Expected recovery timeline following hip replacement surgery: Insights on the healing process
Hip replacement surgery recovery time can vary between individuals but most patients can engage in light activities within three to six weeks following surgery. Preparation ahead of the procedure plays a crucial role in speeding up recovery and minimizing potential complications.
Before Hip Replacement Surgery
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), most individuals find themselves capable of resuming everyday tasks and light activities within three to six weeks post-surgery. However, the steps taken before the operation may significantly impact the overall recovery process. Preparation for a partial or total hip replacement involves several weeks of preparation to reduce the risk of complications and accelerate recovery.
To prepare for surgery, patients should:
- Discuss the surgery with their doctor and healthcare team, as well as research what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Engage in exercises to strengthen their legs, core, and upper body before the surgical date.
- Maintain a moderate weight to lower the risk of complications during the procedure.
- Limit or stop smoking if possible.
- Arrange for assistance with daily activities for around a week or two after returning home.
- Prepare meals ahead of time to ease post-operative demands.
- Make their home accessible by equipping it with items such as a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker or crutches, and any other necessary equipment.
After Hip Replacement Surgery and the First Few Days
After a partial or total hip replacement, patients typically remain in the hospital for one to two days. Some individuals might even go home on the same day as the surgery.
Following surgery, doctors usually administer pain relievers, which may include opioids, local anesthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or acetaminophen. The surgical incision is usually left open for approximately two weeks to promote healing, and proper wound care at home will be discussed with the medical team.
Doctors will help patients get up and move around as soon as possible post-surgery. In some cases, patients may be able to walk short distances without assistance on the day of the operation, although this may initially feel uncomfortable.
A physical therapist will show the patient exercises to strengthen their leg and provide advice on activities to avoid. Additionally, they will instruct the patient on ways to sit and bend to protect the new hip.
Returning Home After a Hip Replacement
Patients may require assistance with daily tasks for several weeks after their return home or they may need to reside in a rehabilitation facility. Some pain and discomfort can be expected for a few weeks, and patients should continue taking any prescribed medications.
Patients may participate in physical therapy or be advised to perform exercises at home that their physical therapist recommends. Performing daily exercises will help speed recovery and improve flexibility and strength in the new joint.
If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist may check in and assist with recovery. It is essential to keep the surgery incision wound dry until a doctor removes the stitches or staples.
Hip Replacement Recovery at 10 to 14 Days
By 10 to 14 days after the operation, patients should no longer have their stitches. Pain and swelling may start to decrease, although this may take longer for some individuals. Patients who previously used a cane or walker before the surgery may still need assistance during this early recovery period.
Hip Replacement Recovery Beyond 2 Weeks
Within three to six weeks, many patients can generally resume light activities of daily living. They may feel stronger, more stable, and more comfortable putting weight on their leg. They may also be able to perform basic self-care tasks and light chores.
Many patients feel ready to return to work after six weeks, but this can vary. After six to eight weeks, patients may be able to safely engage in sexual activity again.
Patients should continue physical therapy as their physical therapist recommends for at least two months after surgery. They can consult their doctor about when it is safe to engage in additional exercise, such as swimming and walking.
Hip Replacement Recovery Beyond 3 Months
At the three-month mark, a patient may be able to resume daily activities. They should confer with their doctor about when to reduce or stop physical therapy. By this time, patients may be able to participate in low-impact sports.
Recovery can vary, and patients should check in with their doctor for an evaluation of their progress and to discuss the types of physical therapy that would best benefit them.
Tips to Aid Recovery
Patients can try the following tips to improve their hip replacement recovery:
- Adhere to physical therapy exercises as instructed by their physical therapist.
- Try other gentle exercises, such as walking daily.
- Sit in a reclining position as much as possible.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Take any prescribed medications as directed.
- Use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary.
Recovery in Older vs. Younger People
Traditionally, knee replacements were not recommended for people under 20 years old due to unfavorable outcomes. However, certain patients under 20 may require a total hip replacement because of a condition called osteonecrosis of the femoral head, where the femoral head - the top part of the thigh bone - collapses. These cases can have favorable outcomes, with a total hip replacement relieving pain and restoring function.
On the other hand, experts generally believe that modern hip replacement implants lead to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations.
In older adults, recovery can be more challenging as they may already have compromised mobility. After hip surgery, they may require permanent assistance. Surgery in older adults may also have an increased risk of complications because they are more likely to have conditions such as heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure. Older individuals should confer with their doctor for diagnostic tests and treatments for these conditions.
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
In hip resurfacing, a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head, or hip joint, with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it. Although the damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket are still removed and replaced with a metal shell, most patients can go home within one to four days after surgery. They may be able to begin putting weight on their leg immediately, but may need a walking aid such as a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
Patients may experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks following the surgery. A doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain.
A doctor will also recommend physical therapy after the surgery and will suggest exercises to help maintain range of motion and restore strength. Patients may resume their regular activities around six weeks after surgery.
Hip Replacement Surgery Outlook
Patients who undergo a hip replacement can expect to experience:
- Less pain
- Better mobility
- Improved quality of life
- Improvements in daily activities
However, there may be some long-term effects and restrictions after the surgery. Patients may continue to experience some numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.
Hip replacements can affect aspects of a person's life such as:
- Metal detectors, such as airport security, may detect a hip replacement. Patients should inform relevant staff about their hip replacement before passing through a metal detector.
- High impact sports, which may involve jumping, physical contact, or quick turns, may increase the risk of falls or injury, which may require further surgery.
- Dental procedures: Patients may need antibiotics before certain dental procedures and should inform their dental surgeon about their hip replacement.
- Sexual activity: Patients may need to take precautions such as choosing safe positions and using supportive cushions when resuming sexual activity around 6 weeks after the operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
• 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
How long will it take to walk again after a hip replacement?
Patients may be able to walk short distances, with assistance, on the same day as the surgery. Over the following weeks, they will typically be able to walk longer distances.
How long does bed rest last after hip replacement surgery?
Patients should start walking as soon as possible after hip replacement surgery. Although they should rest and only perform gentle movements, patients will not need to stay in bed.
What age do they stop doing hip replacements?
There is no age limit for hip replacements. Instead, doctors may consider factors such as a patient's overall health and mobility.
How long do hip implants or replacements last?
A modern artificial hip replacement should last for at least 15 years. A 2019 review of over 200,000 people with hip replacements suggests that patients can expect a hip replacement to last for about 58% of cases.
• 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
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- In the case of Alzheimer's disease, ongoing research seeks to better understand its causes and develop a family history screening process to aid in early detection and treatment.
- Hip replacement surgeries not only present an effective solution for chronic-kidney-disease patients dealing with mobility issues, but also contribute to the reduction of complications associated with the disease.
- Preparing for a hip replacement surgery involves taking measures like engaging in exercises to strengthen the body, maintaining a moderate weight, and quitting smoking ahead of the procedure, steps that help minimize potential complications and speed up recovery.
- After undergoing a hip replacement, patients should follow recommended physical therapies and exercises, avoid certain activities that strain the new joint, and take prescribed medications as directed to ensure proper healing and recovery.
