HIP REPLACEMENT (ARTHROPLASTY)
Patients must be seen in Hobart for surgical opinion prior to booking surgery. After consultation, surgery can be arranged at a later date at a time that is suitable.
Pre Operative Appointments
Patients are required to travel to Hobart for a day, 2-3 weeks prior to Hip Replacement surgery to attend:
- Pre-Admission Clinic with the hospital (which will include routine pathology, ECG and a pre-op X-ray). These investigations cannot be done interstate prior to admission.
- Consultation with Anaesthetist.
These cannot be done via a telephone consult.
Hospital Stay
Patients are admitted into hospital on the day of their scheduled surgery and will remain in hospital for 1-3 days following. Patients are required to stay in Hobart for a minimum of 5 days following surgery. This is to comply with airline regulations and to minimise the risk of DVT.
Post Operative Appointments
A post operative appointment with Mr Pritchard will be arranged in Hobart at approximately 10 days post surgery.
Patients will be required have an xray approximately 6 weeks post surgery and post the films to our Hobart rooms. A phone consultation will be arranged with Mr Pritchard at the 6 week mark.
Physiotherapy Post Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement
Patients are seen by the physiotherapist in hospital the day of surgery. They will progress and monitor your movement and strength during your hospital stay.
On discharge from hospital, it is recommended that these exercises are continued at home until review at 6 weeks.
Not all patients require monitored follow-up physiotherapy after leaving hospital. Mr Pritchard will advise if this is indicated prior to discharge.
Overseas Travel
When planning surgery, overseas travel is not recommended under 10-12 weeks post joint replacement.