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SOTC opened in June 2006. We specialise in day and in-patient orthopaedic surgery for patients who come from Brighton and Hove, West Sussex and East Sussex, Downs and Weald areas.
Our Centre provides the following elective orthopaedic procedures:
This book is a general guide to recovery from total hip replacement (THR) surgery. However, not all patients have precisely the same conditions or needs. Your doctor, therapist or nurse may make recommendations which deviate from this book; their changes take precedence. The long-term benefit of your surgery will largely depend on you continuing your rehabilitation at home. We therefore expect that you will continue to practice what the team has taught you long after you have left us.
Key contacts
Sussex Orthopaedic NHS Treatment Centre Reception 0333 200 1728.
Princess Royal Hospital Switchboard 01444 441881.
Ward Extension 68830.
Physiotherapy / Extension OT 68834.
Pre Assessment Clinic Estension 68841.
Pre Op Unit Extension 68816.
Visiting hours
At the SOTC we realise how important the support of family and friends is during the rehabilitation process. However it is also important that patients receive optimal care and rest periods throughout the day. Therefore our ward visiting hours are:
15:00 – 17:00
and 19:00 – 20:30
(3 - 5pm and 7 - 8:30pm)
Monday – Sunday.
You will have your operation performed by a trained specialist orthopaedic surgeon.
We would like to introduce you to the consultants who perform total hip replacement surgery at SOTC. (Don’t worry if your surgeon isn’t pictured here, we are an expanding centre and look forward to welcoming new colleagues in the future!).
IMAGES
Enhanced recovery is a new approach to the way that care can be delivered to patients having certain operations. This includes total hip and total knee replacement surgery. Enhanced recovery is a fully structured and well organised sequence of clinical care. All the staff looking after you will work from a specific programme, called a care pathway.
Enhanced recovery improves the way in which health care is organised to allow you to get better sooner after your operation. Research indicates that after surgery, the earlier you get out of bed and start eating and drinking, the better. Your recovery will be quicker and complications are less likely to occur.
Benefits of ERP include:
Stages of ERP:
These are the key stages for the enhanced recovery programme:
We will tell you a little more about how we organise each of these in the next few
pages.
Most patients undergo a total hip replacement (THR) because they are getting pain or stiffness in their hip caused by osteoarthritis (OA). Your GP will have referred you to a specialist orthopaedic surgeon who will discuss the risks and benefits of a THR.
Preparing for surgery
You are more likely to recover faster and more safely by adopting healthy living goals before your operation. In particular; stopping smoking, losing weight (if overweight), and trying to keep yourself active, will all help to improve your recovery. Also, if you are anaemic (lack of iron in your blood), or have poorly controlled diabetes, your GP may need to help you stabilise these problems before you come for your operation, as this may make the surgery safer.
Waiting lists
The waiting list time constantly changes, depending on how many referrals the surgeons receive. The waiting list may vary for different surgeons, this will depend on many factors, including how many patients each surgeon is looking after. Sometimes the surgeon you will have seen in outpatients will have a longer waiting list than another surgeon. If this is the case, and another surgeon has a free space, then the admissions staff may telephone you and ask if you would like your operation performed by another member of the total hip replacement team.
We would like to reassure you that all of our surgeons are competent, and take part in regular reviews and appraisals. All of their data is submitted to the National Joint Registry.
If you would prefer to stick with the surgeon that you have met – don’t worry –you are allowed! Please let the admissions staff know your preference when they call.
Hip Joint Structure and Function
To understand a THR you must first understand the structure of the hip joint. The hip joint is described as a ball and socket joint. The ball component is at the top of the thigh bone (femur). The socket (acetabulum) is part of the pelvis. The hip joint allows movement of the leg in all directions and also supports the body during walking.
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In a healthy hip joint (Figure 1) smooth cartilage covers the ball of thigh bone and socket of the pelvis. This allows the ball to glide easily in any direction within the socket.
