Hip Replacement Surgery
Complete preparation and recovery instructions for total and partial hip replacement surgery.
Is Hip Replacement Right for You?
This May Be Right for You If...
- • You have bone-on-bone hip arthritis confirmed by X-ray
- • Conservative treatments no longer provide relief
- • Hip pain limits walking, sitting, or sleeping
- • You're medically stable enough for surgery
- • You understand hip precautions during recovery
This May Not Be the Best Fit If...
- • You haven't tried conservative treatments yet
- • Your pain may be coming from your spine (we can help determine this)
- • You have active infections or unstable medical conditions
- • Your symptoms are mild and don't limit daily activities
Not sure? Call us and we'll help you decide.
What to Expect: Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies by individual. Your surgeon will discuss your specific timeline.
Questions Before Surgery?
It's normal to have questions or feel uncertain before any procedure. Our staff is here to help you understand what to expect and address any concerns.
You can call us anytime during office hours. If you're not sure whether something is normal or a concern, call anyway—we'd rather answer your question than have you worry.
Call Us If You Have Questions About:
- Medications to stop or continue
- What to bring on surgery day
- Arranging help at home
- Any other concerns
Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-12pm
About Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint made of metal, ceramic, and plastic components. This procedure relieves pain and restores mobility for patients with severe hip arthritis or injury.
Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days and can return to light activities within 3-6 weeks. Full recovery typically takes 3-6 months, though many patients notice significant improvement within the first few weeks.
Following hip precautions and these instructions carefully will protect your new hip and ensure optimal healing.
Key Recovery Milestones
- Walking with assistance: Day 1
- Discharge from hospital: 1-2 days
- Physical therapy is assigned on a case-by-case basis
- Walking without aids: 4-6 weeks
- Return to driving: 4-6 weeks
- Return to most activities: 6-12 weeks
- Full recovery: 6-9 months
Pre-Surgery Instructions
2 Weeks Before Surgery
- Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and other anti-inflammatory medications
- Multiple over-the-counter supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, turmeric, ginger, etc.) can also increase bleeding risk - stop these as well
- Continue taking prescribed heart and blood pressure medications unless told otherwise
- If you take prescribed aspirin for heart health, consult your surgeon before stopping
- Stop taking blood thinners as directed by your surgeon or cardiologist
- Complete pre-operative testing (blood work, EKG, chest X-ray) as ordered
- Arrange for someone to help you at home for the first 2-4 weeks
- Complete pre-operative testing (blood work, EKG, chest X-ray) as ordered
- Attend pre-operative education class if offered
- Arrange for someone to help you at home for the first 1-2 weeks
- If you have no help at home, talk to us about skilled nursing care postoperatively
Prepare Your Home
- Remove throw rugs and secure electrical cords to prevent tripping
- Install grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower
- Get a raised toilet seat (your hip should not bend more than 90 degrees)
- Set up a recovery area on the main floor if possible to avoid stairs
- Arrange furniture to allow easy walking with a walker
- Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals and snacks
- Have a long-handled reacher, sock aid, and long shoehorn ready
The Night Before Surgery
- Do not eat anything after midnight
- You may drink clear liquids (water, black coffee, tea) up to 2 hours before arrival time
- If you take any GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Trulicity, etc.), do not take the dose within 2 weeks of surgery
- If you take any GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Trulicity, etc.), do not have any oral intake within 12 hours of surgery
- Shower with antibacterial soap (Hibiclens or Dial)
- Do not write on your non-operated leg or hip
- Do NOT shave your hip or leg - this can increase infection risk - the surgical area will be clipped by nursing
- Remove all visable and hidden jewelry and leave all valuables at home
- Pack a small bag with loose-fitting clothes, non-slip shoes, and personal items
- Get a good night's rest
Hip Precautions
These precautions help prevent hip dislocation and must be followed for 6-12 weeks after surgery (or as directed by your surgeon).
DO NOT:
- Bend your hip more than 90 degrees (do not bring your knee higher than your hip)
- Cross your legs or ankles
- Turn your toes inward (pigeon-toed position)
- Twist or pivot on your operated leg
- Sit on low chairs, sofas, or toilets
- Bend forward to pick things up from the floor
- Lie on your operated side without a pillow between your legs
- Get in/out of bed on the operated side
Post-Surgery Care Instructions
Wound Care
- Keep the incision clean and dry
- Do not remove steri-strips or surgical glue—let them fall off naturally
- You may shower 48-72 hours after surgery if incision is dry
- Do not soak in a bathtub, pool, or hot tub for 4-6 weeks
- Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage, fever)
Pain Management
- Take pain medications as prescribed—stay ahead of the pain
- Ice your hip for 20 minutes several times a day
- Use a pillow between your legs when lying on your side
- Gradually decrease pain medications as pain improves
- Use over-the-counter Tylenol as needed once off prescription medications
Activity Guidelines
- Use your walker or crutches as instructed
- Walk frequently—short walks several times a day
- Do your physical therapy exercises daily
- Follow hip precautions strictly
- Use assistive devices (reacher, sock aid) as needed
- Sleep on your back or non-operated side with a pillow between legs
Blood Clot Prevention
- Take blood thinners as prescribed
- Wear compression stockings as directed
- Perform ankle pumps frequently throughout the day
- Walk regularly—do not stay in bed or sit for long periods
- Stay well hydrated
When to Call Your Doctor
While some discomfort is normal after hip replacement surgery, certain symptoms may indicate a problem that needs immediate attention. Contact our office right away if you experience any of these warning signs.
Warning Signs
- Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
- Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the incision
- Drainage or pus from the wound
- Pain that is getting worse instead of better
- Calf pain, swelling, or tenderness
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (call 911)
- Popping sensation or sudden severe pain in the hip
- Leg appears shorter or rotated
Office: (580) 233-6707
Questions About Your Surgery?
Our team is here to help you prepare for a successful hip replacement.
(580) 233-6707