Total Hip Replacement

Wound care

Your dressing is water-tight and should stay in place until your first post-op visit. You may shower, but do not immerse the leg in water (no baths or pools).

Weight-bearing

Unless told otherwise, you may bear weight as tolerated right after surgery.

Hip precautions (6 weeks)

• Posterior approach: no crossing your legs or bending the hip past 90°; sleep with 1-2 pillows between your knees.
• SuperPath approach: no bending the hip past 120°.

Medications

• Pain medicine (Norco or Percocet): 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 12 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take extra Tylenol with it.
• Blood-clot prevention (one prescribed): aspirin (81 mg or 325 mg) twice daily, Lovenox 40 mg injection daily, or Eliquis 2.5 mg twice daily.
• If prescribed Journavx: 2 tablets before you leave for surgery, then 1 tablet every 12 hours.

Ice

Use your ice machine or ice packs 20 minutes every 2 hours until your first post-operative visit. Keep a thin towel between the ice and your skin.

Activity & follow-up

No driving until cleared. Wear compression stockings on both legs until your first visit. Begin your exercises on day one, 3-4 times daily. First post-op visit is typically 7-14 days after surgery.

When to call us

• Fever above 101.5°F
• Pain that will not let up, or painful swelling / numbness
• Increasing redness or continuous drainage / bleeding from the incision
• A change in the color of the operated arm or leg
• Difficulty breathing, or excessive nausea / vomiting

For a true emergency, call 911. For non-urgent questions about your recovery, please contact our office.