If you’re having a hip replacement surgery, it’s important to know:
- why you need your hip replaced (if you are having surgery because of a broken hip, see Your Guide After a Hip Fracture)
- what materials will be used to replace your hip
- the risks of surgery
- what you can expect before, during, and after surgery
- what you can do to help make your surgery a success
This information will help you understand how to be an active member of your healthcare team. Having a hip replacement is a team effort. It includes you, your family, and your healthcare team. Your healthcare team includes your:
- surgeon and other doctors
- nurses
- case manager
- physical therapists
- kinesiologists
- occupational therapists
Your healthcare team will support you while you wait for surgery and as you go through rehabilitation and recovery.
It’s important that you work with your healthcare team to make sure your care is safe.
- Ask about the plan for your care. If there’s something you don’t understand, let your healthcare team know so they can help you.
- Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs. Remind others to wash their hands too.
- Know what medicines you take, why you take them, and how to take them. Keep a list of the medicines you take and bring it with you to your appointments.
- To prevent falls, look around, slow down, hold onto something, ask for help, and be careful.
All your appointments before and after surgery will be arranged by your case manager, with input from the rest of your healthcare team. Your case manager will work with your healthcare team and arrange all of your care.
Talk to your case manager if you have any concerns or questions.
