Hip replacement surgery is a life-changing procedure in which your damaged or diseased hip joint is surgically removed and replaced with an artificial joint. Hip replacement can help alleviate hip pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.
However, preparing for hip replacement surgery is as important as the surgical procedure is. Hip replacement surgery preparations are crucial for successful surgery outcomes and smooth recovery.
Here we will give you some tips on preparing for hip replacement surgery and discuss where you can go for a thorough evaluation of your hip joint from an outstanding hip replacement surgeon in Kansas City.
#1 Learn About the Surgery Procedure
This is the first and one of the most important steps you should take when preparing for any surgical procedure.
Learning about the hip replacement surgery procedure can help alleviate anxiety and fear and help you mentally prepare for the surgery. It’s best to ask your surgeon about the benefits and risks of the procedure and what you can expect during the procedure.
#2 Take Your Preoperative Testing and Preoperative Guidelines Seriously
Preoperative testing is a crucial part of hip replacement surgery preparation that tells your hip surgeon if your body is ready for surgery or if you have an underlying condition that needs special attention before your surgery.
Your preoperative tests may be scheduled within 30 days of the surgery, including medical evaluation, blood samples, urine samples, chest x-rays, stress test, and electrocardiogram.
It’s best to talk to your surgeon about your other medical conditions, medications and supplements you take, and your dietary restrictions and allergies, particularly metal allergies. Your surgeon will give specific instructions about your diet and medications that you should follow to ensure the best possible surgical outcomes.
#3 Get in Shape
The healthier and more active you are before your surgeries, the smoother and quicker your surgery will be.
So, achieve and maintain a healthy weight if you are overweight, incorporate physical activity into your daily life as much as your body allows, and do some stretching and strengthening exercises to build up your strength and endurance as much as possible.
Also, quit smoking, avoid alcohol, and incorporate healthy food into your diet. It’s best to see a physical therapist to prepare your body for surgery.
#4 Prepare Your Home for Recovery
Preparing your home in advance is important so everything is ready and accessible when you return from the hospital after the surgery. Consider sleeping on the first floor, buy helpful devices such as raised toilet seats, shower chairs, and walking aids, adjust the height of your bed, rearrange your kitchen, bathroom, closet, and dresser to put the most-used items within easy reach, remove tripping hazards like cords and rugs, and prepare meals in advance and store them in the kitchen.
#5 Identify a Caretaker
It’s a good idea to select a care partner you can count on before and after your hip replacement. Your care partner could be your family member or a friend who can help you prepare for the procedure, drive you to your appointments with the surgeon, pick you up after your hip replacement surgery, and help you follow your discharge instructions.
Hip Replacement in Kansas City
The success of your hip replacement will depend, in part, on how well you prepare for your surgery and how well you follow the instructions of our surgeon during the first few weeks following surgery.
At Midwest Orthopaedics, we have a team of highly trained and skilled orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors who can help you with a wide range of orthopedic injuries and concerns, including hip arthritis. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Thomas Hsing, specializes in and has an additional Fellowship for total knee and hip replacements and reconstruction. Based on your severity, he can suggest nonsurgical, surgical, and minimally invasive treatment options so that you can get back to doing what you love.
To know more about our services or arrange a consultation, call us today at (913) 362-8317 or fill out our secure online appointment request form.
