What Should I Do Before Hip Surgery?

If you and your doctor have decided that surgery is the right option for you, you might want to prepare for the surgery by informing yourself about the procedure. Having sufficient information may help you feel more confident about the surgery and may make your recovery process more manageable and positive.

It is always a good idea to get a clear picture of the surgical procedure, the recovery period and living long-term with a prosthetic hip. Learning how much you can move your hip, what activities you can do and what type and level of pain you will experience post-surgery is an important first step. Feeling empowered to ask about your doctor’s experience with hip replacements, success rates, and advice on recovery plans will go a long way to help make your hip replacement a success. Don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s important for you to let your doctor know if you don’t understand something. Remember to be your own advocate and trust your instincts: you deserve to feel confident in this decision.