After Hip Replacement: When to Call Your Surgeon

Man on telephone.It’s important to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions after your hip replacement surgery. If you have questions, call your doctor.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if you have any of the following:

  • Chest pain

  • Shortness of breath

When to call your doctor 

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

  • Hip pain gets worse

  • Pain or swelling in your calf or leg not related to your incision

  • Tenderness or redness in your calf

  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

  • Shaking chills

  • Swelling or redness at the incision site gets worse

  • Fluid draining from the incision or a bad smell

Preventing infections

An infection can harm the new joint. An example of an infection is pneumonia or a bladder infection. Be sure to call your surgeon or primary care doctor if you think you have an infection. Also call if you schedule a medical or dental procedure. You may need to take antibiotics to help prevent infection.

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