For my patients:

Anterior Approach Total Hip Replacement: Post-operative Instructions
Joseph John Ciotola, MD

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Physical therapy: There is minimal physical therapy required after a total hip through the anterior approach. There are no muscles cut with the anterior approach so extensive rehab is not necessary. The therapy after surgery is simply to get up and start walking, first with a walker, then a cane, then nothing. A home therapist will be arranged upon discharge home from the hospital to help you with this progression. Outpatient physical therapy is usually not necessary. You may put full weight on your leg unless otherwise specified by the doctor. “Hip precautions” are not necessary after anterior approach hip replacement. You may sit, bend, move, sleep and cross your legs however you want.

Equipment: No special equipment is required after anterior approach hip replacement. You will be given a walker and a cane. You will not need a special pillow, elevated toilet seat or bed.

Incision: Your incision has been closed with sutures that dissolve under the skin. Keep the incision clean and dry. Cover it with a dry gauze. Do not put any lotions, peroxide or ointments on the incision. You may shower when there is no further drainage from the incision. No baths of swimming allowed until cleared by the doctor.

Blood clots: To prevent a life threatening blood clot from forming in your deep veins you will be placed on Coumadin after surgery. You should also continue to where the compression stocking for two week after surgery. A home nurse will be out to the house to check you blood level to monitor your Coumadin dose.

Driving: You may drive as soon as you feel able and comfortable

Work: You may return to work as soon as you feel able and comfortable

Exercise: You may resume light exercise such as riding an exercise bike and walking 6 weeks after surgery.

Follow up: You should follow up with the doctor in the office 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and one year after the surgery. Call for an appointment: (410) 539-2227

Reasons to call the doctor:
1.) Persistent fever greater than 101.5.
2.) Pain in the calf.
3.) Increased pain, redness, drainage, or other signs of infection.


301 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202