Recovery Process and Timeframe Following Hip Replacement Surgery: Insights on What to Anticipate
Recovery from a hip replacement surgery is a unique process for each individual, but most people can return to light activities within three to six weeks following the procedure. Preparation before the surgery is crucial to minimize risk and promote a smoother recovery.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), patients are typically capable of resuming independent daily living and light activities within the same timeframe. Preparatory steps taken prior to surgery can impact the recovery timeline significantly.
Prior to undergoing a partial or total hip replacement, an individual should prepare their body for the surgery at least several weeks in advance. This helps minimize complications and expedites the recovery process. The preparation process is identical for both surgery types.
Steps patients can take to prepare for the surgery include:
- Discuss the surgery with their healthcare team and research what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Ask the doctor about leg-strengthening exercises to perform in the lead up to the surgery.
- Maintaining a moderate weight, which can reduce complications during the surgery.
- Limiting or stopping tobacco use.
- Arranging for someone to assist with daily activities for the week or two following their return home after surgery.
- Preparing meals in advance for easier consumption post-surgery.
- Ensuring the home is accessible and convenient, complete with items such as a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker, or crutches.
Following a partial or total hip replacement, patients may remain in the hospital for one to two days, or they may return home the same day as the surgery. In the days following the surgery, doctors will typically administer pain relievers, including opioids, local anesthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen. The surgeon may staple or stitch the incision closed for about two weeks, requiring wound care at home.
Healthcare professionals will encourage patients to get up and move around as soon as possible after the surgery. A person may be able to walk short distances with assistance on the day of the operation, although this can initially be painful or uncomfortable.
A physiotherapist may show the patient exercises to strengthen the leg, provide advice on activities to avoid, and demonstrate how to sit and bend to protect the new hip.
Upon returning home, patients may require assistance with daily tasks for several weeks, or they may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. Patients may experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks after surgery and should continue taking any prescribed medications. Patients may also attend physical therapy or be recommended to perform specific exercises at home.
By ten to fourteen days after the surgery, stitches will typically have been removed, and pain and swelling may start to subside, although this can vary from person to person. People who previously required a cane or walker before the surgery may still need it during this early recovery period.
Within three to six weeks, many people are able to resume light activities of daily living. They may feel stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on their leg. After six weeks, many people feel ready to return to work, and after six to eight weeks, they may be able to safely have sex again.
Patients should continue physical therapy as their physical therapist recommends, even for two months after the surgery. Patients can speak with their doctor about when it is safe to engage in additional exercises, such as swimming and walking.
After three months, patients may be able to resume daily activities provided they consult with their doctor first. Recovery can vary greatly, but people should keep in touch with their doctor for evaluations and advice on the most suitable physical therapy regimens.
To aid recovery, patients should adhere to certain guidelines, such as:
| To do: | To avoid: || --- | --- || - Follow physical therapy exercises as instructed by the physical therapist | - Sitting still for long periods || - Try other gentle exercises, such as daily walking | - Crossing the legs at the knee || - Sit in a reclining position | - Bending the hip more than 90 degrees || - Use a cold compress to reduce swelling | - Bending down to touch the feet or ankles || - Take prescription medications as directed by the doctor | - Sitting in low chairs || - Use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary | - Intense exercise, which may involve jumping or sudden turns || - Move or lift heavy objects | - Any activities that may damage the new hip |
Recovery may be more challenging for older adults due to compromised mobility or underlying health conditions. After hip surgery, they may need permanent assistance. People should discuss diagnostic tests and treatments for health conditions such as heart and lung disease, high blood pressure, and clogged arteries with their doctors.
• 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
In hip resurfacing, a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it, although they will still remove damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket and replace it with a metal shell. Patients can typically go home within one to four days after hip resurfacing surgery, although they may need a walking aid such as a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
People can expect improvements in their mobility, pain levels, and general quality of life after hip replacement surgery. However, they may continue to experience peripheal numbness, persistent pain, or joint stiffness around the incision site. Hip replacements can also impact other aspects of life, such as the need for antibiotics before dental procedures, airport metal detectors potentially detecting the hip replacement, and careful consideration of sexual activity and positioning during physical intimacy.
In recent years, modern hip replacement implants have shown promising outcomes for younger populations, although there may still be complications due to underlying health conditions. People should consult with their doctors for expert guidance on their recovery process and the steps they can take to optimize their outcomes.
• 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
- In some cases, people may develop chronic diseases such as colitis, ulcerative colitis, Alzheimer's, COPD, obesity, and other medical conditions during their recovery from hip replacement surgery.
- Science and medical research are continually working to develop predictive models for these chronic diseases, helping doctors to manage and prevent them in their patients.
- Physical therapy plays a crucial role in healing and preventing chronic diseases during the recovery period. The exercises prescribed by physical therapists can help maintain mobility and address weakened muscles that are prone to further complications.
- To ensure a swift and smooth recovery, it is essential to follow the physical therapist's advice and create a personalized health and wellness plan that suits specific needs, such as dietary requirements and exercise routines.
- Adequate nutrition and regular exercise are essential components of any health and wellness plan, helping to reduce the risk of developing obesity and chronic diseases while promoting overall well-being.
- It is crucial to work with healthcare professionals to monitor and manage any chronic diseases that may develop during the recovery period, ensuring a long, healthy life post-surgery.
