Use antibiotics if an infection does occur. Refrain from smoking as well to avoid infection.
   
   • Loosening of the prosthesis from the bone: This is the most serious of the complications. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding serious impacts are ways to avoid this complication.
   
   • Wear of the Plastic Polyethylene Socket: Unavoidable over time as the socket will wear due to normal use. The rate of wear is greater in extremely active people.
   

3. Note the amount of pain you have for 3 months after your surgery. It is very important to contact your doctor about any pain that continues for an extended period of time, but post-operative pain is expected. The pain from the surgery should decrease slowly over time. If the pain seems to increase you should contact your doctor.

4. Establish a healthy diet. Weight gain is a serious detriment to your new hip, so avoid complications by maintaining a healthy weight. Your doctor can help prescribe a healthy and enjoyable diet for you to follow.

5. Treat any unrelated infection (colds, flu and sinus infections) immediately. Viruses in the bloodstream can affect your new hip, and infections can spread to that area if you don't treat them right away.

6. Talk to your doctor about continuous care for your hip and learn how other parts of your body can affect your hip replacement. Keep all this information handy and stay on top of any sickness you may get.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor to advise a workout and exercise plan that won't injure your hip. Discuss any activities with your doctor before doing them.
• Eliminate participation in impact sports like jogging, racquetball, football, baseball and horseback riding. This will increase the chance of complications.
• Do not engage in heavy lifting, jumping from heights, falls and some exercise machines for the legs. Never lift or carry more than 40 pounds
• Don't let your new hip bend beyond 80 degrees--or just above a sitting position. Crossing your legs or lying on your side without propping something between your legs should be avoided at all times.

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