Total Hip Replacement U/L: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Before hip replacement surgery, there are a number of preparatory steps that you should take. For example, you should ask your hip replacement surgeon about the procedure in detail. In addition, you should ask him about the risks and complications of hip replacement surgery.

Pointers to remember before Hip Replacement Surgery

Do not forget to tell your surgeon if you are allergic to any drug, painkillers, or anesthesia. You should also tell the surgeon about any medications that you are taking for a health condition, particularly hypertension and diabetes. Your blood pressure must be under control at the time of the surgery and therefore, you must inform your doctor if you are hypertensive.

You will be advised to undergo a series of tests before the surgery to check for the health status and functioning of the different organs. Make sure to follow the advice given by the surgeon before the surgery and maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet.

• You will be given anesthesia before the surgery. Once you are under its effect, the surgical site is cleaned with an antiseptic and an intravenous line in the arm or hand is attached.
• The surgeon makes an incision at the surgical site and removes the diseased hip joint with the help of surgical tools. The removed joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis and the incision is closed with surgical staples or stitches. The incision site is secured with a sterile bandage dressing.
• In the case of a minimally invasive surgery, several small incision are made to insert the surgical tools. The unilateral hip replacement recovery time performed using minimally invasive technique is much less as compared to open surgery.

Unilateral hip replacement surgery recovery time varies from one patient to the other. The success of this surgery hugely depends on your ability to follow the instructions given by the surgeon's home care during the first few weeks after the procedure.

At the time of discharge, you will still have sutures and stitched under the skin. The doctor will removes stitches approximately two weeks after the surgery. 

See that you do not wet the wound until it is sealed and dried. You can bandage the wound to avoid irritation from clothing or support stockings. The unilateral hip replacement recovery time is less as compared to bilateral surgery.

During the first few weeks of your surgery, make sure to perform the exercises advised by the doctor. You may experience a little discomfort during activity and at night for several weeks. You will be able to return to conduct light activities within three to six weeks after the surgery.

Pain after hip replacement surgery goes away gradually. You may be given medications to manage pain after the surgery for a few days until it goes away completely.