TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT AFTER YOUR SURGERY This is

TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT AFTER YOUR SURGERY

This is a rough outline to guide you during the first few days after your surgery. If you are ahead of schedule or a little behind it is alright, this is for your information only. A physiotherapist will visit you the day after surgery and will help you progress with your walking and exercises.

DAY ONE Make sure you are doing your deep breathing exercises regularly Learn how to safely transfer in and out of bed with assistance Mobilise with physiotherapist and walking aid Start bed exercises (While lying or sitting rotate both ankles clockwise and then again in an anti-clockwise direction. Repeat, moving ankle in an up & down motion. Tighten the muscles at the front of your thigh by pushing the back of you knees down. Hold the thigh muscle tight for 10 seconds and then relax. Repeat. )

DAY TWO & THREE Progress mobility with your walking aid Transfer in and out of bed with or without assistance Continue bed exercises

DAY FOUR Practice stairs Be safe and confident with using your walking aid, getting in and out of bed and doing your exercises Be confident to get back to your daily activities around the house

THINGS TO REMEMBER When going up stairs, place your unoperated leg up first, followed by the crutches and then the operated leg. Going downstairs, place first, your crutches and operated leg, followed by the unoperated leg. “Good to Heaven, Bad to Hell” When picking up an object slide your operated leg out behind you keeping the knee as straight as possible and bend with your unoperated leg.

THINGS TO REMEMBER To get into a sitting position and get out of bed, push yourself up while taking your weight through your arms. Keep your operated leg extended out straight in front of you and turn to sit on the edge of the bed as shown in the diagram. (Whilst in hospital you will be assisted and prior to discharge you will be taught to perform this independently) When sleeping lay on your back with your legs slightly apart. You can sleep on your side but place a pillow between your legs.

THINGS TO REMEMBER You should get dressed sitting on a suitable chair or on the edge of your bed. You must not bend forward past a 90 degree angle to reach the foot on your operated side, nor should you lift your foot too far up towards you. When putting on shoes and socks bend down through the middle of your legs. Do NOT go down the outside of your leg. ✓ ✗

THINGS TO REMEMBER To get in and out of the car – Be sure the front seat is as far back as it will go. Turn so your back is facing the seat. Back up until you feel the car seat behind both legs. Place one hand on the back of the car seat. Place your other hand on the car dash board. Never use the car door for support. Carefully lower yourself onto the car seat. Slide back until your knees are on the seat. Lean backwards, keeping your shoulders behind your hips as you slide back. Bring your legs into the car one at a time. If you need to, use your hands to help move your legs. Continue to do this slowly until you are facing forward. Be sure that your hips and knees are at the same level while seated

NOT SURE? If in doubt about anything call our office (especially before going to your GP) – 07 5591 3454