Discharge Instructions for Hip Fracture Surgery

You had surgery to repair a hip fracture. The type of surgery you received depends on the location and severity of the fracture. You may have pins, screws, or rods (internal fixation devices) holding the fractured bone in place. Or, some or all of your hip may have been replaced. You must take care of your new hip as you recover at home or in a rehabilitation facility. This means moving and sitting the way you were taught in the hospital. You must also see your doctor for follow-up visits as you slowly return to activity. Remember: A total hip replacement is major surgery. So don’t be surprised if it takes a few months before you can move comfortably. Plan to have your family and friends help when you return home.

Home Care

• Take your pain medication exactly as directed.

• Don’t drive until your doctor says it’s okay. And never drive if you are taking narcotic pain medication.

• Wear the support stockings you were given in the hospital. Wear them 24 hours a day for 4 week(s).

• We will make arrangements to have your wound checked 2 weeks after surgery.

• Get up and move around at night to relieve pain.

• If you received an artificial hip joint, tell all your healthcare providers—including your dentist—about the joint before any procedure. You will likely need to take antibiotics before dental work and other medical procedures to reduce the risk of infection.

Incision Care

• Avoid infection by washing your hands often. If an infection occurs, it will need to be treated with antibiotics immediately. So call your doctor right away if you think you may have an infection. Symptoms of infection include a fever or leakage of white, greenish, or yellowish-colored fluid from the incision.

• Check your incision daily for redness, tenderness, or drainage.

• Avoid soaking your wound in water (no hot tubs, bathtubs, swimming pools) until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Wait until instructed by your doctor to shower. Then shower as needed. Carefully wash your incision with soap and water. Gently pat it dry. Don’t rub the incision, or apply creams or lotions. And sit on a shower stool when you shower to keep from falling.

Sitting and Sleeping

• Don’t sit for more than 30-45 minutes at a time.

• Use chairs with arms, and sit with your knees slightly lower than your hips. Don’t sit on low or sagging chairs or couches.

• Don’t lean forward while sitting.

• Don’t cross your legs.

• Keep your feet flat on the floor. Don’t turn your foot or leg inward. This stresses your hip joint.

• Use an elevated toilet seat for 6 week(s) after surgery.

• Don’t sleep on your stomach or on the side of your surgery.

• Use pillows between your legs when sleeping on your back or on your healthy side.

• Sit on a firm cushion when you ride in a car and avoid sitting too low. Try not to bend your hip too much when getting in and out of the car.

Moving Safely

• Don’t bend at the hip when you bend over. Don’t bend at the waist to put on socks and shoes. And avoid picking up items from the floor.

• Use a cane, crutches, a walker, or handrails until your balance, flexibility, and strength improve. And remember to ask for help from others when you need it.

• Free up your hands so that you can use them to keep balance. Use a fanny pack, apron, or pockets to carry things.

• Follow your doctor’s orders regarding how much weight to place on the affected leg.

• Do all exercises as instructed.

• Arrange your household to keep the items you need within reach.

• Remove electrical cords, throw rugs, and anything else that may cause you to fall.

• Use nonslip bath mats, grab bars, an elevated toilet seat, and a shower chair in your bathroom.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.