Total hip replacement, or total hip arthroplasty, is commonly prescribed for chronic and debilitating hip pain due to damage to the cartilage and bone. In this procedure, the damaged components are removed and replaced with artificial prosthetics during the surgery.
Once your provider clears you for total hip arthroplasty, the next step is preparing. Proper preparation for total hip arthroplasty will ensure a smoother recovery period.
Let’s talk about some tips to prepare yourself for the surgery and where you can go in Hartford & Tolland Counties, CT, for comprehensive orthopedic care.
Consultation with Your Physician and Surgeon
Before surgery, it’s best to set some time to talk to your surgeon and physician. They will assess your overall health to see if you’re fit for surgery. They will gauge your tolerance for anesthesia, blood loss, and certain medications.
Your providers will also consider your stress levels, current weight, and pre-existing medical issues.
Take the consultation period to ask as many questions as you want. Better knowledge about the procedure will help ease any worries or anxiety before surgery.
Medical Tests
Upon the doctor’s assessment, you will undergo several required medical tests. These involve the evaluation of your lower limbs and extremities. These include:
- General inspection
- Measuring leg length
- Nerve and vascular status testing
- Range of motion testing
- Muscle testing
- Palpation testing
- Trendelenburg sign tests
You will also need the following:
- X-rays of the pelvis and hips
- MRI and CT scans
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
- International normalized ratio (INR)
- Prothrombin time (PT)
- Urinalysis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Basic chemistries
- Blood type screening
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for surgery. It minimizes the chances of complications and infections during the healing period.
In the weeks leading up to the operation, it’s recommended that total hip replacement surgery patients:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly
- Control food portions
- Chew food slowly to avoid indigestion
- Have regular meals
Home Adjustments
Making the necessary adjustments to your home before surgery will be a big help later on.
Since you will only be capable of limited movement during recovery, it’s best to have a designated space at home. The area should be comfortable and equipped with all the support equipment like canes, crutches, and walkers.
Remove any possible obstacles or tripping hazards you might encounter.
You can also make minor changes to make your life easier during recovery. These include:
- Handrails in the bathtub, shower, and staircase
- Elevated toilet seat
- Sock aid and shoehorn
- Item grabber tool
Medication Restrictions
At least a week before the procedure, you should stop taking all forms of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. It’s also best to lay off food supplements, like fish oil, vitamin E, and other beauty supplements.
Patients who usually take anticoagulant medication or blood thinners should consult their primary physician. The doctor will advise how long to stop taking them before surgery.
Exercise
Getting enough physical activity is vital when preparing for total hip arthroplasty. They can help promote a quicker recovery.
Two exercises to try are:
- Tighten your buttocks and push your heels into the bed for five counts. Do that ten times in the morning and then at night.
- Tighten your thigh muscles and then straighten your knee flat for five counts. Do that ten times in the morning and at night as well.
Support System
Try to make sure at least one person is around to support you after the procedure, as you will have limited mobility, especially immediately after the operation. Your companion can help you move around and reach for things you might need. A good and stable support system is key to a speedier recovery.
Total Hip Arthroplasty Near You in Hartford & Tolland Counties, CT
If you are looking for total hip arthroplasty, look no further. The team at Advanced Orthopedics New England offers only the best services and is well-equipped to deal with hip issues and conditions. Our hip replacement physicians, Dr. Matthew Grosso and Dr. Daryle Ruarck will customize a treatment plan to maximize your hip function and minimize discomfort.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (860) 728-6740. We have clinics in Bloomfield and Rocky Hill, CT, and Springfield, MA.
