hip replacement and wound management

[vshewy]

I had an anterior hip replacement done in December.  Last weekend the incision started coming open.  I went to the doc this morning and he put me on antibiotics and wants me to go to a PT and have him do wound management 3 or 4 times a week.  I talked to a friend who is a PT and she doesn't know what he's talking about.  Can't I take care of the wound myself?  It's kind of embarrassing having to hold my big fat gut out of the way so they can see the little hole right in the fold.  What can I do to get the thing healed up?

[CassCore]

You really need to keep the area clean and and covered. A physical therapist can clean the wound for you, but the doctor probably wants you to see a medical professional to make sure the wound isn't/doesn't become infected. Use a saline solution and sterile gauze. I work at a physical therapy clinic (I am an Athletic Trainer), and we do some wound care on post-operative patients, but mostly our job is to detect an unhealthy or infected wound. Your doctor may have suggested you have your wound checked at physical therapy since you are probably going for rehab anyway. Don't be embarrassed. We've seen it all! Good luck and happy healing!

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You would need to go for re-suturing if your incision opens up.

Talk with your orthopaedic surgeon and ask what treatment protocol he will follow in your case?

Start antibiotics to avoid and clear any infection and take NSAIDs for pain relief and controlling inflammation.

Take a second opinion also.

Take care!