If you’ve learned that you’re one of the 544,000 people scheduled for hip replacement surgery each year, you probably have questions about what the surgery and recovery are like.
It’s also important to know what you can do to prepare to have the best experience possible. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ready yourself for hip replacement surgery so you can come through it with flying colors.
Dr. Vasilios Mathews is highly trained in performing hip replacement surgery, and you can rest assured you’re in the best hands, since he’s done thousands of successful procedures over the years.
He understands the emotional aspects of a major surgery like this and is committed to helping you understand all that hip replacement surgery entails. Dr. Mathews is invested in every part of your treatment — physical and emotional.
What are the reasons that so many hip replacements are done each year? Many people are affected by osteoarthritis, which leads to needing a replacement, as well as hip fractures, previous hip injuries, complex hip deformities, and other challenges.
If your quality of life has deteriorated due to hip issues that cause chronic pain and mobility problems, and conservative treatments like medications and physical therapy haven’t helped, Dr. Mathews may recommend hip replacement surgery.
Fortunately, Dr. Mathews uses the most advanced, low-wear prosthetic implants for your replacement, whether he must use an anterior or posterior approach (front or back incision).
During surgery, Dr. Mathews removes the head of your thigh bone and replaces it with a prosthesis. Whenever possible, Dr. Mathews uses bone-sparing techniques while performing your hip replacement, and he uses a muscle-sparing, minimally invasive approach, with tiny incisions that are less traumatic to your body.
Minimally invasive surgery is associated with faster recovery, reduced post-procedure pain, bleeding, and scarring, and a lower risk for post-surgical infection.
Although it’s a significant procedure, there are things you can do well before your surgery that will increase your chances of success.
Here are the most important ways you can contribute to successful hip replacement surgery and recovery, before your procedure.
It’s best not to go into surgery with extra pounds, which can strain your hips. Do everything you can to eat properly and lose weight if needed, by opting for a nutrient-dense diet and avoiding highly processed, high-fat foods.
Exercise also plays a role, so if you’ve been sedentary, start moving, and if you’re already active, keep it up!
Also, discuss specific exercises with Dr. Mathews to strengthen the muscles around your hip joint. This will aid in your recovery.
It’s a good idea to go over all the medications you take with Dr. Mathews, so any that pose risks can be identified and discussed.
If you take blood thinners, for example, Dr. Mathews will want to know about it. You may need to stop taking them leading up to and right after your surgery.
Since alcohol causes dehydration and and increased bleeding, it’s best to refrain from drinking before your hip replacement.
If you smoke, here’s yet another reason to quit.
Smoking hampers skin, tissue, and bone healing, and it makes it harder for your body to battle infection, so it’s bad news all around if you’re scheduled for hip replacement surgery.
Stopping smoking before replacement surgery is associated with fewer complications overall.
Take a look around your home before your surgery and remove potential dangers. This includes loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter.
Installing a shower chair and toilet seat lift will also make your recovery easier and safer.
It’s also a good idea to pre-make some meals and freeze them so they’re ready to go during your recovery.
Since germs from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and infect your newly implanted joint, it’s critical not to schedule any dental appointment for at least six weeks before your surgery and three months afterward.
Ask a close friend or relative to drive you home from your surgery and be with you for a few days after — or at least be available to come if you need help as you recover.
Planning can significantly aid you in your hip replacement recovery journey. As always, Dr. Mathews is available to answer your questions before and after your hip replacement surgery.
We’re invested in supporting you in any way we can, so your experience can be as positive and healing as possible.
Contact our Houston office at 713-794-3548 to schedule an appointment or book one online.
