Anticipated hip replacement recovery & timeline: A guide on what's coming post-surgery
One's Journey After a Hip Replacement Procedure
Navigating the aftermath of a hip replacement can vary for each individual. Most folks can kick off light-duty activities within three to six weeks post-surgery. But remember, everyone's recovery timeline is unique, and there are certain guidelines to keep in mind.
Pre-Surgery Preparations
It's crucial to prepare for the surgery well in advance. A series of measures will reduce the risk of complications, speed up recovery, and ensure a smoother experience. While both partial and total hip replacement preparations follow the same guidelines, the outcomes and recovery journey are pretty much the same for either type.
Steps you can take to prepare:
- Arrange a conversation with your doctor and healthcare team, understanding what to anticipate during and after the surgery.
- Consult with your physician about leg, core, and upper body exercises to strengthen your body before the procedure.
- Maintain a moderate weight, as overweight individuals may face higher risks during surgery.
- Quitting smoking — or at least reducing the number of cigarettes smoked — improves the recovery process.
- Have a reliable friend or family member to help out with daily activities for a week or two after you return home.
- Prepare some meals in advance to make life easier post-surgery.
- Make your home more accessible for yourself by setting up a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker, or crutches.
Immediately Post-Surgery
Following the procedure, you might spend one to two days in the hospital, though some folks may get discharged on the same day.
In the days following the surgery, your healthcare provider will administer pain medications, such as:
- Opioids
- Local anesthetics
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
- Acetaminophen
Stitches will hold the incision closed for roughly two weeks, and proper wound care will be discussed before you leave the hospital. You'll be encouraged to walk shortly after the surgery—even the same day—but it may feel a tad uncomfortable or painful. A physiotherapist will likely teach you exercises to strengthen your leg, advise on what activities to avoid, and how to prevent damage to the new hip, including sit and bend positions to avoid.
Returning Home
For several weeks after returning home, you may need assistance with daily tasks. Pain and discomfort should subside, but expect it to linger for a few weeks. Prescription medications should continue to be taken during this period. You'll likely attend physical therapy sessions or perform exercises recommended by your therapist at home. Regular exercises will aid recovery, boost flexibility, and enhance new joint strength.
At the Ten to Fourteen Day Mark
By the ten to fourteen-day mark, your stitches will likely be removed. Pain and swelling should begin to diminish (though for some, it may take longer). Your activity levels may also vary greatly during this stage, with some folks able to move around with more ease without aid. People who once relied on a cane or walker may still need it during this early recovery period.
The Recovery Continues...
Within three to six weeks, many individuals can generally engage in light activities of daily living. They sense increased strength, stability, and can safely put more weight on their leg. Basic self-care and light chores are all within reach. Many folks go back to work after six weeks, while sex may become an option after six to eight weeks.
Two months post-surgery, physical therapy remains crucial, and you can consult your doctor about when it's safe to participate in additional exercises, including swimming and walking.
Beyond Three Months
Post-three-months, you're likely ready to resume daily activities. Determine when to wean off physical therapy with your doctor, and by this time, you may be able to engage in low-impact sports.
As the recovery process progresses, it's important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to evaluate your progress and determine the most suitable physical therapy course.
What to Do and Avoid for a Speedy Recovery
To aid in a speedy recovery, follow these simple tips:
- Stick to your physical therapy exercises
- Partake in gentle exercises like daily walking
- Sit in a reclining position
- Use a cold compress to manage swelling
- Adhere to any prescription medications
- Use walking aids if necessary
Avoid resting for extended periods, crossing your legs at the knee, bending your hip more than 90 degrees, sitting in low chairs, intense exercise, or lifting heavy objects.
Older vs. Younger Individuals
Traditionally, hip replacements were not recommended for those younger than twenty due to unfavorable results. Nonetheless, some younger patients may require hip replacements due to osteonecrosis of the femoral head, a condition wherein the femoral head, the top part of the thigh bone, collapses. In such cases, a hip replacement can alleviate pain and restore functionality. Modern hip replacement implants are reported to lead to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations.
In younger folks, recovery is typically smooth; however, comorbid illnesses may complicate matters.
Older adults may face recovery challenges as they may already have compromised mobility. After hip surgery, older folks may need consistent assistance. Don't forget surgery in older adults may incur increased risks due to conditions such as heart, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. Portions of this data were sourced from [https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/surgery/joint-replacement-surgeries/hip-replacement/hip-replacement-effects-of-age]
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
In hip resurfacing, the femoral head is capped with a smooth metal cover instead of being removed. While the damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket are replaced with a metal shell. Recovery is quite similar to that of a standard hip replacement but on a shorter timeline. Most folks can head home within one to four days after hip resurfacing surgery. As soon as you're released, you may start putting weight on your leg, though you may still need a walking aid like a walker, cane, or crutches for the early stages of recovery.
Pain and discomfort will linger for several weeks, and your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more intense pain. Physical therapy remains essential after surgery and will focus on maintaining range of motion and restoring strength. You're likely to get back to your regular activities within six weeks.
Hip Replacement Surgery Outlook
For most individuals, hip replacement and resurfacing procedures lead to:
- Minimal pain
- Improved mobility
- Enhanced quality of life
- Better performance in daily activities
That being said, long-term effects and restrictions can still be present after the procedure:
• 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
- Numbness, pain, or stiffness at the incision site
- Metal detectors, like airport security detectors, may flag your hip replacement, so let the appropriate personnel know
- High-impact sports can raise the risk of falls, injuries, or the need for follow-up surgeries
- Antibiotics may be necessary before certain dental procedures, so ensure your dentist is aware of your hip replacement
- Sexual activity may be resumed around six weeks post-surgery, but use caution, safe positions, and supportive cushions
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I walk again after a hip replacement?
You might be able to walk short distances with assistance the same day of the surgery. Over time, you'll be able to walk longer distances.
How much bed rest do I need after my hip replacement surgery?
Try to start walking as soon as possible after hip replacement surgery. Prolonged bed rest is not necessary unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
What's the age limit for hip replacements?
• 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
There is no age limit for hip replacements. Your overall health and mobility will be taken into account, and the surgical risks can be low for those above 100.
How long does a hip implant or replacement last?
A modern artificial hip replacement will likely last for at least 15 years, with a 2019 review of over 200,000 individuals suggesting a 58% chance that the implant would last for over 25 years.
- In the process of preparing for a hip replacement surgery, it's essential to consult with your doctor about certain exercises to strengthen your body, such as leg, core, and upper body exercises.
- Since overweight individuals may face higher risks during surgery, maintaining a moderate weight is recommended as part of the pre-surgery preparations.
- The recovery process can be improved by quitting smoking or at least reducing the number of cigarettes smoked before the surgery.
- Unlike total hip replacements, certain medical-conditions like ulcerative colitis or chronic diseases like Alzheimer's may complicate the recovery process for partial hip replacements.
- After the surgery, your healthcare provider may discuss predictive medical markers, such as AQ (alpha-1 antichymotrypsin), to determine the likelihood of developing COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) during the recovery period.
- By attending physical therapy sessions or performing exercises recommended by a therapist at home, individuals going through the recovery process can expect enhanced health-and-wellness outcomes, improved mobility, and reduced risks of chronic-diseases related to aging.
