Preparing for Arthroplasty: Issues to Consider

Many elderly adults suffer fatal consequences attributed to hip injury, or progressive osteoarthritis, and the long term recovery of hip replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty. For many, the complications associated with the hip are usually based upon the sudden decrease in exercise and the loss of independence and mobility.

Arthroplasty is not a surgical procedure of the hip that should be made suddenly. Taking the time to weigh the risks and benefits is important unless, of course, the arthroplasty is required and attributed to a traumatic injury. Such alternative considerations might include the use of assistive walking devices, such as a cane, or aggressive therapy to strengthen bones and muscles in the area. In addition, the use of NSAIDs are also quite successful in alleviate progressive pain due to hip joint deterioration. For patients with poor healing responses, those with Parkinson's disease or other muscular atrophy complications, arthroplasty may simply not be an option.

If you've decided, however, that arthroplasty is necessary to treat your injury or progressive hip complication, you should be well versed in the events and recovery that will occur following hip replacement surgery. Because most fatal statistics attributed to hip complications lie root in the irrational expectations of recovery, understanding what to expect may help to avoid this complication in your own hip surgery recovery.

While we can generally expect the recovery to be slow in the first week after arthroplasty, it is the six months after surgery that are often not anticipated. Because most complications associated with long term healing involve the lack of preparation, there are some key areas of attention in your home that should be addressed before arthroplasty takes place. First, be sure you have all of your home conveniences close to you. These items might include a telephone, small trashcan, books, radio, and television with remote. Your kitchen should be well stocked with easy to eat foods and snacks and can even be supplied and stored in a place close to your bed.