Everyone heals from total hip replacement surgery at a different pace. In most cases, however, you will be restricted to using a walker or crutches for 1½ month after your operation. You will then be allowed to advance to a stick outdoors and no support around the house for several weeks. You will gradually return to normal function without any assistive devices. This usually takes about 3 months but may take longer

Follow-up appointments should be made post-operatively at 4-6 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, 7 years, and 10 years.

A dislocation of the hip occurs when the femoral head (ball) comes out of the acetabulum (socket). While this risk is very small, typically less than 2%, you are given dislocation precautions to help avoid this happening.

Follow your precautions very carefully for the first 6 weeks. You should avoid extreme positions of hip flexion (bending) forever.

Insomnia is a common complaint following hip replacement surgery. Non-prescription remedies such as Benadryl or melatonin may be effective. If insomnia continues to be a problem, medication may be prescribed for you.

It is not uncommon to have feelings of depression after your hip replacement. This may be due to a variety of factors such as limited mobility, discomfort, increased dependency on others, and/or medication side effects. Feelings of depression will typically fade as you begin to return to your regular activities. If your feelings of depression persist, consult your internist.

You may discontinue using a raised toilet seat between 6 and 10 weeks after your total hip replacement operation.

Yes. You will be given a letter explaining this in detail at your first follow-up visit. Avoid any dental cleaning or non-urgent procedures for 6 weeks post-operatively.

Everyone’s range of motion (ROM) varies and depends on individual factors. Your potential will be determined at the time of your surgery. In most cases, you will have enough motion to put on socks and tie your shoes. Clipping toenails may be difficult.

You may sleep on your operative side whenever you feel comfortable. You may sleep on your non-operative side at 4 weeks with a thick (8-10 inch) pillow between your knees.

You need a bandage for approximately 2 week after total hip replacement surgery. If desired, you may continue to wear a bandage to protect the incision from irritation.

Yes, you can kneel 6 weeks after total hip replacement surgery. To kneel, touch down with your operative knee first. To arise from kneeling, use your non-operative leg first.

You may shower 5-7 days after your operation,but keep the dressing dry.

Yes. Initially, you will lead with your non-operated leg when going up stairs and lead with your operated leg when going down stairs. You can use the phrase, “Up with the good, down with bad” to help you remember. As your leg gets stronger, you will be able to perform on stairs in a more regular pattern (about 1 month).

Ice should be used for the first several days after total hip replacement surgery, particularly if you have a lot of swelling or discomfort. Once the initial swelling has decreased, you may use ice and/or heat.

Compression stockings should be used for the first few weeks in order to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. You may wear them longer, especially if you find that your ankles swell without them.

Compression stockings should be used for the first few weeks in order to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. You may wear them longer, especially if you find that your ankles swell without them.

You may return to most activities as tolerated after total hip replacement surgery, including walking, gardening, and golf. Some of the best activities to help with motion and strengthening are swimming and a stationary bicycle.

You may set off the machines at airport security depending on the type of hip implant you have and the sensitivity of the security checkpoint equipment. At your follow-up visit you may ask to have a wallet card to carry with you for travel.

You may travel as soon as you feel comfortable after total hip replacement surgery. It is recommended that you get up to stretch or walk at least once an hour when taking long trips. This is important to help prevent blood clots.

When you can return to work after total hip replacement surgery depends on your profession. Typically, if your work is primarily sedentary, you may return after approximately 2 month. If your work is more rigorous, you may require up to 3 months before you can return to full duty. In some cases, more time may be necessary.

If you had surgery on your right hip, you should not drive for at least 2 month after total hip replacement surgery. After 2 month, you may return to driving as you feel comfortable. If you had surgery on your left hip, you may return to driving as you feel comfortable as long as you have an automatic transmission. Be careful getting into and out of a car, and avoid crossing your operated leg over the other. DO NOT DRIVE IF TAKING NARCOTICS.

It is very common to have constipation post-operatively. This may be due to a variety of factors but is especially common when taking narcotic pain medication. A simple over-the-counter stool softener (Isabgole) is the best prevention for this problem. In rare instances, you may require a suppository or enema.

Taking iron supplements for 4 weeks after total hip replacement surgery is usually sufficient. These supplements help your body replenish its iron stores, which may be depleted post-operatively.

Typically, you will be on “blood thinner” This medication is used to help prevent blood clots. you will stay blood thinner for 4 to 6 weeks.

Generally, you should not use weights for the first 2 months after total hip replacement surgery. However, as everyone’s strength varies, consult with your physical therapist before using weights. Use light weights to begin with and gradually progress from 1 lb. to a maximum of 5 lbs.

Everyone heals from total knee replacement surgery at a different pace. In most cases, however, you will likely use a walker or crutches for 2 to 4 weeks after your operation. You will then advance to a cane and wean to no assistive device at all. You will gradually return to normal function without any assistive devices. In general, most patients are close to full recovery after 3 months.

