After your total hip replacement via the direct anterior approach, you will leave hospital with a Hypafix dressing over a small incision on the front of your hip. This guide explains how to change it at home. The hip incision is generally smaller and easier to manage than a knee replacement dressing.
About Your Hip Wound Dressing
The direct anterior approach uses an incision on the front of the hip — typically 8–10cm long. Hypafix dressing is applied before you leave hospital. It is waterproof, breathable, and designed to remain in place during showering.
Leave the dressing until it begins to lift naturally, or remove it after two weeks if still fully intact. The wound will be well sealed within this timeframe.
Step-by-Step Dressing Change
You will need: Hypafix tape, scissors, and clean hands. Because the hip incision is on the side of your body, a second person can be very helpful.
- Remove the old dressing — peel slowly from the edges, supporting the wound with your other hand as you go.
- Inspect the wound — look for unexpected redness (beyond the immediate wound edge), any discharge, or wound separation. If concerned, photograph and contact our rooms.
- Pat dry if the wound was damp after a shower.
- Apply new Hypafix — cut to cover the full wound with 1–2cm margin on all sides. Smooth all edges firmly to skin.
Watch Dr Chien-Wen Liew discuss this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
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