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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryPain and pain management Use of medications Effectiveness of medications Important side effects Recovery and rehabilitation in the hospital Hospital discharge Convalescent assistance RehabilitationConclusion

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Hip Socket Fracture Surgery.

Edited By: M.L. Chip Routt, Jr., M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005

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Recovering from surgery

Pain and pain management

Acetabular (hip socket) fracture surgery stabilizes the previously displaced and unstable fracture fragments. Fracture pain is diminished by the surgery. The surgical wounds are painful and require medication.

Use of medications

At first, analgesic (pain relievers) medications are administered intravenously (directly into the blood stream). As patients begin to feel less pain, they are weaned to oral (administered by mouth) analgesics, followed by other less addictive medications as needed.

Effectiveness of medications

The analgesic medication provides comfort which facilitates early rehabilitation.

Important side effects

Narcotic analgesic medications are potentially addictive, and may produce a variety of side effects.

Recovery and rehabilitation in the hospital

The recovery period encompasses three individual three-month periods. During the first six weeks after surgery, activities are well restricted. More aggressive range of motion and strengthening exercises begin during the second six weeks period. Strengthening, conditioning, and flexibility activities increase thereafter.

Hospital discharge

Patients without other complicatons are discharged after they regain normal bowel and bladder functions, they are comfortable on oral analgesics, and the physical therapist approves the patient's rehabilitation efforts.

Most patients are able to walk after surgery using crutches to protect their acetabular reconstructon. Some require hip movement restrictions according to the specific fracture patterns.

Convalescent assistance

Crutch assisted ambulatory patients with supportive families can be discharged to home. Those patients with numerous extremity injuries may require the services of a convalescent facility.

Surgery for Hip Socket Fracture at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.

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