The Arthritic Joint
THR surgery is considered for patients whose hip joints have been damaged by progressive arthritis, trauma or other rare destructive diseases of the joint. The most common reason for hip replacement is osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. As osteoarthritis progresses, the cartilage is worn away, and does not regenerate. The smooth joint surfaces are lost and friction develops. As this friction continues, the surfaces of the joint become pitted, eroded and uneven (figure 2). Over time, this can result in pain, inflammation and decreased mobility.
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Regardless of the cause of the damage to the joint, progressively increasing pain and stiffness, and decreasing daily function, often lead the patient to consider THR surgery.
Decisions regarding whether or when to undergo THR surgery are not easy. Patients should understand the risks as well as the benefits and discuss with their orthopaedic surgeon before making the decision.
What is a Total Hip Replacement (THR)?
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In a THR, the painful parts of the damaged hip are replaced with artificial hip parts called prosthesis; a device that substitutes or supplements a joint. The THR prosthesis consists of three components: a socket, ball and stem.
When the metal ball is joined with the socket, the new hip allows for smooth, nearly frictionless movement. The aim of a joint replacement is to get you back to full function as soon as possible.
Cemented or Uncemented (Porous)?
There are two main types of fixation: cemented and porous. Both can be effective in the replacement of hip joints. Your surgeon will choose the best solution that is specific to your needs.
Cemented Hip Replacement Implants
The cemented hip replacement implant is designed to be implanted using bone cement (a grout that helps position the implant within the bone). Bone cement is injected into the prepared bone. The surgeon then positions the implant within the bone and the cement helps to hold it in the desired position.
Porous Hip Replacement Implants
The porous hip replacement implant is designed to be inserted into the prepared femur without the use of bone cement. Initially, the femur is prepared so that the implant fits tightly within it. The porous surfaces on the hip replacement implant are designed to permit bone to grow into the porous surface. Eventually, this bone ingrowth can provide additional fixation to hold the implant in the desired position.
There have been many improvements made to the materials used in THR implants today. Your surgeon will discuss with you about the best choice for your hip implant. That decision will depend on factors such as your age, general health, quality of your bone, and your level of activity.
Revision Surgery
Revision hip surgery involves the repair of an artificial hip joint that has been damaged or loosened over time, or as the result of infection. The problem lies in the fact that the mechanical components wear and loosen, or the joint itself becomes infected. The majority of revision hip operations require restoration or replacement of lost bone. Bone grafting procedures may alter post–operative management. Patients may be required to use crutches and follow the hip precautions (similar to those for primary THR) for longer periods. At times rehabilitation may progress more slowly than after a primary THR.
All patients undergoing revision surgery will spend a night in the ‘Level 1’ ward bay, where patients are very closely monitored. They are usually moved onto the main ward the following day, after the doctors’ ward round.
Even though patients vary in the speed of their recovery, we find that most people are able to achieve good function and go home between 1 to 4 days post surgery. However, the outcome of the revision surgery is also dependent upon the complexity of the surgery, your age, general health, the quality of your bone, and your previous level of activity.
Complications of THR Surgery
Hip replacement is usually a very successful operation. However, as with all surgery there can be complications. We do not want to worry you, but we are obliged to make you aware of these (even if the risk is very small) so that you can make an informed decision about having your operation, and the risks involved. Over the next few pages we have put together some information about complications which may be experienced following hip replacement. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Make sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your Surgeon, who will be able to explain in more detail.
Some people are also more at risk of developing complications due to their own past medical history. The Surgeon will discuss with you any complications that may be more relevant to you.
The National Joint Registry reports on the outcomes of joint replacements in England and Wales. This includes the number of patients who experience postoperative complications. Its 10th Report, published in September 2013 reports that nationally 10% of patients report a wound problem, 5.8% have bleeding after the operation and 2.1% have further surgery.
If you would like to find out more information about complications the reports on the National Joint Registry are free and easy to access. Please visit http://www.njrcentre.org.uk for more information.
Infection
Unfortunately, despite many special measures being undertaken to reduce the risk, an infection can occur either in the wound, or deep inside of the new joint.
Wound infections are the most common, affecting up to 5% of patients. This is an infection in or around your skin. They can settle on their own or may require antibiotics.
