PATHWAY TO SURGERY
7 months post HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
Here’s our step-by-step guide.

1. FIRST CONSULTATION
What’s involved with a hip or knee surgery? Do you really need a total hip replacement? Will having a knee replacement enable you to enjoy a pain free active lifestyle again?
Answering these and other questions will be part of your consultation with our team of orthopaedic surgeons at Vincent Pallotti Hospital.
Please bring x-rays, referral letters and medical aid details to your appointment.
1. YOUR DIAGNOSIS
2. JOINT PRESERVATION VS REPLACEMENT
3. IS SURGERY NECESSARY?
4. OPTIMAL SURGICAL APPROACH
5. PROSTHESIS AND BEARING CHOICE
2. PREPARATION FOR SURGERY
These important steps are what you need to know leading up to surgery:
1. FITNESS FOR SURGERY
2. MEDICAL AID AUTHORISATION
3. HOME VISIT PRIOR TO ADMISSION
4. INFECTION CONTROL
This is a critical consideration as any source of infection can impact the success of a hip replacement or the placement of any prosthesis. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough, as the presence of any infection in the body can rapidly result in an infection of the prosthesis and impact the success of the surgery. Any indication of infection or inflammation will therefore result in the postponement of your operation.
Check for these signs of possible infection:
- Dental
It is important to see your dentist for a dental evaluation to reduce infection risk. Common infection sources include irritation from an orthodontic appliance, or any type of mouth infection.
- Feet and Hands
Make sure to check your feet for any type of fungal infection, ingrown nails, corns, or unhealed wounds. Also check your hands and fingers for cuts or infections.
- Skin preparation
Start washing your body with a medicated or antiseptic soap at least two days before surgery to reduce the presence of bacteria on your skin. Check your body for any kind of pimples. If you are unsure about anything, please contact us so that we can advise.
5. CONSENT FORM
Read, sign and return the consent form.


3. DAY OF SURGERY
Here is what you need to know to prepare:
ADMISSION – Please take note of your admission time so that you can arrive relaxed and on time.
NO EATING – As mentioned, all our patients should not eat nor drink 6 hours prior to their operation.
SHOWER – Take one last pre-operative medicated soap shower prior to admission to reduce the risk of infection.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS – The Anaesthetist will see you in the ward preceding the operation. If you have any special requirements, allergies or previous anaesthetic problems, please be sure to tell the medical staff.
THE PROCEDURE – This takes approximately 2 hours in the theatre. Once the Anaesthetist has checked you and is satisfied, you will be transferred to the recovery ward.
4. POST-OP
RECOVERY WARD – You will be transferred to the recovery ward the next morning if your vitals are stable and your recovery is progressing satisfactorily.
MOBILISATION – The physio will assist with your initial mobilisation. This is an important step to get you moving as soon as possible.
HOSPITAL STAY – You can expect your hospital stay to be between 2-5 days before you are discharged and can go home.
PHYSIO – The physio will provide you with the necessary information and exercises, so you can continue your mobilisation exercises at home.


5. HOME CARE
As an added service to you, Cape Hip and Knee Practice provides you with an experienced clinical nurse who will instruct you about your wound care and dressing to try and avoid the need to travel into hospital for wound inspection after 2 to 3 weeks.
The initial few weeks after surgery are vital for your recovery and it is important that you know what you need to do to get mobile again and make the best recovery possible.