Hip replacement: What to expect

OK, you’ve put up with the pain long enough and decided, with your doctor’s advice, to get a hip replacement. Good news: this surgery is highly effective and will let you get back to a lot of the activities you loved, without pain. 

Who should get it?

Before you get any kind of surgery, you’ll consult with an orthopedic specialist who will help you decide if surgery is right for you. Medical imaging is a part of this process - you, and the surgeon, will want to see what your joint looks like.  

It’s helpful to do your homework on what kind of surgery is right for you. 

"I chose Dr. Doran because of the time spent explaining details of surgery, surgical skill, thoroughness, post-surgery recovery requirements and continued follow up by him and his medical staff,” Raymond Papszycki Jr. of Bridgeville said of Dr. William Doran, DO, FAAOS of TidalHealth Orthopedics. “As a patient who had major anterior hip replacement surgery, I would highly recommend Dr. Doran and his staff for orthopedic surgical services." 

Before your surgery 

If you have been cleared for surgery, you’ll take part in pre-operative education. For example, at TidalHealth Nanticoke, patients take a class to learn about what the procedure and recovery will look like, while also getting pre-admission testing done. Bring a family member or caregiver with you to class - it will be helpful to have someone who can assist you after surgery.

The class will explain what to do in the days before your surgery, which medications to take and what you should expect afterward. 

During surgery, you will be under general anesthesia or sedation while the procedure is performed.  

After your surgery 

When you wake up, and for a while afterward, it is normal to feel some moderate pain. Since most patients were already living with pain due to their hip joints, it may not be as bad as you fear. In fact, it might be minimal - but don’t go heading off to the trampoline park. A smart recovery, following your surgeon’s orders, will ensure the best outcome.  

To assure proper recovery and prevent dislocation of the new hip, you may be asked to take special precautions when sitting, bending, or sleeping — usually for the first 6 weeks after surgery. It is especially vital to avoid falling during recovery, which can damage the new joint and could even cause you to need another surgery, so take care and make sure you have removed any trip hazards in your surgery preparations. 

Once the recovery phase is through, you should still avoid high-impact exercises, but walking, swimming, golfing, dancing and other low-impact activities are not only allowed, they’re encouraged. A light exercise program can help you maintain proper strength and mobility. Take care of your new joint and enjoy life.