A Deep infection (approximately 1%) is where bacteria grow inside your new hip. This can happen slowly and not cause problems for months or even years. Deep wound infections can make you feel ill and cause you pain as the infection develops.
If an infection is diagnosed early enough, then the hip can be washed out. This can cure the infection in some cases. If this is not successful, or the infection is found too late, then the joint may have to be removed. Unfortunately, each time that you have surgery more damage is done to the muscles around your hip, resulting in a poorer outcome.
Leg length Inequality
Most people’s legs are not naturally the same length. You may have noticed that your feet are subtly different sizes when you go to a shoe shop. This difference is often magnified over the length of your whole leg. Usually arthritis wears down your hip joint, so that you will have lost some length in your affected leg. The surgeon will try to make your leg the correct size for you. This is not an exact science and mistakes can be made.
Most patients feel that their new hip has made their leg too long. When all of the swelling has gone down, most patients feel that the leg is the correct size. Your brain will accommodate small differences (usually less than a centimetre) over three to six months. One study from Bristol, showed that their average leg length inequality was 9mm.
Stiffness
Part of the process of arthritis is the stiffening up of the diseased joint. During a hip replacement, only the ball and socket are replaced, not your muscles and ligaments. If these are stiff and weak before the operation, they will be stiff and weak after the operation. Sometimes with physiotherapy and effort, the stiffness and weakness can be reduced, but it is unlikely that you will get the same function as when you were younger. This means that if you limped before the operation, you may limp after it too.
Pain
As your muscles start to gain movement they can become painful. It is quite common to experience pain on the outside of the hip. There are many things that can be done to help decrease your post-operative pain. These are explained later in this booklet.
There are other causes of pain around a new hip. If you are in pain after your hip, let your surgeon know.
Dislocation
(2%) The hip is a ball and socket joint. In the extremes of movement, the 2 parts of the hip may separate. Your physiotherapist will go through do’s and don’ts prior to your discharge.
Blood Clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis / DVT)
This a blood clot in one of your big veins of the leg. You can get a DVT in your leg by periods of immobility, such as a plane flight. Hip surgery is a high risk factor for getting a clot. Up to 47% of patients would get a blood clot if they didn’t have preventative treatment.
We use multiple methods to lower that risk. These are explained later in this booklet.
Despite all of the efforts to reduce the risk of DVT, it is still possible to get a blood clot in your leg. In some cases this clot can travel up to your lung (1.9% of patients). There is a very small chance that you may die if this was to happen (0.05%).
Fracture
The new hip is fitted to your bone carefully. Your bone has to be specially prepared in order to accept it. Rarely, one of the bones in your leg can fracture during this process.
Usually this rare occurrence is recognised during the operation. In some cases it may not be possible to recognise the fracture during surgery, as the fractures can be small, or hidden. In these situations the fracture will normally be seen when the X-ray of your leg is taken after the operation.
The fracture may need to be fixed, and this could result in another operation. Sometimes protecting the fracture by restricting the amount of weight that you are allowed to put through the leg for a period of weeks, can be sufficient to allow the fracture to heal.
As people get older, their bones often get more fragile. If you have a hip replacement and fall over, the bone around your new hip may break. This will then need an operation to correct it.
Blood Transfusion
It is relatively rare to require a blood transfusion if you were not anaemic preoperatively. These have risks too. The medical team will discuss these with you if you need to have a transfusion.
Ceramic Problems
Sometimes, parts of the hip are made from ceramic. Ceramics are incredibly hard wearing, but they can be brittle. It is possible to break the ceramic from a very hard impact or from repeated smaller forces such as long distance running. Ceramics can also produce squeaking noises.
Bleeding and Haematoma (Bruising)
In order to reduce your risks of DVT you will be given a drug to reduce your blood clotting. This has a side effect of increased bleeding. Usually the bleeding is just around / inside your hip. This usually clots off to form a giant clot within the soft tissues called a haematoma or bruise. (This is not a DVT as it is not inside one of your veins).
