What is hip replacement surgery?

After hip replacement surgery (anterior): When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
• You have signs of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.
• Your leg or foot turns cold or changes color.
• You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your leg or foot.
• You have signs that your hip may be dislocated, including:
  • Severe pain and not being able to stand.
  • A crooked leg that looks like your hip is out of position.
  • Not being able to bend or straighten your leg.
• You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative.
• You do not get better as expected.