Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Minimally invasive total hip replacement is surgery to replace a hip joint damaged by wear, injury, or disease. One or more smaller incisions are made instead of a large incision as is done during a regular total hip replacement.
  
  
• The hip joint is where the top of your femur (thigh bone) sits in the socket of your pelvic bone. The joint is held together by ligaments and muscles. The top of your femur is shaped like a ball and covered with cartilage. Cartilage is a tissue that helps joints move.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may be given a prescription medicine to decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take this medicine.
  
  
• NSAIDs: These medicines decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs are available without a doctor's order. Ask your primary healthcare provider which medicine is right for you. Ask how much to take and when to take it. Take as directed. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and kidney problems if not taken correctly.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine will help fight or prevent an infection. Take your antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
  
  
• Stool softeners: This medicine makes it easier for you to have a bowel movement. You may need this medicine to treat or prevent constipation.
  
  
• Blood thinners: Blood thinners are medicines that help prevent blood clots from forming. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Blood thinners make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are taking a blood thinner:
  
  
  • Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin and a soft toothbrush on your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports, such as football.
    
    
  • Be aware of what medicines you take. Many medicines cannot be used when taking medicine to thin your blood. Tell your dentist and other caregivers that you take blood-thinning medicine. Wear or carry medical alert information that says you are taking this medicine.
    
    
  • Take this medicine exactly as your primary healthcare provider tells you. Tell him right away if you forget to take the medicine, or if you take too much. You may need to have regular blood tests while on this medicine. Your primary healthcare provider uses these tests to decide how much medicine is right for you.
    
    
  • Talk to your primary healthcare provider about your diet. This medicine works best when you eat about the same amount of vitamin K every day. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables and other foods, such as cooked peas and kiwifruit.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or orthopedist as directed:

You may need to return to have your wound checked and stitches or staples removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Physical therapy:

You may need to see a physical therapist to teach you special exercises. These exercises help improve movement and decrease pain. Physical therapy can also help improve strength and decrease your risk for loss of function.

Self-care:

• Use a cane, walker, or crutches as directed: These devices will help decrease your risk of falling.
  
  
• Wear pressure stockings: These are long, tight stockings that put pressure on your legs to promote blood flow and prevent clots.
  
  
• Keep your knees apart: Place a pillow or wedge between your knees when you sit or lie down. This helps support your hip.
  
  
• Prevent dislocation of your hip implant:
  
  
  • Do not lean forward when you are in bed or sit up with your legs straight out in front of you.
    
    
  • Do not sit on a low chair. Use armrests when you rise from a sitting position to decrease the force and pressure on your hips.
    
    
  • Do not cross your legs.
    
    
  • Lift objects with your knees bent rather than straight.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or orthopedist if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You have nausea and vomiting.
  
  
• You have more pain and swelling in your hip joint, even after you take pain medicine.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have a seizure or feel confused.
  
  
• Blood soaks through your bandage.
  
  
• Your incision comes apart.
  
  
• Your incision is red, swollen, or draining pus.
  
  
• You urinate less than usual or not at all.
  
  
• Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
  
  
• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough. You may cough up blood.