Sometimes the bleeding is more severe, and it can make a large bruise that affects your whole thigh. You may notice bruising coming down around your knee or even your ankle. This can be quite painful. Rarely, your surgeon will have to take you back to theatre to remove the haematoma.
Nerve or Vessel Damage (1 in 300 to 500)
The large nerves and blood vessels that supply your leg run close to your hip joint. These can be damaged in the operation, most commonly by either being harmed by one of the instruments, or by your nerve having its blood supply interrupted by swelling.
The damage to the nerve can vary from mild bruising - where it will not work for a few days to a few weeks, to severe and permanent damage to a nerve. Nerve damage can result in part of your leg not working. It may also result in severe pain.
Impingement
A THR can not move to the same degree as a normal hip. Your surgeon will put the hip in at angles that give you the best compromise between stability (the hip not dislocating) and range of movement. Rarely, the surgeon can put the hip in at an angle where the stem may touch the cup. This will result in the parts making contact. This can give you a clicking feeling deep in the groin or buttock, or pain.
Wear
Modern hip replacements have come a long way even compared to 10 years ago. However, it may eventually wear out, and all or some of the parts may need replacing. It is very important that you do not try to ‘save the hip’ by not walking on it. A hip that has regular activity will perform better than one on that is not used.
Sometimes the hip can become loose within the bone, or the moving parts can break. This can cause damage to your bones. If you start getting more pain in your hip in the future you must seek medical advice.
Pre-Assessment Clinic
You will attend the pre-operative assessment clinic at the hospital, where you will be assessed by a nurse. You may see an anaesthetist. They will:
Joint School
When you attend the pre-assessment clinic, you will also be seen by the physiotherapist and occupational therapist (OT) in ‘Joint School’ (or on an individual basis where necessary). Joint school consists of an informative presentation by the therapists, where you will find out more about the role of the physiotherapist and OT, including adaptations to your home environment, exercise programmes, and advice on returning to your normal activities.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
The occupational therapy team will assess your ability to manage at home and give advice about adaptive ways of completing tasks after your operation. They will also organise the provision of equipment in your
home environment (such as a raised toilet seat or perching stool) where required.
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Physiotherapy (PT)
The physiotherapy team may assess your mobility, advise you on exercises and walking, and discuss the phases of recovery.
What can I do to prepare for my surgery?
You will need to make plans for going home before you even come into hospital. The time you will be in hospital is not long. This information might be useful to talk through with a friend, carer or family member to ensure you have the practical support in place to aid your recovery. The following points will help you prepare for your surgery:
My to do list
Preparing your Home Environment
Occupational Therapist advice
Prior to your surgery you will need to think about how you can adapt your home so that you can perform your daily tasks within your precautions and with minimal exertion. These adaptations are outlined below. You will also be able to discuss them with your occupational therapist before your surgery if necessary. Adaptations may include:
Assistive devices:
Depending on your essential needs at home after surgery, the occupational therapist may recommend certain other adaptations or equipment. The occupational therapist will discuss these issues with you if they arise.
Nutrition
Your nutritional status is an important component of your overall health. It provides the building blocks for your body to adequately heal and fully recover from your surgery. Therefore, it is best if your nutritional status is optimal before your surgery. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
If you are overweight, your doctor may prescribe a weight loss programme prior to your surgery since excess weight on an operated joint will increase the risk of requiring further surgery. Excess weight can also cause complications during surgery. If required, you should aim to lose weight gradually at approximately 1-2lbs. per week - losing weight more rapidly can compromise your health. Your doctor or a qualified dietician/nutritionist should supervise your weight loss.
If you are on a doctor-prescribed diet before you come into hospital it is important that you tell the nursing staff and the Sussex Orthopaedic NHS Treatment Centre doctor.
What to Bring to the Centre (SOTC)
Please note: Personal articles and clothing should be limited. There is very little storage space on the ward. Remember that you will require items for your trip home as well as those for your hospital stay. Things to include are:
Please do not bring to the centre:
Although we will take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of your personal property, the staff cannot guarantee security of your personal items. Spiritual support through the Hospital Chaplaincy The SOTC formally recognises the role that spiritual support can play in coping with and recovering from physical illness. To help meet your personal needs the centre provides chaplaincy and spiritual support.
