Facts About Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure where the surgeon replaces the bones of the hip with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. A portion of the pelvis, called the acetabulum, is replaced with a plastic and metal component. The upper portion of the long bone, called the femur, is replaced with a metal component. Oftentimes the hip joint becomes very painful as the joint deteriorates due to aging or trauma. This procedure is used to help correct the deterioration of the joint, thus reducing the pain involved. This allows for an increase in the quality of life and a return to your normal activities of daily living.
Some conditions that may warrant a total hip replacement include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or trauma.
Rehabilitation with Girling After Your Surgery
It is Girling's mission to help you return to the comfort and convenience of your home and lifestyle as soon as possible. We have some patients return home the day following their surgery, but most have about a three-day hospital stay. Regardless, Girling's excellent staff will be ready to begin your intensive rehab program immediately.
Our total hip replacement program will ensure that you receive:
- One-on-one services from a physical therapist, occupational therapist and skilled nurse
- Exercises to help decrease swelling and stiffness, to improve joint motion and increase muscle strength
- Instructions for the proper use of equipment and assistive devices
- Recommendations for safely getting in and out of the shower, bathing, dressing and other normal activities of daily living
- Effective pain management
The initial pain from your surgery will improve in four to eight weeks. Girling's staff will teach you methods for relieving pain and will ensure that your pain medication is administered properly. We will have frequent contact with your physician and provide care under her/her direction.
