How big is the incision for hip replacement?

With traditional hip replacement, surgeons cut a six to 12-inch incision along the thigh, cutting through the muscle and tendon, to reach the hip joint, causing more blood loss.

How big is a hip replacement scar?

Scar. You will have a single scar in the region of your hip and this will measure anywhere between 8 and 20 cms (3 and 8 inches). The length of scar is dependent in part on obesity and musculature.

Where is the incision on a total hip replacement surgery?

Location of Incision

Anterior hip replacement surgery uses an incision at the front of the hip. This incision typically starts at the top of the pelvic bone (iliac crest) and extends down toward the top of the thigh. Less commonly, the incision is made horizontally.

How big is the incision for an anterior hip replacement?

These techniques require a comparatively large incision, 8-12 inches long, which disturbs the muscle and tissue surrounding the joint. In contrast, the anterior hip replacement approach requires the surgeon to make a comparatively smaller incision, 3-4 inches in length, at the front of the hip.

How big is the incision for posterior hip replacement?

The surgeon makes a 4-6 inch incision just behind the hip, along the buttock area. The surgery takes 60-70 minutes. It is the most common approach and provides the greatest patient safety.

The Latest Procedure: Anterior Approach Total Hip Replacement Surgery

How painful is a hip replacement?

You can expect to experience some discomfort in the hip region itself, as well as groin pain and thigh pain. This is normal as your body adjusts to changes made to joints in that area. There can also be pain in the thigh and knee that is typically associated with a change in the length of your leg.

How long does it take to walk normally after hip surgery?

Most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or next day of surgery; most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery. Once light activity becomes possible, it's important to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program.

How painful is anterior hip replacement?

By the time you reach full recovery, there should be little to no pain, especially compared to the discomfort experienced before your surgery. And you should also be able to return to full normal function. There is a risk that the hip will be less flexible than a natural hip.

Do they shave your pubic hair for hip replacement surgery?

Do NOT shave your legs or any of the hair by your groin (bikini area). Shaving can cause infections because it creates tiny cuts in the skin. If any hair needs to be removed on or near your hip or knee, hospital staff will remove it with an electric clipper on the day of surgery.

How long do you have to sleep on your back after hip replacement?

It's important to follow these sleeping precautions for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery, depending on your health and personal recovery. The best sleeping position for your hip is to lie on your back with a pillow between your legs.

How do you poop after hip surgery?

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to prevent constipation. Use a stool softener while taking pain medication. Take a laxative if you do not have a bowel movement within two to three days. Notify your doctor if you don't have results after taking the laxative.

How long does it take for a hip replacement incision to heal?

How soon will my hip incision heal? Modern hip replacement surgery incisions are small and closed with absorbable stitches. It takes approximately six weeks for the incision to heal.

Is it OK to sit in a recliner after hip replacement surgery?

Try to sit in a straight back chair (avoid low sofas, recliners, or zero-gravity chairs) for the first 6 weeks. Do NOT sleep in a recliner. Your hip will get stiff in a flexed position and be harder to straighten out.

What does the hip replacement scar look like?

The standard anterior hip replacement scar is usually a vertical scar which actually crosses the groin crease. This is located in the front of the upper thigh. The location of a traditional posterior hip replacement scar is usually on the side/back of the hip.

How far into the femur does a hip replacement go?

Once you've been anaesthetised, the surgeon makes a cut (incision) of up to 30cm over the side of your hip. The upper part of your thigh bone (femur) is removed and the natural socket for the head of your femur is hollowed out.

When can I sit on a normal chair after hip replacement?

You need to remain under total hip precautions for about 12 weeks. During this period, don't turn your toes in or out. Avoid crossing your legs as well. Make sure you keep all your follow-up appointments and ask your surgeon to tell you when you're free to bend beyond 90 degrees or bend down to pick things up.

How soon can you shower after a hip replacement?

Do not shower until 3 to 4 days after your surgery, or when your provider told you to shower. When you can shower, let water run over your incision but do not scrub it or let the water beat down on it. Do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or swimming pool. You may have bruising around your wound.

What should I wear to hospital for hip surgery?

clothing you will wear home, including loose-fitting pants, shirt, underwear and socks. flat shoes or athletic shoes (comfortable, supportive with nonslip soles) glasses or contacts (if you wear them) and storage containers.

How do you wash your hair after a hip replacement?

Wash your hair using normal shampoo. Make sure you rinse the shampoo from your hair and body. Wash your face with your regular soap or cleanser. Using a fresh, clean washcloth and 1/3 of the Hibiclens Soap or CHG, wash from your neck down.

What happens first week after hip replacement?

Patients are up walking (with the walker for balance) and starting to resume activities of daily living, such as showering, getting the mail, and walking through the house. A list of basic exercises to start will be in the discharge paperwork, patients typically start 1-2 days after surgery.

How far can I walk 2 weeks after hip replacement?

This can happen when patients do too much walking and stress the implants prior to the ingrowth process. Generally, I advise patients to walk only a few hundred yards a day total until they get to around six weeks.

How many steps a day after a hip replacement?

The average number of steps taken by the patients before surgery was around 5200 steps per day and after surgery at the 3 month follow-up was approximately 5800 steps per day. However, 46 % of patients achieving less than 5000 steps per day at 3 months post-surgery.

What can you never do again after a hip replacement?

How long do you need a caregiver after hip surgery?

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After three to six weeks, they may be able to resume light activities, such as driving a car and walking without crutches or a walker. Many people can return to normal activity 12 weeks after their procedure.

Will I walk differently after hip replacement?

Many people who have undergone a total hip replacement have had a significantly altered gait pattern, or limp, for some time prior to surgery. Besides reducing pain, alleviating a limp is the priority for many during the recovery period. Improving your ability and efficiency of walking is a multifaceted process.