You will be telephoned the afternoon before your procedure to advise you of the time to attend the centre. It is essential you are available to take this call. Please note if we are unable to contact you then your surgery may be cancelled. Patients having surgery on Monday will be rung on either Friday or Saturday.
Please telephone the pre-operative unit if you have a cold or you are unwell, as your surgery may need to be postponed.
NIL BY MOUTH FASTING RULES FOR ERP PATIENTS
DISREGARDING THIS INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR PROCEDURE
Should you have any questions regarding the information provided please call the centre on 0333 200 1728.
Pre-Operative Instructions For The Day Of Surgery.
A waiting area is provided for individuals accompanying patients.
Please follow the instructions given at your pre-assessment appointment regarding your medications and stop all herbal medication 7 days before surgery.
Should you require a sick note please inform your nurse on admission.
The inpatient ward does not allow flowers due to the risk of infection. Please inform your visitors of this rule.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE NIL BY MOUTH RULES
Meeting the Anaesthetist and Surgeon
When you arrive at the hospital, you will go to the admission area and be seen by the doctors from the anaesthetic and surgical teams who will be looking after you during the operation. The anaesthetist will explain the type of anaesthetic you are having, and the way in which pain will be controlled after the operation. This is very important, as being comfortable means that you will be able to get up and about more quickly after your operation, and this will speed up your recovery.
As part of the enhanced recovery programme the anaesthetist and surgeon will work together to reduce the stress on your body during the operation. This is achieved by:
Anaesthetic Information (Modified from Royal College of Anaesthetists) www.youranaesthetic.info
Introduction
You may have heard that there are several different types of anaesthetic for THR. These include:
For patients undergoing THR as part of the enhanced recovery programme at SOTC the most commonly used anaesthetic technique is a combination of spinal anaesthetic with sedation, or light general anaesthetic. This means that you will be unaware of what is happening in theatre.
Your anaesthetist will explain which anaesthetic methods are suitable for you, and help you decide the best options for your surgery.
A Spinal Anaesthetic
This is by far the most commonly used type of anaesthetic for hip replacement within an enhanced recovery pathway. A measured dose of local anaesthetic is injected near to the nerves in your lower back:
Advantages compared to a general anaesthetic
Common side effects of Spinal Anaesthetic:
Rare complications
A General Anaesthetic
For some patients, a spinal anaesthetic is not possible for medical reasons, or you may prefer a general anaesthetic.
A general anaesthetic produces a state of controlled unconsciousness during which you feel nothing. You will receive:
You may need a breathing tube in your throat whilst you are anaesthetised to make sure that oxygen and anaesthetic gases can move easily into your lungs. If you have been given drugs that relax your muscles, you will not be able to breathe for yourself and a breathing machine (ventilator) will be used. When the operation is finished the anaesthetic is stopped and you will regain consciousness.
Advantages
You will be unconscious during the operation.
Disadvantages of a General Anaesthetic
Common
Less common
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An Epidural
This is very similar in its effects and side effects to a spinal anaesthetic (see page 14). However, it can be topped up post-operatively and is most likely to be used if you are having both hips done at the same time (a bilateral procedure), or are having your joint replacement re-done (revision surgery).
A Nerve Block
Rarely used in an enhanced recovery programme
This is an injection of local anaesthetic near to the nerves that go to your leg. Part of your leg should be numb and pain-free for some hours afterwards. You may also not be able to move it properly during this time.
If you are having a general anaesthetic, this injection may be done before the anaesthetic starts, or it may be done when you are unconscious.
Advantages
Disadvantages of a Nerve Block
A Combination of Anaesthetics
Many patients having a spinal (and/or an epidural anaesthetic in some situations), will also be either sedated or put lightly to sleep during the operation. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE WIDE AWAKE.
Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU)
After surgery you will be moved from the operating room to the post anaesthetic care unit (PACU). In PACU you may be given oxygen, an intravenous line delivering fluids, and your pulse and breathing will be monitored until the anaesthetic wears off. Your blood pressure will also be checked regularly whilst you are in the recovery unit. The nursing staff will take the drip out of your arm as soon as possible, and you will be encouraged to eat and drink. You should also start your breathing and leg exercises (page 31-32). You will remain in PACU until you no longer require close monitoring. The anaesthetist or lead nurse will authorise your transfer to the ward when your vital signs are normal and stable.
On the SOTC Ward
Pain management
At the Sussex Orthopaedic NHS treatment Centre we provide a multidisciplinary approach to help manage any discomfort that you may experience from your surgical procedure. Following your surgery, the staff will regularly check if you have any pain and will adjust your pain medication to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
Your pain after surgery will initially be controlled by a regional anaesthetic (usually a spinal block, but occasionally an epidural). When the effects of the spinal anaesthetic start to wear off, you must ask the nursing staff for oral pain medication.
The nursing staff are well trained on how to manage your pain. Additionally there is an acute pain team (APT) who do a ward round most week days to discuss your pain control. If the APT are not available, the nursing staff can contact the anaesthetist for advice.
The nursing staff will actively encourage you to take the medication that you are prescribed. You will have medication that will be given regularly, and medication for ‘breakthrough’ pain (‘breakthrough’ medication is for when you have pain between regular doses). Make sure you let the nursing staff know if you have pain. It is essential for your recovery that your pain is controlled; to enable you to walk, and to do your exercises.
Your pain is easier to control if you do not allow it to become severe before taking pain medication. Therefore it is very important that you tell your nurse or anaesthetist as soon as you are experiencing any discomfort, where the pain is located and if it changes in nature or intensity. For example, sometimes pain is constant and other times it comes and goes.
Remember: please bring in and handover all of your medication to the nursing staff on the ward.
Pain scale
You will be asked to rate how much pain you have on the pain scale below:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No Pain - Moderate Pain - Extreme Pain
Constipation Constipation may occur after surgery either as a side effect of the pain medication or because of reduced physical activity. To solve this problem:
Your Rehabilitation Guidelines
Physiotherapy
Exercise is an integral part of your rehabilitation following THR surgery. The exercise regime given to you by your physiotherapist will help you to regain the best possible function from your new hip, as long as you perform them regularly. Remember - you make the difference! It is extremely important that you understand that your motivation and participation in your recovery is vital in achieving the goals set out for you.
Occupational Therapy
During the course of your stay in the hospital, the occupational therapist may visit you in the ward and review your home setup with you. This is to ensure any necessary equipment is in place. They will also advise you about both your personal and domestic daily activities.
How you can help with your recovery
By actively participating in your exercise and rehabilitation programme, you will obtain the best functional recovery. We appreciate that you will have some discomfort as you participate in your rehabilitation, but it is important that you do not avoid activity. Your recovery will be faster and the results more desirable if you persist with the rehabilitation (this includes when you go home!)
NOTE: The Progress Guidelines shown below are milestones rather than events locked to a given day. Some patients may progress through several phases in one day, whereas others may take several days to progress through the phases.
On the day of surgery you can expect:
Your Rehabilitation Guidelines
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
The Three Rehabilitation Rules
Following surgery, your body needs to heal. Soft tissues e.g. muscles, are stretched to gain access to the hip joint thereby weakening the joint and decreasing its ability to support the body. Moving your hip beyond the limits of motion described in these guidelines increases the risk of your new hip joint dislocating. Your surgeon will tell you when you can move beyond these limitations.
Below are the 3 precautions that YOU MUST FOLLOW for at least 6 weeks after your surgery to prevent dislocation of the new joint.
1. DO NOT bend your hip higher than 90 degrees.
2. DO NOT cross your legs or ankles when lying, sitting or standing.
3. DO NOT twist your operated leg inwards.
1. Do not bend your hip higher than 90 degrees (Figure 4) For example: by lifting your knee above your hip joint, bending over at your waist to pick things, or squatting down. In other words, the angle between your thigh and stomach must be 90° (a right angle) or more at all times.
