FAQ – Hip Fracture Surgery

What is the need for surgery in hip fracture?

Surgery is required to relieve pain and help to restore mobility as most of the hip fractures do not heal without surgery and patients may develop complications associated with reduced mobility, such as pressure sores and chest infections.

Will there be any pain after the surgery?

The procedure is performed under anesthesia and patient may hardly feel any pain for up to 12 hours. After that, pain medication, either tablets or injections, are given to make patient as comfortable as possible.

How long will patient need to stay in hospital after hemiarthroplasty?

Patient will be required to stay for a few days in the hospital depending upon the procedure performed and patient condition after surgery. It may range from 2 -6 days.

What should the patient expect during recovery & rehabilitation?

During the recovery period, physiotherapy and occupational therapy are generally advised to patients so that they can better take care of themselves. Patient is given an instruction list that needs to be followed along with proper medication.

How is recovery after elbow surgery?

Recovery is quite smooth after elbow surgery. Surgeon generally restricts the movement of the elbow by sling or other devices. Initially, it takes around 6 weeks for the elbow to heal after surgery. Complete recovery may take 6 months to 1 year depending upon the type of surgery and condition of the patient.

What should the patient eat and drink after surgery?

Although there are no specific diet or extra vitamins/nutrients needed to recover from the surgery, it is important to have a normal healthy balanced diet and plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.

What should the patient do in case any problem arises in the surgery site?

Following conditions should not be ignored and immediately reported to the surgeon:

• Excessive swelling in lower leg or ankle
• Sudden swelling, redness, warmth and pain in the whole leg
• Worsening pain in the leg
• Fever
• Shortness of breath