Preparing for surgery
Depending on which hospital you go to, you’ll be asked to attend a pre-admission clinic and possibly
a ‘joint school’.
Pre-admission clinic / pre-operative assessment
You will be invited to attend this clinic usually about two to three weeks before the surgery. You’ll be examined and have tests to make sure you’re generally well enough to undergo surgery. Tests may include:
blood tests
x-rays of your hip
a urine sample to rule out any infections
an electrocardiogram (ECG) to make sure your heart is healthy.
You will discuss with the clinic team whether you should stop taking any of your medications or make any changes to the dosage or timings before you have surgery. It’s helpful to bring your medicines, or a list of them, to this appointment.
Joint school/ Hip & Knee group
joint schools may vary slightly from one hospital to another but will likely cover:
what you should do to prepare for surgery
what you should and shouldn’t bring with you to the hospital
different types of implants and anaesthetics
exercises that will be recommended after your operation
what pain relief options you will have after surgery.
Get in Shape for Surgery
If you smoke, cut down or quit. Smoking affects blood circulation, delays healing, slows recovery, and may increase the risk of infection.
Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet. If you are overweight, there will be more stress placed on your new joint. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a weight loss program before surgery.
If you drink, do not consume any alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery.
If you are planning to have any dental work done, such as an extraction or periodontal treatment, schedule it well in advance of your surgery. Due to the risk of infection, do not schedule any dental work, including routine cleanings, for several weeks after your surgery.
Your skin should not have any infections or irritations before surgery. If either is present, contact your orthopaedic surgeon for treatment to improve your skin before surgery.
Muscle-strengthening exercises may be recommended to do in the weeks before the operation, as this can help with your recovery. Click here to read about detailed muscle exercises or here to watch the video.
What to pack for hospital
a nightdress or pyjamas
day clothes
clean underwear
dressing gown and slippers
small hand towel
toiletries – soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant
sanitary towels or tampons
razor and shaving materials
comb or hairbrush
book or magazines
small amount of money
medication you normally take, and a list of the doses for each medicine
glasses or contact lenses with case
notebook and pen
healthy snacks
address book and important phone numbers, including your GP's contact details
Also plan for your return
Think about how you'll get to the hospital and back again. You won't be able to drive yourself home, so you should arrange transport or ask a friend or relative to help.
If you live alone or have special needs, consider having a friend or family member stay with you for several days after surgery.
If you do the cooking, prepare for a week or two and freeze them alternatively stock up on ready-made foods that you enjoy.
Set up your home ready for your return, place items you use regularly at arm level so you do not have to reach up or bend down.
Have arrangements been made for any special equipment you’ll need when you leave hospital – such as a raised toilet seat, bed rails, or a bathroom chair. You should discuss your needs with the hospital team and check if there’s anything you’ll need to arrange for yourself.
Hip replacement exercises before surgery
Ankle pumps
Lay down on your back on your bed
Bring your toes up towards the ceiling, flexing your foot
Bring your toes down towards the floor, like you’re pressing on a gas pedal
Repeat at a nice, quick pace
Quads sets : Thigh squeezes
Lay down on your back on your bed
Tighten the muscles on the top of your thigh by pushing the back of your knee down into the bed.
Hold for 5 seconds and relax.
Gluteal Sets : Buttocks squeezes
Lay down on your back on your bed
Tightly squeeze your glutes
Hold for five seconds (if you do this on a firm surface (like the floor or a table) you should see the hips come slightly up off the surface)
Relax and repeat
Heel Slides
Lay down on your back on your bed
Slide your heel up towards your glutes as far as you feel comfortable, bending your knee
Hold for 5 seconds
Slide your heel back down to your starting position
Repeat
Switch to the opposite leg and repeat
Keep your kneecap pointed up toward the ceiling during the exercise.
You may want to use a plastic bag under your heel to help it slide easier.
Leg slides
Lay down on your back on your bed
Slide your surgical leg out to the side.
keep your kneecap pointed up toward the ceiling.
Slide your leg back to the starting position.
You may want to use a plastic bag under your heel to help it slide easier.
Chair pushups
Sit on a sturdy chair with arms.
Hold the arms of the chair.
Push down on the chair arms, straightening your elbows so you raise your buttocks a few inches off the seat of the chair.
Work up to holding for 5 seconds.
Lower yourself slowly back into the chair
Chair kicks
Sit in a chair with your knees back towards the edge of the chair as much as possible
Sit with good posture, sitting up straight with your chest out and shoulders back
Extend one leg straight out towards the ceiling, keeping your foot relaxed
Hold for five seconds and then return to your starting position
Repeat
Switch legs and repeat