Other preparation for hip replacement often includes a patient's preoperative visit with a physical therapist, instruction in strengthening exercises, walker or crutch training, and a discussion of the postoperative exercise plan. The day of surgery involves recovery from either regional anesthesia, where the area below the waist is made numb, or general anesthesia, where the patient is completely asleep. Intravenous fluid is given, a catheter may be placed in the bladder, and there may be a drainage tube in the wound for any blood that might accumulate. A wedge-shaped pillow is placed between the patient's legs to prevent dislocation of the hip. Pain-control medication varies according to the patient's tolerance and needs.
Rehabilitation begins quickly.
The patient is out of bed the next day and taught how to do specific exercises and to walk with a walker or crutches. Over the next few days, progressive exercises in and out of bed, the use of an elevated commode, stair climbing, and increased mobility are encouraged. Once certain goals are met, patients move on to home care and physical therapy, or rehabilitation in a continuing-care setting. The patient leaves the hospital with a walker or crutches, an elevated commode, pain-control medication, and, depending upon the physician and circumstances, medication to prevent blood clots. Skin stitches and staples are removed one to two weeks after surgery.