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2. Do not cross your legs or ankles when lying, sitting or standing
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3. Do not twist your operated led inwards
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To Follow These Precautions:
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Exercises
The exercises in the following pages are a part of your individual exercise programme. The physiotherapist will advise you which exercises to perform, and when you can progress them at home. It is essential that you are an active participant in your recovery to help your body and you hip to regain strength. As your body heals you may feel some stiffness and mild soreness in various muscles. These feelings are normal, however, the exercises should not cause excessive pain. If a particular exercise is causing excessive pain stop performing it and contact the physiotherapist. The combination of exercise with rest, ice packs (if necessary,) and pain medication will ensure that you get maximum benefit from your THR surgery.
If you cannot manage the number of repetitions indicated in this booklet start with as many as you can manage and build on this number as you become stronger. Remember little and often is best, so try and make sure you space your exercises out throughout the day.
Preventing Circulation Problems
After your surgery you are at a higher risk of developing blood clots, also known as Deep Vein Thromboses (DVT). In order to minimise this risk you will be prescribed anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication and compressive tights (called TED stockings). Regular circulation exercises are also of great importance to prevent DVT. (see page 30). These gentle exercises improve blood flow and maintain muscle function. However, it is still important to be aware of the signs that indicate that you may have a DVT, both in hospital and when you return home.
Some signs and symptoms of DVT are:
If you notice any of these signs tell your nurse so that we can investigate and take appropriate action if required. This usually only involves a simple increase in medication or prescribing an alternative medication.
Preventing Lung Problems
After surgery deep breaths are necessary to fully ventilate your lungs and help keep the airways free of mucus and infection. It is important to regularly practice the breathing exercises shown below.
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Early Exercises
Please start these exercises as soon as you are in the recovery unit after your operation.
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HIP FLEXION
Lying on your back.
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STRAIGHT LEG RAISE
Lying on your back.
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GLUTEAL CONTRACTIONS
Lying on your back
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ANKLE PUMPS
Lying or sitting
Bed Exercises
Please continue with the ‘Early Exercises’ and then also start the bed exercises as soon as you are back on the ward. You should practise the exercises on p32 before your surgery to help with your hip strength and movement.
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INNER RANGE QUADS
Lying on your back
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HIP ABDUCTION
Lying on your back
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BRIDGING
Lying on your back with your knees bent, and feet flat
on the bed
Standing Exercises
Your Physiotherapist will guide you when to start these exercises. You also need to continue with your bed exercises so space them out regularly throughout the day.
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HIP FLEXION IN STANDING
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HIP ABDUCTION IN STANDING
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HIP EXTENSION IN STANDING
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MINI SQUATS
Stairs Technique
Your Physiotherapist will guide you when you are ready to practise the stairs. Please do not attempt the stairs on the ward unless the physiotherapist is with you. The instructions below will help to make sure you have the correct technique.
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GOING UP THE STAIRS
Hold onto the rail with one hand and crutch in the other (or use 2 crutches if you have no rail).
Always go one step at a time. To help you remember GOING UP: UNOPERATED LEG - OPERATED LEG - CRUTCH.
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GOING DOWN THE STAIRS
Hold onto the rail with one hand and crutch in the other (or use 2 crutches if you have no rail).
Always go one step at a time To help you remember GOING DOWN: CRUTCH - OPERATED LEG - UNOPERATED LEG.
Walking with crutches
Your physiotherapist will teach you how to walk with crutches. Some patients will use a walking frame when they first get out of bed, but will soon progress onto crutches as directed by the physiotherapist The general principle is to place your crutches forward first (making sure they are wide enough for your feet to step through). Next, step your operated leg, and then follow with your good leg. As you get more confident, you can start to walk with equal, long strides. Please ask your physiotherapist for advice on this.
CRUTCHES - OPERATED LEG - UNOPERATED LEG
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Showering / washing yourself
There are three safe ways to wash your hair:
Dressing
To dress your lower half:
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You MUST observe the 3 rehabilitation rules while you shower and dress.
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
