Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery

Taking care of your body before surgery helps you heal faster and lowers the chance of complications later on.

• Attend your preop visit. Our team will order any necessary labs and tests to ensure you are fit for surgery, as well as review your medications. Bring a full list of medications, vitamins and supplements you’re taking.
• Eat a protein-rich diet, ideally 20-30 grams of protein with each meal. Your care team may include an expert dietitian who can advise you on what foods to include in your diet prior to hip replacement surgery to help you recover faster.
• Stay active. Gentle, daily activity supports circulation and recovery. Walking and strengthening exercises can help improve the outcome of a hip replacement procedure.
• Stop smoking at least four to six weeks before surgery to lower risks and support healing.

A few adjustments can make moving around at home easier and keep you safer after hip replacement surgery.

• Remove rugs and tripping hazards.
• Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms.
• Rearrange furniture to allow more space for a walker or cane.
• Make sure you have a firm chair with armrests. Avoid low or rolling chairs.
• Set up sleeping arrangements to avoid using stairs.
• Consider a toilet seat riser and shower chair.

Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. You will also need a caregiver to stay with you for several days or up to one week after surgery to assist with daily activities.

Trusted friends or family can make daily tasks simpler so you can focus on healing after a hip replacement.

Knowing what’s next and staying in touch with your care team can help you feel confident and prepared for hip replacement surgery.

• Consider attending a Joint Camp class for more hands-on learning.
• Complete your pre-surgery assessment.
• Contact your care team directly with any questions or concerns.

After your doctor has reviewed what medications you’re taking, it’s crucial to follow their instructions on what to continue, stop or start taking to minimize side effects and complications during and after hip replacement surgery.

• You’ll receive a medication plan at your preop appointment.
• Typically, you’ll stop NSAIDs, vitamins and GLP-1s a week before surgery.
• On the day of surgery, only take medications that have been approved by your healthcare provider.

Clean skin and linens lower infection risk and set you up for a safer hip replacement procedure.

• Shower daily for three days before surgery.
• Use Theraworx wipes the night before surgery, one hour after showering.
• Do not shave the surgical area.
• Sleep in clean pajamas and on clean sheets.

Wearing clothing that is easy to remove helps you change quickly and move without strain. We recommend loose, comfortable clothing and closed-back shoes.

Be prepared to bring your ID, insurance card, toiletries and any assistive devices (e.g., walker, CPAP) to the hospital on surgery day.

Fasting as directed protects your lungs while you are under anesthesia.

• Do not eat anything or drink soda, milk or juice after 11 p.m. the night before hip replacement surgery.
• Drink only clear liquids up to two hours before arriving at the hospital.

These final checks help keep surgery day on schedule and stress-free.

• No makeup, deodorant, scented lotions or nail polish.
• Remove all jewelry, and leave valuables at home.
• Arrive on time or even early to ensure your surgery doesn’t get cancelled or delayed.

Here’s what you can expect in the first hours after your hip replacement procedure. 

• You'll begin recovery in a monitored space, then move to a private room.
• Pain medications will be provided to keep you comfortable.
• Most patients go home the same day or after one night.

A smooth ride home helps protect your new joint and keeps you comfortable. 

• Avoid long car rides. If needed, pull over to stretch every 30-45 minutes.

Recovery takes time. Our team takes great care to monitor the results of hip replacement procedures with regular questionnaires and post-op checkups. These milestones can help determine if you are on the right track: 

• You could begin moving the day of surgery.
• Fatigue, swelling and soreness reduces after the first week.
• You’re able to follow your home exercise plan to regain strength.