HOME • Hip Shop • LIBRARY • Links • Search • JOIN HERE • Disclaimer • Contents

THR Post Op
WHAT TO REPORT TO YOUR DOCTOR!
And Patient Information

This is a copy of the hand written discharge instructions given to me after my second THR upon my discharge from University of MS Medical Center.

Pt discharged with pain, neuro vascular checks, and infection risks. Report to your doctor or go to the local emergency room for: Fever, chills, sweats, burning, tingling, or numbness of leg, inability to move toes, foot, or leg; cold skin or skin discoloration, swelling, bleeding, drainage or foul odor of wound, pain not controlled by medication. Refer to handouts.

Regular diet as tolerated.

Toe touch weight bearing to left leg, perform leg, exercises as instructed. Perform neuro vascular checks as instructed, keep wound clean and dry.

Discharge medications:

1. Tylox 1-2 caplets by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed for pain
2. Coumadin 3mg by mouth every day
3. Keflex 500mg by mouth twice a day

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS TO REPORT:

Look for these signs and symptoms every eight hours:

1. Decreased temp. of skin below level of injury
2. Edema / swelling
3. Decreased movement below level of injury
4. Increased pain
5. Increased or decreased sensation of area below injury
6. Discoloration of skin (blue mottled) below level of injury

These discharge instructions were written by my discharge RN, and were read to me by him. He answered all of my questions and was in no rush.

Make sure you get the same great treatment that I received!

PATIENT INFORMATION SHEETS

From the Physical Therapy Department

PRECAUTIONS FOR THE PERSON WITH A TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

Please follow these precautions and any other instructions given to you by your physical therapist or doctor.

PRECAUTIONS:

BED:

1. Lie as flat as possible except when eating; then your trunk should not be higher than 60 degrees. Do not lie on your side.
2. Sleep on your back with a pillow or abduction wedge between your legs at all times to keep your legs apart.
3. Do not let your bottom or heels get sore. Change positions often.
4. Do not allow your operated leg to roll in or out, especially when exercising or walking.
5. Do not twist suddenly or turn to reach behind you. When you are eating in bed, put the tray directly in front of you rather than to the side.
6. Do not cross your legs or bend your hip beyond 60 degrees whether lying, sitting or standing.

SITTING:

1. Avoid sitting in low chairs. Sit with your hip higher than your knee. You may need to use a pillow to sit on, or choose a higher chair to sit on.
2. Do not put your foot on a stool when sitting.
3. Lean back and allow the operated leg to slide forward when sitting.
4. Do not lean forward while sitting.
5. When getting up or down, be sure your hip is not bent more than 60 degrees.
6. Do not let your hip angle be more than 60 degrees at any time until told to do so my your therapist or doctor.
7. Transfer to the side of the unoperated leg.
8. Use an elevated toilet seat.

STANDING and WALKING:

1. Always use your crutches or walker when walking.
2. Do not pivot. Take mini steps when turning.
3. Never be in a hurry. Concentrate on taking your time and keeping good balance.
4. Be sure to keep your operated leg in a neutral position away from the unoperated leg. Let your toes point straight ahead.
5. Be sure that whatever you are going to sit on is sturdy and will not slide out from under you.
6. Only put as much weight on your operated leg as your physical therapist or doctor tells you.

AFTERCARE Instructions

7:59am Saturday, October 12th, 1996

TOPIC: HIP REPLACEMENT Patient Name: BOWSER, LINDA

UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
2500 NORTH STATE STREET
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39216

GENERAL INFORMATION: Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the severely damaged hip joint is replaced with artificial parts (prostheses). The artificial joint is made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. The surgery is done to relieve pain and improve movement. It is mainly recommended for people with severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip. The majority of hip replacements are completely successful. It takes most patients at least 3 to 5 months to regain their strength and energy.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. You will need to use crutches for walking for the first 6 to 12 weeks. Then you may gradually start walking without crutches or a cane.
2. For the next 3 months, you must be careful about leg movements and how you position your leg.
3. Do not cross your legs when you are sitting, lying, or standing.
4. Keep the affected leg facing front at all items, even in bed.
5. Never turn your hip or knee outward or inward.
6. Put a pillow between your legs when you lie down on your unaffected side.
7. Do not bend down to reach into cupboards or drawers or to pick things up from the ground.
8. Do not sit on low chairs, low stools, or low toilet seats. You may need to use a firm cushion to raise chair seats. Consider renting or buying a raised toilet seat.
9. Sit only in chairs that have arms. When you get up from a chair, move to the edge and use the chair arms to help you stand up. Place your affected leg in front of the other leg. Push up with the good leg, keeping your affected leg in front while getting up.
10. Swimming, golf, walking, and bicycling are acceptable activities. Activities that repeatedly jar the hip joint, such as tennis and jogging, are not permitted.

Sitting Down:

1. The client stands with his knees bend slightly and holds on to the arm of the chair or edge of bed. The sitting surface should be felt on the back of the client's legs.
2. The body should bend slightly forward.
3. The client begins to sit down, continuing knee and body flexion.

Click the links below
to explore the
TOTALLYHIP web site