Keep the wound clean and dry until your follow-up with the doctor.
Showering is preferable.

Use a plastic chair to sit inside the shower if needed.

Make sure that the surface is not slippery when getting in and out of the shower.

• Loss of sensation around the incision area is normal. Be careful with warm objects (bathwater, oven, fire heater etc.)

It is essential that the pain medication is taken and prescribed by the doctor and not only as needed. This will ensure that you can mobilise and perform applicable exercises with more ease and therefore assist with the recovery process.

Medication must be weaned off and not ceased abruptly.

Your hip joint and lower leg may be swollen for at least 1-2 weeks. Swelling control is essential to prevent other complications.

• Try to elevate your leg slightly when lying down. Keep your foot higher than your hip.
• Ice will relieve pain and decrease swelling. Ice 10 minutes and repeat every 4 hours. DO NOT place ice directly on the skin, cover with a towel or pillow case.

WALKING: Crutch & Affected leg > Unaffected leg > Crutch & Affected leg > etc.

STAIRS:

• UP- Unaffected leg > Crutches & Affected leg > Unaffected leg etc…
• DOWN – Crutches & Affected leg > Unaffected leg > Crutches & Affected leg etc…

• Do not lift your knee higher than your hip
• Do not cross your legs
• Do not turn your toes inwards
• Weight bearing as tolerated with an assistive device
• Do not sit on a low stool or toilet seat
• Use toilet with raised seat for 3 months
• Put a pillow between your knees when sleeping or resting
• Sleep on your back for the first 6 weeks

Return to sporting or other activities (including driving) should be discussed with the doctor and only return when permission has been given.

Driving in 6 weeks

You develop and infection in any part of your body. An infection can enter your bloodstream and travel to the prothesis. Look out for:

• Tooth infections.
• Bladder infection or other small infections.

Week 0-1

1 week before surgery:
Appointment to discuss planned procedure, current activities of daily living, assess current baseline strength and range of movement. Discuss provision of assistive devices and /or any home adaptations needed.

Day of surgery:
Expect a visit from the Physio in the afternoon while you are in the High care unit. Discussion of contraindicated movements.

Day 1 post-op:
Your Physio will check in to see how you are getting on.

You will probably be mobilised into standing and walking with crutches. They will also show you some exercises to do in the bed.

Day 2 post-op:
You will likely be discharged after a final session with your Physio and the go ahead from your surgeon.

Week 2

Follow-up in our rooms to assess function and set goals for rehabilitation, check and progress exercises as necessary.

Week 6

After your check up with Dr, you may be given the go ahead to begin full range of movement and strengthening exercises. You can discus with your therapist if you would require a home or gym program or if you would prefer supervised in- person rehab sessions.