Providence Orthopaedics - Joint Replacement - Hip Pathway

Your Providence joint replacement team has developed a "pathway" for total hip replacement. A pathway is a detailed agenda of the progress you will experience the first few days after surgery. Pathways are very helpful to both you and your family. Pathways provide a guide to a reasonable level of expectations and goals while providing a way to track your progress.

	DAY 1 (first day after surgery)	DAY 2	DAY 3
Medications	Pain managed by IV, injections or pills IV antibiotics to prevent infection Blood thinner possible to prevent blood clots	Pain managed with pills and/or injections	Pain managed with pills Nurse reviews medications for home
Activity	Transfer to chair 3 times with staff assistance Use pillow between legs when in bed Begin exercise plan with Physical Therapist Ice packs to hip, as tolerated	Begin getting out of bed on your own Learn to manage stairs safely with therapist Transfer to chair 3 times with staff assistance Use pillow between legs when in bed Begin exercise plan with Physical Therapist Ice packs to hip, as tolerated	Get out of bed independently Walk 25 to 50 feet with walker Therapist teaches you how to manage stairs safely Ice packs to hip, as tolerated Independent with hip exercises
Breathing Exercises	Deep breathing with breathing exerciser every hour while awake	Deep breathing with breathing exerciser every hour while awake	Deep breathing with breathing exerciser every hour while awake
Diet	Eat as much as you like; Drink water and juices	Constipation is possible; Eat fruits and vegetables; drink water and juices.	Eat fresh fruits and vegetables; drink water and juices
Bathroom	Catheter may be removed today May begin walking to bathroom with assistance	Walk to bathroom to build strength and prepare for discharge	Walk to the bathroom
Self Care	Feed and bathe yourself, with assistance if necessary Dress in street clothes, if possible	Bathe yourself with minimal assistance Dress in street clothes with assistance	Therapist teaches you how to manage tub or shower Dress and shower independently
Planning Your Return Home	Meet with Occupational Therapist	Work with therapists to identify home equipment needs; Therapists place orders Discuss other concerns with therapists Demonstrate hip precautions You may be discharged today based on your progress	Follow hip precautions with all movement Nurse reviews instructions for home care, including incision care, medications, and follow-up appointments with physician Equipment delivered to hospital or home before discharge You will be discharged today

St. John Providence Health System

Providence Orthopaedics - Joint Replacement - Hip Pathway