Post-Op Protocols

About Hip Replacement: Hospital Stay – Discharge Instructions

Because the lifespan of your new hip depends on how you care for it, you have a very important role in protecting the hip joint as it heals. Your care will keep it functioning smoothly. Follow the instructions below and call your doctor if you have any problems or questions.

• Follow your “Hip Precautions” Avoid bending more than 90 degrees.
• Sit with knees below your hips.
• Avoid low or overstuffed chairs
• Avoid bucket seats in cars
• Do not sit in bathtub
• Do not sit forward while sitting in chair.
• Avoid crossing your legs while sitting or lying.
• Sit with your legs 6 inches apart.
• Use crutches or walker to assist with walking: you may put _____ of your body weight on the operated leg.
• Use elevated toilet seat.
• Use pillows between legs in bed.
• Wear elastic stockings for _____ weeks.
• Use special self-help devices to help with dressing or to pick up items from floor.
• Notify your doctor/dentist that you have a total hip replacement BEFORE you have any procedure or have your teeth cleaned.
• You may begin driving in _____ weeks.
• You may return to work in _____ weeks.
• Take your medicines as listed on the hospital discharge form.
• Call your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms:

• fever
• drainage from the hip incision
• redness or swelling around the incision
• calf pain or swelling
• chest pain, congestion, difficulty breathing

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