What to Expect after Hip Replacement

Pain Control

Pain after joint replacement has multiple sources. A major contributor to pain is swelling. Consistent and constant elevation of the operative extremity above the heart will reduce swelling. Placing you leg on a chair or stool is usually not enough right after surgery. We recommend placing a sofa cushion, towels, or pillows under the foot of your mattress to keep the leg above the level of the heart. Having your leg down in a dependent position will increase swelling and pain. Additionally, the application of ice may also offer relief. Please apply ice in 30 minute intervals while awake. Insure that your skin is protected from direct contact with the ice and never fall asleep with ice on your skin as it may result in frostbite.

Please use the listed pain medications in this priority (e.g., Tylenol, anti-inflammatory, Ultram, Neurontin, narcotics) for maximal pain relief and minimal systemic side effects. As your pain improves, please wean yourself off these pain medications using the opposite priority (e.g., narcotics, Neurontin, Ultram, anti-inflammatory, Tylenol).

1) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1,000 mg by mouth four times daily

NOTE: Do not take more than 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period

AVOID: History of liver disease

2) Celecoxib (Celebrex) 100 mg by mouth twice daily

NOTE: Do not take more than 400 mg in a 24-hour period

AVOID: History of kidney disease or serious cardiac events

3) Tramadol (Ultram) 50 mg by mouth four times daily

NOTE: Do not take more than 400 mg in at 24-hour period

AVOID: Psychiatric Medications (i.e., SSRI)

4) Gabapentin (Neurontin) 300 mg by mouth three times daily

NOTE: Do not take more than 2,400 mg in at 24-hour period

5) Oxycodone (Roxicodone) 5 mg by mouth every 4 hours

Note: This medication is responsible for many uncomfortable side effects, including drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and constipation

Medications to Control Side Effects

1) Omeprazole (Prilosec) 40 mg by mouth daily while on anti-inflammatory

2) Odansetron ODT (Zofran ODT) 8 mg by mouth up to three times daily for nausea

3) Docusate (Colace) 200 mg by mouth twice daily while on narcotics