Post-Operative Care for Posterior Approach Total Hip Replacement

Pain Management - The Joint Replacement Center has a highly trained anesthesia team that includes Board certified physicians who provide state-of-the-art anesthesia services. For posterior approach total hip replacement surgery, patients typically are administered general anesthesia and post operative narcotics. Pain medications are often started pre-operatively to minimize discomfort and allow early mobilization.

The administration of pain medications after total hip replacement is tailored to each patient's individual needs. Patients may be prescribed an intravenous patient-controlled analgesic by their surgeon. This allows patients to administer a pre-determined dose of pain medication within set periods during the first day or two following surgery. Oral pain medications may also be prescribed at this point, as patients transition from the Joint Replacement Center to home or a rehabilitation facility. Ice packs may be used to relieve pain and swelling around the joint.

Post-Operative Therapy: early rehabilitation speeds recovery - Rehabilitation therapy typically begins the day of surgery. Patients are evaluated as they sit at the edge of the bed, stand beside the bed and participate in exercises designed to increase the strength and range of motion of their hip.

While in the hospital, patients meet with a physical therapist in the Joint Replacement Center's therapy gym to learn additional exercises and practice walking with an assistive device, and with an occupational therapist to learn strategies for completing activities of daily living.

Patients are encouraged to ask a family member or friend to act as their coach during therapy sessions at the center and at home. To further increase strength and range of motion, some patients may also need to participate in outpatient therapy after arriving home.

For more information on rehabilitation, go to Gym-Based Rehabilitation.