You might not know this, but the hip replacement has become a common procedure in the United States over the years. The surgery becoming a common practice has comforted patients because they know that their surgery will turn out successful as the durability of hip replacements has drastically improved.
While this news might be relaxing for those who are about to undergo surgery, you will undoubtedly have a ton of questions. If you can decide on what you should ask your hip surgeon, then worry not; we’ve shortlisted some of the most important questions that you should ask your hip specialist before undergoing surgery.
What is the best way to prepare for surgery?
Your hip surgeon might have some suggestions that can help you in speeding up the recovery time. For example, if you’re a regular smoker, then quitting or reducing it might positively impact your healing. Your surgeon might also suggest some exercises that will strengthen your upper body strength as it can improve your overall mobility on a walker or crutches, making it easier for you to move around.
And that’s not all; your surgeon can help you in several ways; he/she might suggest that you take the walker or crutches on a test drive, just to know how they work. If you’re still concerned about the aftermath of the surgery, the doctor might also connect you with a physical therapist to learn the suggested exercise before the surgery.
Lastly, your surgeon will tell you to make some changes to your house, especially your room. (If you’re willing to return home) This might involve removing tripping hazards like small pieces of furniture and moving the bed to a more continent location.
Are there any complications that I should know about?
With every surgical procedure, there are always some complications. Therefore, you should ask your doctor what kind of complications you might face. Some common complications include:
Change in leg length
A new hip means can make one leg a bit longer or shorter than the other due to the contracture of muscles that surround your hip. You can always ask your hip surgeon about different exercises that can help you in strengthening those muscles.
Blood clots
Blood clots can form in the veins of your leg after surgery. But, the problem occurs when the clot breaks off and travels to your brain, lungs, or heart. Your surgeon might recommend a blood-thinning medicine that might help in dissolving the clot altogether.
Fracture
Portions of your hip that are healthy might fracture during the surgery. These fractures are small, and they usually heal on their own. But if there are larger fractures, then you might need correction with pins or wires.
What long until I am completely recovered?
Recovery time varies from patient to patient. It is also dependent on different factors like overall health, age, etc. your hip doctor will give you an expected recovery time that will be based on these factors. It’s best to think of recovery as a two-step process – short-term recovery and long-term recovery.
If you’re looking for a highly skilled and talented hip preservation specialist in Denver, then you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Presley Swann is a fellowship-trained professional who will go the extra mile in taking away the pain from your life. Dr. Swann is trained in robotic, ACL-preserving partial and total knee replacement surgery in Denver! He is also a specialist in hip dysplasia surgery, hip resurfacing, and periacetabular osteotomy. Head over to his knee and hip preservation center or reach out to him over the phone, and he’ll make sure to help you in every way that’ll bring comfort to your life.
