Preparation for Surgery

Because pain in the hip joint is usually a gradual development, its cause has been diagnosed in most cases by the time the patient is ready to consider hip replacement surgery. At MIOT, the doctors will take careful medical and employment history of the patient in order to determine the most likely cause of the pain and whether the patient’s job may be a factor and if the patient is fit for the surgery.

During the preoperative evaluation, the physician will determine which of these tests are required, based on patient’s age and medical conditions.

• blood tests for kidney and liver functions,
• urinalysis
• chest X-ray
• X-ray of the affected hip
• CT (to generate three-dimensional images of the hip joint so to evaluate the severity of avascular necrosis and to obtain a more accurate picture of malformed or unusually shaped joints)
• MRI (if necessary for the diagnosing the intensity of avascular necrosis)
• Bone densitometry test

A review of all medications being taken by the patient

• Anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin, are often discontinued one week prior to surgery because of the effect of these medications on platelet function and blood clotting.)
• steroids (can cause avascular necrosis)

• to examine injuries, falls, or other accidents that may have affected the hip joint
• evaluate his or her general fitness for surgery

• family history for osteoarthritis or diabetes

• Total hip joint replacement can involve blood loss. Patients planning to undergo total hip replacement can donate their own (autologous) blood to be stored for transfusion during the surgery or their blood group can be arranged through the Blood blank facility.

• In the case of obesity, the operation may be postponed until the patient loses weight
• Any indications of infection, severe heart or lung disease, or active metabolic disturbances such as uncontrolled diabetes may postpone or defer total hip joint surgery.

Patients are asked to do the following in preparation for hip replacement surgery:

• Get in shape physically by doing exercises for strengthening the heart and lungs, building up the muscles around the hip, and increasing the range of motion of the hip joint.
• Loose weight if the surgeon recommends it.
• Quit smoking.

Remaining active while waiting for your surgery is an important key to the success of your surgery. Studies have shown that the stronger and more flexible you are before your operation the quicker you will recover and more flexible you will be after the operation. Gentle exercise such as walking, range of motion exercises and swimming can help you to stay strong and flexible. Seek your doctor’s advice before beginning any exercise.