Your Care Instructions
Your child's prosthetic hip is a large and fairly stable joint. Usually it takes a hard fall, a car crash, or something else of great force to make the thigh bone slip out of its socket (dislocate). But since your child has had hip replacement surgery, the hip can more easily slip out of position. This is more common during the first few months after the surgery.
The doctor will put your child's hip back in place. What happens next depends on the age of your child. An older child may need to use a walking aid or a hip brace for several weeks or months while the hip heals. A younger child may be put in a spica cast. This will keep the hip from moving.
Exercise and physiotherapy can help your child's hip get strong and move normally again. You can also help your child get better with rest and home care.
Your child may have had a sedative to help them relax. Your child may be unsteady after getting a sedative. It takes time (sometimes a few hours) for the medicine's effects to wear off. Common side effects of sedation include nausea, vomiting, and feeling sleepy or cranky.
The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.