This form was created to help you successfully plan for your upcoming surgery. The best use for this form is to answer the questions to the best of your ability so that your physical therapist can clarify what is needed and what next steps should be taken at your pre-operative physical therapy session prior to surgery.
Do you know your hip precautions? This is to avoid dislocation. The most common precautions with a Posterior Approach Hip Replacement are no hip flexion past 90 °( hip to trunk angle), no adduction past midline( don’t cross your thighs), and no Internal Rotation( no standing pigeon footed). A good mantra is to “keep your knees apart from each other!”. Some surgeons are fine with a trunk between the knees for putting on shoes and socks IF you keep your knees apart. You will likely sleep with a pillow between the thighs for 6-8 weeks. Always Always Always clarify with your surgeon as every surgeon has different precautions they follow.
Do you have someone to pick you up from surgery?
What kind of car will you be picked up in? If it's too low, it can violate your hip precautions ( no flexion past 90 °). If it is too high, you can stand on a curb and have your kin drive up to you.
Will that person stay with you for 48 hours minimum? Are they willing to take out the garbage, make lunch, etc.?
Did you already fill your pain medication prescription, so you have it post-op?
Did you schedule your post-op visit with the doctor?
Do you own an ice pack or will you be provided with one post-op?
Do you have meals in the freezer? How about clean bedsheets ready for after surgery?
Have you arranged care for your pets (inside or outside the home) and removed any loose throw rugs so you don’t trip
Do you have a reacher? How about a long shoehorn?
When you sit on your toilet seat are your knees above your hips? If so, a raised toilet seat is needed for your precautions(no flexion past 90 °)
Do you have supportive footwear for post-op? Slippers can “slip”. Please no high heel shoes. Sneakers are best. If you are too swollen after surgery, you can lace your shoes like the rungs of a ladder and skip a few eyelets (the holes the laces go through).
Do you have stairs? If so, how many? Is there a rail? If so, what sided is it on?
Do you have a walker now or will one be provided for you postop? Do you have a cane for when it's time to transition? The need for a cane depends on your balance before surgery. If unsure, get a cane.
Are you scheduled for physical therapy? This is a good idea and usually begins 2 weeks after surgery with attendance every 1-2 weeks.
Do you have a ride to PT?
It’s important to find a physical therapy company who looks at you as a whole, and not just as a total hip. That’s why we developed this questionnaire because there is a lot more that physical therapists can help you be prepared for than simply just the exercises after physical therapy. If you’re considering a total hip replacement, we’d love to help you with your rehabilitation afterward.