Post-Op Instructions for the Hip

Diet

• Begin with clear liquids and light foods (Jello, soups, clear liquids, etc.)
• Progress to your normal diet if you are not nauseated as tolerated

Wound Care

• Maintain your operative dressing and keep it clean and dry. Please wear the hip brace at all times (It may be removed for showering, but hip should not be flexed greater than 45 degrees).
• It is normal for the surgical site to bleed and swell following surgery – if blood soaks onto the bandage, do not become alarmed – reinforce with additional dressing.
• You may shower on post­operative day #3. Please leave the dressing in place and keep it dry. If the dressing falls off, please do not remove the little white steri-strip Band-Aids. Place waterproof Band-Aids over the incision area. Be careful not to slip and fall –Do not place your full weight on the operative extremity. Do not get the dressing wet. Pat the thigh/hip dry with a towel and apply new waterproof band aids over the surgical incision if they got wet.

DO NOT submerge the incision in water (i.e. NO bath, hot tub or pool, etc) for 3 weeks.

*Brace may come off to shower

Medications

• Pain medication is injected into the incision during surgery – this will wear off within 8-12 hours
• Most patients will require some narcotic pain medication for a short period of time
• Primary Medication = Norco (Hydrocodone)
  • Take 1 – 2 tablets every 4 – 6 hours as needed
  • Do not take more than 10 pills per day
  • Plan on using it for 2 to 5 days, depending on level of pain
  • Do NOT take additional Tylenol (Acetaminophen) while taking Norco, Vicodin or Percocet
• For larger surgeries, some patients will be prescribed Oxycodone (5mg)
  • Take 1 – 2 tablets every 4 – 6 hours as needed
  • If given Oxycodone, This should be your primary medication during the first few days after the Surgery. As the pain level improves you should transition to Norco medication for residual pain.
• Common side effects of the pain medication are nausea, drowsiness, and constipation – to decrease the side effects, take medication with food.
  • If constipation occurs, consider taking an over-the-counter laxative such as prune juice, Senekot, Colace (or Periocolase), or Miralax
• For nausea, take the prescribed Zofran as needed
• If you are having problems with nausea and vomiting, contact the office to possibly have your medication changed
• Do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking the narcotic medication
• Ibuprofen 400-600mg (i.e., Advil, Motrin) may be taken in between the narcotic pain medication to help smooth out the postoperative “peaks and valleys”, reduce overall amount of pain medication required, and increase the time intervals between narcotic pain medication usage

Activity

• Crutches are used for the first 6-8 weeks unless Dr. Campbell specifies otherwise. You will be non-weight bearing for 4 weeks and will then transition to toe-touch weight bearing for weeks 4-6 and then transition to full weight bearing by 8 weeks post-op or until Dr. Campbell removes these restrictions. A hip brace is often used the first 8 weeks after surgery. The brace allows limits hip flexion and helps to protect. The brace may be removed for showering. Physical therapy will be discussed at your first follow-up visit.
• No active hamstring contraction
• No hip flexion greater than 45 degrees, until instructed
• Knee extension may be limited pending intra-operative tension on the repair
• Use crutches to assist with walking
• Do not engage in activities which increase hip pain/swelling (prolonged periods of standing or walking) over the first 7-10 days following surgery
• Avoid long periods of sitting or long distance traveling for 2 weeks
• May return to sedentary work ONLY or school 3-4 days after surgery, if pain is tolerable

Ice Therapy

• Begin immediately after surgery
• If you choose to use an ice machine, it should be used for the 7-14 days.
• Please follow the directions given to you by the representative. The ice machine company will make arrangements for you to return the machine.
• If you do not have an ice machine, you may use ice packs to control the pain and swelling.
  • Do not put the ice directly on the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes at a time, 3-5 times a day until your first postoperative visit.
  • If braced* – Loosen brace to avoid added pressure

Exercise

• Begin exercises 24 hours after surgery (ankle pumps, quadriceps sets) unless otherwise instructed
• Discomfort and hip stiffness is normal for a few days following surgery – it is safe and, in fact preferable to bend your hip within the restricted range of motion (unless otherwise instructed by physician)
• Complete exercises 3-4 times daily until your first postoperative visit
• Do ankle pumps continuously throughout the day to reduce the possibility of a blood clot in your calf (extremely uncommon)
• Formal physical therapy (PT) will begin after your first postoperative visit and you will be given a script for this at that time

Follow-Up Care/Questions

• Dr. Campbell will call you on your first day after surgery to address any questions or concerns. If you have not been contacted within 48 hours of surgery, please email Dr. Campbell or call directly (NYU Langone Seaport Orthopaedics or at the NYU Center for Musculoskeletal Care at 646-356-9407 based on the location that you have your regular office visits)
• If you have additional questions that arise at any time, please send an email to Dr. Campbell for the fastest reply [javascript protected email address] . If email is not an option please call the office.
• If you do not already have a postoperative appointment scheduled, please contact the scheduling office during normal office hours to make a follow-up appointment.