Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement that removes less bone than a standard total hip replacement. Younger patients who may need additional hip surgeries later in life are excellent candidates for hip resurfacing. The procedure does carry some risks and complications, and there are several precautions that patients should take before and after surgery to help ensure a successful outcome.
Preparing for Surgery
You should take several precautions prior to surgery to minimize the potential for serious complications and recovery barriers. Prior to surgery, you should undergo a thorough physical assessment by your doctor to determine your overall level of health and readiness for surgery. Many hip resurfacing patients also see a physical therapist prior to surgery. The physical therapist will document current range of motion and strength to help develop a post-operative treatment plan. Seeing a physical therapist prior to the procedure also enables you to practice rehabilitation exercises that you will need to do after surgery and learn use crutches or a walker. Donating blood three to five weeks prior to surgery enables your blood to be stored in case you need a blood transfusion during the surgical procedure.
After Surgery
You will take several precautions to minimize complications following your surgery. Immediately after surgery, your hip will be wrapped in a sterile dressing to prevent infection. You will wear surgical stockings to prevent blood clots and will lay with a cushion to prevent your hip from rolling. A respiratory therapist will help you with breathing exercises after the anesthesia wears off to prevent breathing issues and pneumonia. Follow-up checkups with your surgeon that your recovery is going well and help identify any problems or complications as quickly as possible.
A physical therapist will help you move from the bed to a chair and help you begin to walk with crutches or a walker. Your therapist will also go over what hip positions to avoid for six to 12 weeks while your hip strengthens to prevent dislocation. These include not bending forward to reach your feet past a 90-degree angle, not crossing your legs, not lifting your knee higher than your hip, not twisting while standing or lying down and not allowing your legs to rotate inward.
During the rehabilitation process, you will see a physical therapist regularly to regain strength and range of motion in your hip. Once physical therapy is complete, you will continue with at-home exercises to keep your hip strong and healthy. Most surgeons recommend that their patients refrain from high-impact activities as much as possible even after the rehabilitation process as a precaution to prevent dislocation or other injury to the resurfaced hip.
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