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recovery after HIP replacement

This information is for patients immediately after hip replacement.  It covers general instructions until the first follow-up visit usually in the first 2 weeks.  

During this period the most important things are preventing infection, avoiding dislocation and improving mobility.

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Sling instructions

Wound care

  • Leave your surgical dressings intact until your follow-up wound check at 10-14 days post-op.   Keep your wound dressings clean and dry.    Sometimes you may be given a cloth over-dressing or bandage that may be removed after 2 days; the waterproof under-dressing must be left intact.

  • The wound underneath is clean and sterile from operating theatre as long as the dressing is intact.   If the seal is broken, and especially if the dressing has become wet from bathing – get it redressed by the clinic nurse or your local doctor.  Do not wash the wound or bath in seawater – this will increase infection risk.

  • Some swelling and bruising is common after surgery.   Redness and warmth that extends past the edge of the dressing may be a sign of infection and a doctor should be consulted.   Please contact Dr Phoon’s office if this is a concern.

  •  In most cases stitches/clips will need to be trimmed or remove at 10-14 days post-op.   The wound should be kept dry for at least 2 days after this.

  •  You should not participate in hydrotherapy until the wound is completely clean and dry.   This is usually not before 3 weeks.

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Exercise and physiotherapy

 This is determined on a case-by-case basis.   The ability to exercise depends on the strength of your surgical repair/implants/sutures as well as the extent and condition of your injury.
None-the-less, all patients in slings should still perform hand and wrist exercises as well as neck stretches.
A specific program will be tailored to your needs, if you are unsure please contact Dr Phoon.

contact your surgeon urgently if you have any of the following:

  • You have increasing pain, swelling or redness.It is normal to have pain and swelling after most surgery especially in the first 2 days.

     This should normally be constantly improving and can be treated with rest, ice and elevation.

  • You temperatures (>38.0ºC), chills, fevers or night sweats.

  • Ongoing drainage of fluid or blood from you wound after 48 hours.

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath.

  • Other unexpected injury or symptoms.

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