Your surgeon may close your wound in a variety of ways. If you have staples, they should be removed 2 weeks post-operatively. This will be done by a visiting nurse, home physical therapist, or at a rehabilitation facility if you are not at home. If you have stitches, they are absorbable and do not need to be removed. The steri-strips that have been applied can be kept in place until they fall off on their own. They will help keep the skin edges together. If they have not fallen off by 2 weeks, it is OK to peel them off. Some wounds have a tail of suture that is visible at each end of the incision. You may trim this level with the skin at 2 weeks.

You need a bandage for approximately 1 week or until the wound is dry. This bandage should be changed daily to a new dry, sterile gauze. If desired, you may continue to wear a bandage to protect the incision from irritation.

You may shower 3 days after your operation. If no drainage is present at the incision, no protection of the wound is required. If there is drainage from the incision, try to keep it covered and dry while showering.

You may immerse your knee in water after 4 weeks, if there is no drainage from the incision. The incision must be healed before it is immersed in water.

You will likely require some form of pain medication after your hospital stay. Initially, you will be on a strong oral pain medication (such as a narcotic). Most people are able to wean off of their strong pain medication after 1 month and are able to switch to an over-the-counter pain medication (such as Tylenol or ibuprofen). If you are on Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix, or other blood thinner, avoid taking any NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn) without first consulting your internist.

The length of time spent in the hospital varies from patient to patient. Average length of stay for a total knee replacement is 3 to 4 days.

It depends. Many people are able to go home after their operation. However, you may go to a rehabilitation hospital in order to gain the skills you need to safely return home. Many factors will be considered in this decision. These include availability of family or friends to assist with daily activities, home environment, safety considerations, post-operative functional status as evaluated by a physical therapist in the hospital, and overall evaluation by your hospital team.

Yes! The physical therapist plays a very important role in your recovery. You will see a physical therapist soon after your operation and throughout your stay at the hospital. If you go home, you will likely have a therapist come to visit you (usually 2-3 times a week). Sometimes, you will be referred to an outpatient physical therapist. If you go to a rehabilitation hospital, you will receive therapy there. Your therapist will help you walk, regain motion, build strength, and reach your post-operative goals. Your therapist will keep your surgeon informed of your progress.

You will likely use a CPM machine in the hospital. You will not need a CPM machine after you are discharged from the hospital.

You will be instructed by your physical therapist on appropriate exercises and given a list to follow. In general, swimming and a stationary bicycle are good exercise options. Regular conditioning and exercise should be continued indefinitely, even after your recovery is complete.

Your home equipment needs will be addressed by your therapist and social worker at the hospital. Most equipment will be ordered and delivered to your home before you are discharged. Typical equipment will include a walker or crutches. No CPM or hospital bed is needed.

You should spend some time each day working on straightening your knee (extension) as well as bending your knee (flexion). A good way to work on extension is to place a towel roll underneath your ankle when you are lying down. A good way to work on flexion is to sit on a chair or stationary bicycle and bend your knee. Avoid using a pillow or towel roll behind the knee for any length of time.

Generally, you should not use weights for the first 2 months after total knee replacement surgery. However, as everyone's strength varies, consult with your physical therapist before using weights. Use light weights to begin with (1 to 5 lbs.) and gradually progress. No squats, lunges, or leg presses. Avoid exercises that cause significant discomfort or pain.

Typically, you will be on a blood thinner up to 1 month. The exact type and duration will be determined by your physician based on your specific medical history and risk. Of note, if you are on Coumadin (warfarin), it is extremely important to have your blood thinner level checked regularly and your Coumadin dose adjusted accordingly.

Iron supplements help your body replenish its iron stores and blood count, which may be depleted post-operatively. You may take an over-the-counter iron supplement or a multivitamin with iron for this purpose. Please note that iron may contribute to constipation and also darken the stool.

It is very common to have constipation post-operatively. This may be due to a variety of factors, but it is especially common when taking narcotic pain medication. A simple over-the-counter stool softener (such as Colace) is the best prevention for this problem. In rare instances, you may require a suppository or enema.

If you had surgery on your right knee, you should not drive for at least 1 month. After 1 month, you may return to driving as you feel comfortable. If you had surgery on your left knee, you may return to driving when you feel comfortable as long as you have an automatic transmission. DO NOT DRIVE IF TAKING NARCOTICS. Most important, do not take chances, and only resume driving if you are confident in yourself. It is recommended that you test your driving ability prior to driving in traffic.

When you can return to work after total knee replacement surgery depends on your profession. If your work is sedentary, you may return as early as 2 to 4 weeks post-operatively. If your work is more rigorous, you may require up to 3 months before you can return to full duty. In some cases, more time may be necessary.

