Removing stiches after hip replacement surgery

Your surgical wound is closed with stitches or staples that should be removed approximately 16-18 days after the surgery. Contact your registered physician for the removal.

Care

A surgical wound is an ideal gateway for bacteria to enter the body. Always wash your hands before caring for your incision.

To prevent infection your incision site should be covered with clean and dry dressing until stitches and staples are removed. 

Hygiene

• We recommend that you wait 48 hours after surgery before showering. Keep the dressing on when you shower.
• Change the dressing if wet or bled through. The surgical dressing should not be removed until the stitches or staples are removed.
• Do not take a bath or go swimming in a pool or the ocean until stitches and staples are removed and the surgical wound is completely healed and without a scab.

Infection

There is always a risk of infection after a cut or wound. Pay attention to the following symptoms and contact your physician or the emergency clinic if suspecting an infection.

The symptoms of infection are

• Increasing pain and soreness around the wound.
• Redness, heat and/or swelling around the wound.
• Throbbing pain occurring after the first few days.
• Yellow, green or grey discharge from the wound.
• Fever or reduced general condition.

Contact the Orthopedic clinic if you suspect an infection or if you experience other problems with the wound.

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