Hip Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Last updated Thursday, January 06, 2005
Recovering from surgeryPain and pain management Analgesics administered through the epidural catheter placed for
surgery are very effective for controlling postoperative pain and are
used for approximately 48 hours. Patient controlled intravenous
narcotics can be used as a substitute for or supplement to epidural
analgesics. By the third postoperative day oral narcotics are usually
sufficient for pain relief, and are quickly tapered according to
individual patient needs. After that oral narcotics are administered
and provided for the first two to four weeks after the patient has been
discharged.
These medications are very effective in relieving the pain
associated with total hip replacement. Dryness in the mouth,
sleepiness, lightheadedness and constipation are the most frequent side
effects of narcotic medications. The most serious side effect is
suppression of respiration. Hospital stay The patients are cared for in the hospital by trained nurses and
doctors. Mobilization begins immediately after surgery in the hospital
bed. Surgical wound dressings are changed daily beginning on the second
postoperative day.Recovery and rehabilitation in the hospital 90% of recovery takes place within the first six weeks. Rehabilitation
begins on the first postoperative day. It starts with sitting or
standing at the bedside and progresses to walking with assistance and
stair climbing. Precautions to prevent dislocation of the hip are
taught. Instruction in the use of assistive devices is given.Hospital discharge The patient is discharged with oral narcotics to ensure comfort at
home. Patients are usually ambulatory with a walker and independently
mobilize from bed to walking. Physical activity and joint range of
motion limitations are clearly provided by the physical therapist,
mainly to prevent dislocation of the hip. The hip can only be flexed up
to 60 degrees, the patient has to sleep with a pillow between the legs
and is not allowed to cross the legs for the first six weeks after
surgery.
Convalescent assistance Most patients go home after 4-5 days. In the hospital they do though
need some help for basic care especially those people with multiple
joint involvement. If they do not have help at home then a short stay
at a rehabilitation/convalescent facility will be necessary until they
can resume independent living.
Surgery for rheumatoid arthritis of the hip 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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