You may travel as soon as you feel comfortable. It is recommended that you get up to stretch or walk at least once an hour when taking long trips. This is important to help prevent blood clots. Long flights or car rides may increase the risk of a blood clot. Use of a blood thinner such as aspirin may be indicated.

You may set off the machines at airport security, depending on the type of hip implant you have and the sensitivity of the security checkpoint equipment. A wallet card or letter is not helpful or required to travel.

You may return to most activities as tolerated, including walking, gardening, and golf. Some of the best activities to help with motion and strengthening are swimming and a stationary bicycle.

You should avoid impact activities, such as running and downhill skiing, and vigorous racquet sports, such as singles tennis or squash.

You may resume sexual activity when you feel comfortable.

If you are on Coumadin, avoid alcohol intake. Otherwise, use in moderation at your own discretion. You should also avoid alcohol if you are taking narcotics or other medications.

Compression stockings are not required post-operatively.

Ice can be used for the first several days, particularly if you have a lot of swelling or discomfort. Once the initial swelling has decreased, you may use ice and/or heat.

After 2 months, you may try to kneel. Although this may be uncomfortable initially, you will not injure your knee replacement by kneeling. Most people find the more you kneel, the easier it gets.

Yes. Initially, you will lead with your non-operated leg when going up stairs and lead with your operated leg when going down stairs. You can use the phrase, "Up with the good, down with bad" to help you remember. As your leg gets stronger (after about 1 month), you will be able to perform on stairs in a more regular pattern.

Most people require 70° of flexion (bending the knee) to walk on level ground, 90° to ascend stairs, 100° to descend stairs, and 105° to get out of a low chair. Your knee should also come to within 10° of being fully straight to function well.

Everyone's range of motion (ROM) varies and depends on individual factors. Your potential will be determined at the time of your surgery. In most cases, you will have at least 90° of flexion by 4 to 6 weeks. Typically, ROM continues to improve with continued physical therapy. If your ROM is poor (less than 70° of flexion as you approach 4 weeks post-op), please call to notify your surgeon.

In the large majority of cases, leg length is essentially unchanged after total knee replacement surgery. In rare cases, however, you may notice a change in leg length. This is more common when a severe deformity of the knee exists before surgery. At first, this may feel awkward. However, you will gradually become accustomed to your new knee and leg length.

Yes. Please refer to the antibiotic prophylaxis recommendation sheet given to you. Avoid any dental cleaning or non-urgent procedures for 6 weeks post-operatively.

Typically, you do not need antibiotics for illnesses such as a cold or flu. These are caused by viruses. However, if you have a bacterial infection (such as strep throat), you should be placed on an antibiotic by your primary physician. This helps prevent infection from traveling to your joint replacement.

It is not uncommon to have feelings of depression after your knee replacement. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as limited mobility, discomfort, increased dependency on others, and/or medication side effects. Feelings of depression will typically fade as you begin to return to your regular activities. If your feelings of depression persist, consult your internist.

Insomnia is a common complaint following total knee replacement surgery. Non-prescription remedies such as Benadryl or melatonin may be effective. If insomnia continues to be a problem, medication may be prescribed for you.

This varies from patient to patient. Over 90% of knee replacements will be functioning well at 10 to 15 years post-op. With continued improvements in knee replacement technology, your new knee may last well beyond this.

A follow-up appointment should be made post-operatively at 4-6 weeks, then at your surgeon's discretion. Routine follow-up of your joint replacement will be scheduled over the lifetime of your replacement.

Unless there is a medical problem, you should have your first pelvic examaround the age of 21 years or sooner if you begin sexual activity.

Women age 40 and older should have mammograms every one or two years. However, the likelihood of developing breast cancer is higher if a close blood relative has been diagnosed with the disease, especially if they were diagnosed before the age of 50. Likewise, women who began having their periods before the age of 12 or who went through menopause after the age of 55 are at higher risk, as are women who had their first child after age 30 or who never had a child. If you believe you may be at a higher risk, ask your physician when you should start being examined.

First, read the instructions that came with your pill. Generally speaking, if you miss one pill, take two pills the next day. If you miss two pills, take two pills on each of the next two days. It’s best to use a backup contraceptionmethod such as condoms for the remainder of the month.

The Orth Evra patch releases a higher estrogen level than what is received from oral birth control pills. Please discuss with your doctor whether the patch is a good choice for you.

You should try to schedule your annual exam for when you are not having your period. However, you can have a pap smear during your period as long as the flow is not very heavy.

Adults under the age of 50 should get 1,000 mg of calcium every day. Over the age of 50, the amount goes up to 1,200 mg. The best way to get your calcium is in your food.

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If you are sexually active, you are at risk of exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV, or genital warts). Please discuss HPV testing with your doctor during your visit. When your Pap smear is performed the cells can be tested for HPV.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescent girls who are not sexually active. Females who are sexually active may also benefit from the vaccine. The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.

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