Frequently Asked Questions

 

Hip replacement involves resurfacing the bones of the hip joint. There are two bony surfaces that can become rough and painful: the femoral head (femur), and the acetabulum (rounded socket in your pelvis). Depending on your condition, one or both of these surfaces may be replaced through orthopedic surgery. The type of surgery you have depends on your age, the amount of damage to your hip, and your medical history. A consultation with your doctor will decide what needs to be done.

Total knee replacement involves resurfacing the bones of the knee joint. There are three bony surfaces that can become rough and painful: the femur, tibia, and patella (knee cap). Depending on your condition, one, two, or all three of these surfaces may be replaced. The type of orthopedic surgery you have depends on your age, the amount of damage to your knee, and your medical history. A consultation with your doctor will decide what needs to be replaced.

Age is not a determining factor in whether or not to get the surgery. Orthopedic surgery will increase your ability to continue moving and living your life without pain. Dr. Eysser will, however, discuss your general health to ensure you are healthy enough for orthopedic surgery.

The two main risks with any surgery are infection and blood clots. We take special measures during the surgery to prevent infection, such as administering antibiotics and keeping the operating room sterile. In order to prevent blood clots, we give the patient blood thinners and encourage movement of the legs often while recovering in the hospital.

Most orthopedic replacements will last at least 15-20 years, but there are no guarantees and about 5-10% don’t last that long. A second replacement is possible, if necessary.

The most common cause of failure in the replacements is that the metal or plastic start to get loose from the bone they are attached to. Also the plastic piece that replaces the cartilage may start to wear away through use.

Yes. Many patients suffering from arthritis overprotect their painful joints, which can cause weakening and interfere with recovery. That is why, before your scheduled surgery, it is vital that you begin the exercise program as described in the Replacement Educational Guide that you received from your doctor or can access through our Club Ortho Surgery and Recovery Education page. Completing these exercises can help speed your recovery. Please start doing the exercises to help strengthen your muscles before surgery.

Any blood thinners or anti-inflammatories shuold be stopped at least 5 days before surgery. You are generally told not to eat or drink after midnight the day of your surgery. However, you may be asked to take certain medications the day of surgery with a little sip of water. Following American Heart Association guidelines, your cardiologist, surgeon, and anesthesiologist will decide whether or not you should stop any medications before surgery. BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE MEDICATION DIRECTIONS, if you do not understand, please ask your nurse for more information.

You might need some blood after the surgery. You will have a drain placed in surgery and you can have an auto-transfusion of your own blood, if needed.

 

The minimally invasive and muscle sparing technique Dr. Eysser uses has patients often walking the halls within a few hours and going home the next day. Staff will help you get out of bed, stand, and/or take a few steps within the first day or two, or even start walking the hallways! The day after, the physical therapists will help you get started on your way to recovery and gaining strength back in your leg.

We reserve about 2.5 hours for the surgery, including prep time. The surgery itself may take as little as 30 minutes, but it depends on how much is being replaced in the surgery.

Yes, your doctor will discuss with you your options to ensure proper pain management. Most patients are able to stop taking strong medication within the first day or two. It is best to avoid pain by taking medicine before strong pain and before going to physical therapy.

The most common cause of failure in the replacements is that the metal or plastic start to get loose from the bone they are attached to. Also the plastic piece that replaces the cartilage may start to wear away through use.

Call Madison Orthopedics at (208) 359-6781

Yes. Many patients suffering from arthritis overprotect their painful joints, which can cause weakening and interfere with recovery. That is why, before your scheduled surgery, it is vital that you begin the exercise program as described in the Replacement Educational Guide that you received from your doctor or can access through our Club Ortho Surgery and Recovery Education page. Completing these exercises can help speed your recovery. Please start doing the exercises to help strengthen your muscles before surgery.

 

Maybe. You may need at least one of these for a couple days- a week until you gain strength back in your legs. Your doctor and physical therapist will help you decide which to use; depending on how much assistance you need.

Other equipment may not be needed but are recommended for your home. These include but are not limited to:

1. A tub bench and grab bars in your tub or shower

2. A high toilet seat

3. Adaptive equipment to help with lower body dressing, bathing, and etc.

Yes. Physical therapy will continue after you go home at an outpatient physical therapy facility. The amount of therapy needed varies for each patient.

Your first post-operative visit will be 2-4 weeks after your surgery. Any follow-up visits will depend on your progress. After that you should visit your surgeon once a year to ensure that the replacement is not in need of repair or replacement.

Yes. High-impact recreational activities, such as contact sports, running, singles tennis, skiing, basketball, etc. are not recommended. Low-impact activities, such as bowling, walking, golfing, dancing, swimming, etc. are encouraged in order to protect your leg while regaining strength and movement of the joint. Your surgeon and therapist may discuss further limitations with you after your surgery.

This varies and depends on if the surgery was on your right or left leg and if you drive an automatic or manual transmission car. If it was on your left leg and you drive an automatic, it could be as soon as two weeks. If it was on your right leg or you have a manual transmission, it could up to 6 weeks to be able to drive again. You should consult with your surgeon. You should not drive if you are taking narcotic pain medicine.

We recommend that most patients take at least a month off of work. Most people can return to work between 2-4 weeks. For strenuous jobs, you should consider planning more than a month leave.

 

In most cases, patients feel that the replacement is natural. However, there may be some restrictions to how much weight you are able to bear or how much you are able to bend the joint. We recommend avoiding extreme positions. Hip replacement sometimes results in the leg with the new hip being slightly longer than it was before. Most patients get used to this feeling or can use a small lift in the other shoe.