Healing time
If the Hip-Tep was used for the first time in an operation, a healing process is set in motion.
- In the first few days, the metabolism at the surgical wound is activated to start the healing process. The blood circulation is stimulated to bring important substances to the operation site.
- After that, the tissue, such as the bones, ligaments, muscles and other body structures at the hip tep is built up.
Here, a balanced load is important so that the tissue gets the information how it should be built. Such a tissue build-up can last from several weeks to months.
- Then comes the phase of strengthening the tissue, which should become more stable and be able to withstand higher loads. This last phase can last from half a year to a full year, depending on the patient.
Pain relief – what helps acutely
Especially in the first days after an operation, the surgical site can be painful. In addition to pain-relieving medication, cooling can help reduce the swelling and pain. The cooling can be applied to the surgical site in the form of a cool pack.
It is important that the cool pack does not come into direct contact with the skin, otherwise there is a risk of frostbite. Therefore, place a towel or similar in between. Measures such as manual lymph drainage and compression in the form of bandages can also be used to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. More information on pain relief can be found in the article: Physiotherapy after hip surgery
Complications – What are the risks/What can I do wrong?
Important for a hip tep is the recovery of the hip function. Therefore the Hip-Tep should sit stable in the hip joint to ensure this function. With a good surgical technique and good joint conditions, a Hip-Tep lies stable in the joint.
The stronger the muscles are rebuilt and the tissue is strengthened, the more stable the hip tep will be in the hip and the risk of dislocation will decrease with age.
- Nevertheless, certain movements of the leg, especially after the operation, should be avoided in the first few months in order to avoid luxation of the hip tep. The leg should not be moved over the middle of the body, nor should the leg with the prosthesis be placed on top of the other.
Movements over the middle of the body are the bending of the thigh towards the upper body or moving the operated leg towards the other leg as when the legs are crossed.
- You should also avoid twisting your leg, for example when wiping the floor with one leg.
- In addition, the leg should not be moved backwards too much.
- The patient should not bend down to pick something up, as the Hip-Tep will then be subjected to too much stress. This applies to both standing and lying down. There are a variety of aids for picking things up in a straight position or putting on socks or shoes.
