Hip Resurfacing Information

When should going to a rehab facility be considered?: Dr. Antoniou: If the patient is slow to progress in his ambulation and has no help at home or
if the patient has many stairs at home and is having difficulty mastering stair
climbing while in hospital, we consider a rehab facility. This represents
a small minority of our patients.
TEDS? How long?: Dr. Antoniou: TEDS are not mandatory in our institution. If the patient tolerates them and
wants to control the post-operative leg swelling, we will use them for as long as four weeks.
Coumadin vs other procedures to prevent thrombosis?: Dr. Antoniou: Coumadin is not used in our institution, unless the patient falls under a high-risk
category and the hematologist suggests its use (see my reply to the question in this section
about DVT). This therapy usually requires coagulation monitoring
How long before I can drive a car? (automatic/manual transmission)?: Dr. Antoniou: Automatic car driving is allowed at 2.5 weeks. Manual transmission driving
is relatively rare around our parts and is treated on a case-by-case basis.
What is your DVT prevention protocol (medication, stockings, blood monitoring)? How long after surgery do I have to continue with it?: Dr. Antoniou:This is a highly controversial topic that has no correct answer. Upon review
of the literature, an internal audit of our arthroplasty patients and recommendation from our
hematology group we are now currently using a Lovenox protocol for a period of ten days.
This requires no specific coagulation monitoring. This may be altered, if the patient is at high
isk for blood clotting (i.e., previous history of blood clotting). In these special circumstances,
we consult our hematologist colleagues for help.
Will I be able to travel a long distance after surgery? How soon after surgery should I wait before traveling?: Dr. Antoniou:There are many patients that travel long distances to undergo surgery at our
center.I recommend that they refrain from flying for a minimum of ten days.
Prior to flying, I ensure that they can mobilize well, and that they pump
their calves periodically during a long flight.
Will I need any special assistance at home? What devices/modifications to my home/furniture will be needed?: Dr. Antoniou: Despite the patient being somewhat autonomous after surgery, we usually
recommend some assistance at home for the first ten days or so. The usual devices
required for posterior approach total hip replacement are recommended.
hese include a sock puller, a raised toilet seat and a pillow to sit on if a chair is low.
Will there be a 90 degree restriction in place after surgery? If so, for how long?: Dr. Antoniou: We usually enforce the 90 degree restrictions for the first six weeks.
How long will crutches or a walker be required?: Dr. Antoniou: Crutches or a walker are usually required for the first five to seven days.
How soon will physical therapy start?: Dr. Antoniou: Physical therapy is usually started the next day. The patient is encouraged to
mobilize with the help of crutches or a walker. Full weight bearing is allowed immediately.
What should I expect when I wake up from surgery?: Dr. Antoniou: We usually use spinal anaesthesia for our surgeries. When the spinal has
worn off, one can expect pain at the incision site. Our patients are usually provided with
a patient controlled anaesthesia pump. They are instructed to use it on their own
to control the pain.
How many nights of hospitalization will be needed?: Dr. Antoniou:Patients are usually hospitalized three to four nights in our institution.