Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

By Author: Adele Warner
Total Articles: 3
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Many senior citizens find that they are a good candidate for partial hip replacement surgery. However, before committing to have the surgery, these people should ask their doctors several important questions to make sure they are well informed about the situation. These tips can be helpful.

Understanding the Reason

The first question people should ask their doctors is why they need to have the partial hip replacement surgery. The patient may also want to ask if there are other options available. The doctor may explain that partial hip replacement surgery is the only option or may have other options the patient can try before committing to the surgery. Every case is different. Make sure the doctor explains the benefits of having the surgery as well as any risks involved.

The Hospitalization

A patient also needs to find out if the surgery will be a one day surgery or if a hospital stay will be required. If a hospitalization is required, find out how many days are required. It can be expensive to stay in the hospital overnight, so this needs to be discussed in advance. ...
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The Aftermath

A patient should be sure to find out what the aftermath of the surgery will be like. For example, a patient may need someone to stay with him when he goes home to help him get out of bed, take a shower or get dressed. A patient might require weeks of physical therapy sessions after the surgery, which means he will also need someone to drive him to those physical therapy sessions. All of these matters require advance planning, so they are important.

The Medications

Always be sure to ask the doctor about any medications that may be required after the surgery. For example, most patients need to take pain medication for the first few days after the surgery. Find out what medications will be prescribed and what side effects they might have. Be sure to ask why the medications are necessary.

Back to Work

Don't forget to ask the doctor when it will be possible to go back to work after the partial hip replacement surgery. The patient's employer will need to know this information as well. In some cases, it may take weeks or months before the patient is able to return to work and all of the demands of a job. It may be possible for a patient to return to work on light duty or modified duty depending on what type of work the patient does.

There are risks associated with having any type of surgery. However, the many benefits may outweigh the risks when it comes to having partial hip replacement surgery.