Anticipated recuperation phases after hip replacement surgery: Understanding the healing process
Hip replacement surgery ain't no walk in the park, but don't worry, it's doable. Here's the lowdown on what to expect.
Before the surgery
To minimize complications and speed up recovery, it's essential to prepare your body several weeks before the big day. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) says you got 3 to 6 weeks to get ready for full or partial hip replacement.
During this time, talk to your doc, do some leg exercises, watch the weigh-scale, and maybe even quit smoking. It's also wise to arrange for some help around the house and get your digs ready for accessibility.
During the surgery
Most folks spend 1 to 2 days in the hospital after the surgery, but some might get to go home the same day. The doc will give you some painkillers, like opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen, to handle your discomfort.
They'll probably stitch or staple the incision, and you'll need to do some wound care while you're healing at home. The medical team will walk you through that.
You'll be on your feet as soon as possible after surgery, and a physio might show you how to exercise your leg to strengthen your hip and avoid damaging your new joint.
After coming home
You might need help with daily tasks for a few weeks, and some folks may need to stay in a rehab center. You'll likely feel some pain and discomfort for a couple of weeks, so keep taking your meds.
Your physical therapist might recommend exercises to speed up recovery, improve flexibility, and increase strength in your new joint. If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist might check in to help with your recovery.
Keep your surgery incision wound dry until your doc removes the stitches or staples.
Recovery timeline
10-14 days post-surgery
By this time, your stitches should be out, and your pain and swelling might start to decrease (although it might take longer for some). Your activity levels may vary, and you might still need a cane or walker if you used one before surgery.
Beyond 2 weeks
You should feel strong enough, stable, and comfortable putting more weight on your leg, allowing you to do some light self-care and chores. Many folks feel ready to return to work after 6 weeks, and after 6 to 8 weeks, you might be able to have sex again.
Keep doing physical therapy as your physical therapist recommends for at least 2 months after surgery. Ask your doctor when it's safe to do additional exercises, like swimming or walking.
Beyond 3 months
Around three months post-surgery, you might be able to resume daily activities. Check with your doc about when it's safe to reduce or stop physical therapy and when you can do low-impact sports.
Recovery varies, so chat with your doctor to evaluate your progress and find out which physical therapy techniques will benefit you most.
Tips to aid recovery
Do what your physical therapist says, try gentle exercises, sit in a reclining position, use cold compresses to reduce swelling, and take your meds as prescribed. Avoid sitting still for long periods, crossing your legs at the knee, bending your hip more than 90 degrees, and intense exercises that might involve jumping or sudden turns.
Recovery in older vs. younger people
Traditionally, hip replacements for people under 20 weren't advisable due to less-than-ideal outcomes. However, younger patients might need a total hip replacement due to osteonecrosis of the femoral head, where the top part of the thigh bone collapses. These cases can have favorable outlooks, providing pain relief and restoring function.
• sitting still for long periods• crossing the legs at the knee• bending the hip more than 90 degrees• bending down to touch the feet or ankles• sitting in low chairs• intense exercise, which may involve jumping or sudden turns• moving or lifting heavy objects
Modern hip replacement implants have led to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations, but age isn't the only factor—overall health and mobility are crucial too.
Recovery can be more challenging for older adults, who may have compromised mobility. They may require permanent assistance after hip surgery. Older adults are also more likely to have heart and lung diseases, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure. Discuss diagnostic tests and treatments for these conditions with your doctor.
Avoiding falls is a priority for older adults after hip replacement surgery, as a fall could lead to more problems. They may benefit from using a walker, crutches, or a walking stick until they're stable.
Hip resurfacing recovery
In hip resurfacing, the surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it. They remove the damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket and replace it with a metal shell.
Most people can go home 1 to 4 days after hip resurfacing surgery, and they may start moving with walking aids like a walker, cane, or crutches immediately afterward. Some people might experience pain and discomfort for several weeks after surgery.
• follow physical therapy exercises as a physical therapist instructs• try other gentle exercises, such as daily walking• sit in a reclining position• use a cold compress to reduce swelling• take any prescription medications as a doctor instructs• use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary
A doctor may recommend physical therapy and exercises to maintain range of motion and restore strength, with patients resuming their regular activities around 6 weeks after surgery.
Hip replacement surgery outlook
Following hip replacement surgery, folks can expect less pain, better mobility, a better quality of life, and improvements in daily activities. However, there might be long-term effects like numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.
Hip replacement may affect aspects of your life like metal detectors, high-impact sports, dental procedures, and sexual activity. Make sure to let the right people know about your hip replacement before security screenings, high-impact sports, dental procedures, and when participating in sexual activity.
That's it! Remember, every body is different, so talk to your doctor about your specific situation and expectations. Good luck with your recovery!
- In addition to researching hip replacement surgery, it's crucial to learn about other health-and-wellness topics, such as chronic-diseases like ulcerative colitis, Alzheimer's, COPD, and cancer, to maintain overall health.
- For mental health, therapies-and-treatments like physical therapy, exercise, and nutrition can play a significant role in managing physical-therapy needs post-surgery and addressing mental-health concerns.
- Obesity can lead to various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular-health issues, and hinder recovery after surgery, so it's essential to maintain a healthy weight through proper nutrition and fitness-and-exercise.
- Aging brings about changes in cardiovascular-health, and it's essential to follow your doctor's recommendations for maintaining heart health during and post-surgery.
- Predictive science plays a significant role in understanding the recovery timeline for hip replacement surgery, helping both patients and medical professionals plan for the best possible outcomes.
- Science has made advancements in offering alternative hip treatments, such as hip resurfacing, which can help reduce complications and speed up recovery.
- For older adults who undergo hip replacement surgery, maintaining cardiovascular-health and avoiding falls are essential to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Post-surgery, it's important to adhere to your physical therapist's recommendations for physical therapy exercises, gentle exercises, using cold compresses to reduce swelling, and taking prescribed medication.
- AQ (Arthroplasty Quality of Life Index) provides a measurable tool for evaluating patient-reported outcomes for various medical-conditions, including hip replacements, offering valuable insights into the quality of life improvements that result from the surgery.
